Hair extensions can be a great way to add length, volume, and texture to your natural hair. However, they can also require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking beautiful. From washing and brushing to styling and storage, there are a lot of steps you need to take to keep your extensions in good condition. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you keep your hair extensions looking beautiful.

Tip 1: Brush Your Extensions Regularly: Brushing your extensions is important to keep them from tangling and matting. Before washing your extensions, use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any tangles. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to distribute the hair’s natural oils and keep your extensions smooth. Start at the bottom of the extensions and work your way up, being gentle and avoiding pulling or tugging.

Tip 2: Wash Your Extensions Properly: Washing your extensions is crucial to keeping them healthy and looking their best. It is recommended to wash your extensions every 2-3 weeks, or more frequently if necessary. When washing your extensions, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid damaging the hair. Work the shampoo through your extensions gently, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. Rinse thoroughly and apply a generous amount of conditioner, focusing on the ends of the extensions where they are the most prone to damage. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Tip 3: Let Your Hair Sit in A Conditioner Mixture: The mixture will also help with the shedding of curly hair as well. Once you finish soaking it, you always want to rinse it with warm to cold water. To prevent any tangling during the cleaning don't use super cold water. Begin to condition it while combing through it with your fingers, which is always my go-to method for detangling. With straight or loose wave hair, however, it is ok to detangle with a comb while washing it but with curly hair, it is best to use your fingers to detangle so that there is minimal to no shedding once dry.

Tip 4: Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Natural Oil: After washing or cowashing the hair, you can choose whether or not to use a leave-in conditioner. Leave-in conditioners can help to keep the hair moisturized and maintain its shine and body. Just be careful not to overuse the product, as this can weigh down the hair and cause it to become greasy over time.

Tip 5: Use Heat Protectant Products: If you use heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands or hair dryers, it's essential to protect your extensions from heat damage. Always use a heat protectant product before styling, and keep the heat setting at a moderate temperature. Additionally, try to avoid using heat styling tools every day, as this can cause long-term damage to your extensions and your natural hair.

Tip 6: Don’t Use Hot Water: Hot water causes unprocessed hair to tangle. Instead, use cold or cool water. It will help your extensions last longer. You can wash the hair in a big bowl or in your kitchen sink or bathtub. Just make sure to start with a clean dry surface that is free of excess dirt or chemicals.

Tip 7: Use A Wide-Tooth Comb: It's important to let the hair extensions air dry overnight after washing and then comb through them with a wide tooth comb, starting from the bottom of the hair strand and working your way up. Taking care of hair extensions does take effort, but it's worth it to keep them looking healthy and long-lasting. Using a wide tooth comb, avoiding overuse of hair products, and leaving the extensions to air dry overnight are all good tips to follow. Remember to share your hair care knowledge with others and help them keep their extensions looking great.

Tip 8: Store Your Extensions Properly: Proper storage is essential to keeping your extensions looking great. After washing and conditioning your extensions, let them air-dry completely before storing them. Do not wrap them tightly or use rubber bands, as this can cause tangles and matting. Instead, braid your extensions and lace wigs and store them in a soft, satin-lined pouch or on a satin pillowcase.

Tip 9: Satin Pillowcases and Satin Bonnets Are A Must Nighttime Necessity:  If you get annoyed with morning tangles and bedhead, a silk pillowcase or hair bonnet will help you wake up with smoother strands. The soft satin won't agitate your hair, allowing you to wake up frizz free and ready to take on the day!  Also, in addition to keeping your hair calm and relaxed throughout the night, it’s also great for your skin. When using a regular pillowcase, the roughness of the fabric can cause friction which over time can create fine lines on your face and hair breakage to your beautiful hair strands. Satin allows your face and hair to slide across the pillow which causes less damage to both. It also helps to restore the appearance of your skin and the luster of your hair. And it's perfect for those who like to sleep "pretty" without a headscarf so not to ruin their high quality hair extensions and wigs.

Sleeping with a satin cap versus a satin pillow can also mean no more split ends. A satin bonnet also protects your hair from the dryness caused by friction between your hair and moisture-absorbing materials such as cotton. This helps to greatly reduce breakage, tangles and thinning. If you have curly or wavy hair, you know that sleep can cause a serious mess!

For 75% of women using satin pillowcases, research has shown increased hair moisture by the 5th day. Your hair will be softer, shinier and hydrated and over 70% of women experienced less frizz. So use your satin pillowcase every night for best results. Also, satin will keep your head, neck and shoulder area cool and it does not make you sweat while sleeping.

Another benefit is that satin does not absorb those pesky little dust mites and pollen spores which can live within cotton pillowcases. They can cause difficulty with breathing and lead to a stuffy nose in the morning. Dust mites have a lot of trouble living in bedding stuffed with silk. Also, silk pillowcase will retain less of your body’s moisture, making them inhospitable to dust mites.  This is a win for your hair and body!

Tip 10: Seek professional help: If you're unsure about how to care for your extensions, it's best to seek the help of a professional stylist. A stylist can give you personalized advice on how to care for your specific type of extensions and help you avoid any potential problems. They can also assist you with styling, coloring, and any other treatments you may need.

Ladies, let's not waste that hard-earned cash on hair extensions that don't last! Who wants to keep buying new hair every other week? That's no fun. Just like taking care of your own hair, taking care of hair extensions takes a little bit of TLC. Don't let your gorgeous locks become damaged and dull. It's all about learning some tips and tricks as you rock those extensions. Spread the love, share your hair care knowledge with the next sistah in need. Remember, sharing is caring! Pass it on and let them know you got the scoop from HookedOnBundles Virgin Hair! #gethookedonbundles