7 Ways to Restore Shine and Luster to Hair Extensions

Bring Your Hair Extensions Back to Life!

Shiny, healthy hair is always a head-turner! There’s something incredibly special about opening a fresh pack of human hair extensions, ready to enhance your look. The anticipation of trying out a new hairstyle is unbeatable. Extensions allow you to explore trendy styles, add volume, length, or color, and even give your natural hair a break with a protective style.

High-quality extensions have a natural shine that complements a sun-kissed glow, making them perfect for those summer days. I remember the first time I decided to go all black and installed 24-inch body wave jet black extensions. They were so much fun and looked stunning every time I stepped out.

However, over time, like with all things, my extensions started to lose that gorgeous shine. After a few years of wear, they no longer had that fresh, radiant look that originally made me fall in love with them.

But here’s the good news: your extensions aren’t done just because they’ve lost some of their luster. There are plenty of simple ways to restore that shine and bring your extensions back to life, extending their wear and ensuring they look gorgeous for much longer.

7 Ways to Restore Shine and Luster to Hair Extensions

What Does “Shine” Really Mean?

Before we get into how to bring the shine back to your extensions, let’s take a moment to understand what gives hair its natural shine.

While the definition of shiny hair can vary from person to person, there’s a scientific reason why some hair appears shinier than others. Ultimately, shine comes down to the health of your extensions, particularly the hair’s porosity.

Porosity refers to the condition of the hair’s cuticle layers and how open or closed they are to the hair shaft. High porosity means the cuticle layers are wide open, which often results in hair that is more prone to split ends (yes, even extensions can get split ends), dullness, and brittleness.

The ideal porosity level is average, where the cuticle layers are slightly open but still close to the hair shaft. When the layers are tightly aligned, light reflects off the hair more effectively, making it appear shinier. While straight hair reflects light the best, even kinky curly hair can shine when healthy.

Moisture plays a big role in achieving shine. When your extensions are properly hydrated, they will reflect more light and have that radiant, shiny appearance.

Remember, light bounces off smooth surfaces better than rough ones. By following the tips I’m about to share, you’ll be able to restore your extensions’ shine and achieve optimal porosity, even if they’ve been worn for a while.

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In the Beginning…

The longevity of your hair extensions starts right from the moment you purchase them. Extensions made from cheap or synthetic fibers simply won’t last as long.

On the other hand, high-quality extensions made from 100% human hair are a much better investment and can easily be revived long after your initial install.

Expensive price tags don’t always equate to superior quality. It’s important to do your research and find the best extensions that fit your budget without compromising on quality.

At PLE, we offer a wide range of affordable, high-quality extensions in various curl patterns and colors. Consider us your go-to destination for top-notch extensions that won’t break the bank. Now, let’s dive into seven easy ways to bring that shine and radiance back to your extensions.

Trim

Just like your natural hair, human hair extensions require regular trimming to maintain their health and extend their lifespan.

The ends of your extensions are the oldest and are exposed to the elements more than the strands near the scalp. By trimming these older ends, you remove the damaged sections, which can weigh down and strain the hair, leading to further damage.

Damaged hair tends to have high porosity, meaning it won’t reflect light properly and can look dull. Trimming helps reduce the amount of damaged hair, leaving more healthy strands that are capable of reflecting light and maintaining their shine.

It’s recommended to trim about half an inch to an inch to get rid of split ends and keep your extensions looking vibrant. While your hair may be slightly shorter, it will be healthier and, most importantly, shinier.

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Deep Conditioner

Using a deep conditioner once a week is a great way to restore shine, strengthen your extensions, and lock in moisture.

A deep conditioner allows essential nutrients to penetrate the hair shaft, helping to nourish and hydrate your extensions, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle.

You might notice that many of the same routines you use to care for your natural hair also benefit your extensions, keeping them looking vibrant and shiny.

When applying the deep conditioner, focus on the mid-lengths to ends of your extensions, avoiding the roots. This helps prevent loosening your install or getting conditioner trapped between the tracks.

Product build-up from trapped conditioner can harm your scalp and hair by promoting bacteria growth and causing excess residue. After applying, make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to reveal soft, shiny extensions that look as good as new.

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Brush and Detangle

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Brush your hair 100 times a day for healthy hair.” While I’m not suggesting you follow that extreme routine, regular brushing is key to restoring shine to your extensions.

When you neglect to brush your extensions, tangles can form, leading to dryness and brittleness. And just like with natural hair, light struggles to reflect off a rough surface.

To prevent dryness and knots, apply a small amount of oil to your extensions and use a paddle brush to gently detangle the hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to ensure every section is smooth.

You’ll notice an immediate difference after a few strokes, with your extensions looking shinier and more manageable.

Make it a habit to brush your hair every morning and night before bed. Not only will you avoid a tangled mess on wash day, but you’ll also have shiny, lustrous hair that reflects light beautifully.

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Skip a Shampoo Day

When you have extensions, it’s easy to fall into different hair care habits than you would for your natural hair. For example, you might feel the need to wash your hair more often or use different shampoos when extensions are installed.

However, frequent shampooing, especially with products containing sulfates, can strip the hair of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining moisture and shine. The more you wash, the drier and more brittle your extensions can become, making them look dull over time.

A simple solution is to wash your hair less often. If you’re used to washing every day, try stretching it to every other day. Ideally, you should aim to wash your extensions once a week. Of course, if you have a very oily scalp or work out frequently, adjust accordingly.

When washing, use a shampoo specifically designed for extensions, as these are formulated to protect both their shine and longevity.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to thoroughly cleanse your scalp between the tracks to avoid buildup and ensure it stays dry and bacteria-free.

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Hair Masks

How about a little spa treatment for your hair? Treat both yourself and your extensions to the benefits of a nourishing hair mask.

Similar to deep conditioners, hair masks are packed with essential nutrients and ingredients that enhance the shine and health of your extensions. They’re generally thicker in texture and are designed to be left on for a longer period, allowing the ingredients to fully penetrate and hydrate the hair.

You’ll find a wide range of hair masks made from both natural and synthetic ingredients, all aimed at improving the appearance and texture of your extensions. Look for masks containing nourishing elements like egg, banana, avocado, and Dimethicone these are great for locking in moisture and boosting shine.

For the ultimate moisturizing experience, don’t forget to try our Hair Growth Serum! It’s perfect for keeping your extensions looking vibrant and healthy.

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Oil Treatments

Isn’t coconut oil a miracle worker for both hair and skin? While coconut oil is a favorite, there are plenty of other fantastic oils you can use to keep your hair shiny and healthy. Argan oil, almond oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E oil are just a few examples of oils that can be found easily online or at your local store.

The magic of these oils lies in their ability to lock in moisture within the hair strand. Since oil and water don’t mix, applying oil over moisturized hair helps to trap the water inside, ensuring your hair stays hydrated and shiny throughout the day.

You can apply the oil at various temperatures – hot, cold, or room temperature – depending on your preference. Each oil may behave differently depending on the temperature.

Personally, I love using hot oil treatments. The heat helps to spread the oil more evenly, and the warmth causes the molecules to move faster, allowing them to bond more easily with your hair, giving it a smoother and shinier finish.

No matter what oil you choose, it will leave your extensions looking lustrous and ready to shine – perfect for that upcoming summer vacation!

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Limit Heat Tool Usage

With summer here, it’s the perfect time to give your hair a break from heat styling tools.

The weather’s already hot, so leave your flat iron and blow dryer tucked away for now. Tools like curling irons and straighteners strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, damaged, and dull.

Instead, try styles that require little to no heat but still look stunning. While it’s true that sleek, straight hair often reflects more shine, consider the trade-off.

Achieving perfectly straight hair every day means frequent heat styling, and that means you’ll need to replenish moisture each time, which can quickly dry out your extensions. Plus, consistent use of heat tools increases your hair’s porosity, making it even more prone to dryness.

Don’t forget that the sun itself is already adding to the heat damage every time you step outside. If you must use heat, always protect your hair with a Heat Protector Spray.

Summer is all about staying carefree and looking fabulous with minimal effort. Put the heat tools aside, and let your hair shine naturally throughout the season.

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Keep Shining!

With these tips and tricks to bring the shine back to your extensions, you’ll never have to worry about dull, lifeless hair again. I personally tried these methods on my own extensions and managed to extend their life for a few more years. Yes, years! If you invest in high-quality extensions and maintain them properly, you can definitely get the most out of your purchase.

These tips are especially great for the summer, but they’re effective all year round. Just imagine having vibrant, shiny summer hair in the middle of winter – how amazing would that be? Whether your extensions are curly or straight, natural or fantasy-colored, these methods will help keep them looking shiny and luxurious.

Have you ever experienced your extensions losing their shine? What did you do to restore that beautiful luster? Would you try any of these tips moving forward? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and help out our fellow hair enthusiasts!

and…

HazuHair manufacturer

If you’re looking to buy high-quality wigs or hair extensions, look no further than HazuHair.

We are a trusted Vietnamese hair factory with over 100 skilled workers, offering a wide range of hair styles including wavy, curly, straight, kinky, and more.

Our products come in various colors such as natural black, ombre, blonde, red, pink, and many others.

Reach out to us today!