The 7 Do Not Do This of Wearing Hair Extensions

We invest a significant amount of money in purchasing high-quality human hair extensions and dedicate countless hours to ensuring they look flawless. With such an investment of time and resources, it’s essential to make sure you’re treating your extensions with the utmost care and styling them properly. After all, great extensions deserve great maintenance!

To help you get the most out of your extensions, here are the top seven habits you should avoid when styling them. Following these tips will not only keep your hair looking stunning but will also save you money in the long run by extending the lifespan of your extensions. Your hair – and your wallet – will thank you for it!

#1 Excessive Heat Styling

Overusing heat tools is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to maintaining your hair extensions.

Blow-drying, flat ironing, and excessive curling don’t just damage your extensions they also take a toll on your wallet. Frequent heat styling strips your extensions of moisture, making them dry and brittle, while permanently altering their curl or wave pattern.

You might think, “I always use a heat protectant, so I’m fine.” Unfortunately, that’s not entirely true. While heat protectants can reduce the damage, they don’t eliminate it entirely. Over time, your extensions will become harder to manage, lose their original texture, and develop split ends, no matter how cautious you are.

The quality of your styling tools also plays a big role. If you’re a DIY enthusiast and using tools like Marcel irons, proceed with extreme caution or better yet, leave those to the professionals. Marcel irons lack temperature controls, which makes it easy to accidentally overheat and burn your extensions.

To prevent heat damage, try letting your extensions air dry whenever possible. If your extensions are part of a wig, invest in a wig-drying mannequin. These allow the wig cap and wefts to dry from the inside out, reducing the need for excessive blow-drying. Once the base is dry, let the hair itself air dry naturally.

For styling, swap out heat tools for Flexi rods or perm rods. These are fantastic alternatives for achieving curls or waves without heat damage. With a variety of sizes to choose from, you can experiment with endless styles while preserving the integrity of your extensions.

The 7 Do Not Do This of Wearing Hair Extensions

#2 Washing Too Much or Too Little

Caring for your hair extensions requires a different approach than caring for your natural hair. If you weren’t aware of this, here’s your wake-up call with Don’t #2.

Unlike your natural hair, extensions can’t repair themselves from the “root” because they’re no longer attached to the scalp. This means you need to strike the right balance with washing not too much, not too little to keep them looking their best.

Washing too frequently can strip your extensions of the essential nutrients and oils left within the hair shaft, leaving them dry, brittle, and prone to tangling. You should aim to shampoo your extensions every 15-20 wears or only when there’s a noticeable build-up of products like oils, heat protectants, or hair sprays. Washing every week is unnecessary and will only accelerate dryness, even with the highest-quality hair.

On the flip side, not washing your extensions often enough is equally damaging. Imagine going a month without washing your natural hair after styling it daily your extensions would feel just as greasy, heavy, and tangled. Regular exposure to environmental pollutants, dust, and residue from styling products can leave your extensions dull, unruly, and weighed down.

To keep them fresh, wash your extensions periodically to remove product build-up, dust, and pollution. A proper washing routine will help maintain their softness, shine, and manageability, ensuring they last longer and stay flawless.

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#3 Using Harsh Chemicals

One of the most exciting things about extensions is the freedom to experiment with color. Whether it’s highlights, ombré, or a bold new shade, coloring extensions allows you to customize your look. However, this often involves bleaching, which can be highly damaging if not done correctly. That’s why Don’t #3 is all about avoiding harsh chemicals—or at least minimizing their impact.

If you plan to chemically process your extensions, always consult a professional. Their expertise ensures the process is as safe as possible. But if you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast like me, there are a few essential rules to follow when bleaching your extensions:

  • Take it slow: Avoid using a 50-volume developer just because you’re eager to achieve a lighter shade quickly. Patience is key to preventing severe damage.
  • Keep the hair moist: During the bleaching process, make sure the mixture on the extensions stays wet. If it begins to dry out and crumble, apply more of the bleach mix to maintain moisture and prevent over-drying.
  • Deep conditioning is essential: After bleaching, always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment. This step is crucial for restoring moisture, reducing damage, and keeping your extensions looking healthy and vibrant.

While bleaching and chemical treatments will inevitably cause some damage, proper care and maintenance afterward can help your extensions stay fabulous and last longer. Remember, the health of your extensions depends on how well you treat them during and after processing!

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#4 Cutting the Wefts

For all the DIY enthusiasts out there, Don’t #4 is a critical mistake you’ll want to avoid: cutting your wefts. While it might seem like a quick and easy solution for achieving a flat install, it’s actually one of the most damaging things you can do to your extensions.

Whether you’re doing a sew-in, quick weave, or crafting a wig, cutting the wefts compromises the integrity of your extensions. The wefts are machine-sewn to hold all the individual hair strands together. When you cut them, you weaken the structure, which can lead to excessive shedding.

While sealing the cut ends may seem like a temporary fix, it’s not a long-term solution. Over time, the hair strands will start to fall out, and you’ll find yourself unable to reuse the extensions.

Instead of cutting, try folding the wefts at the ends during installation. This technique allows you to achieve a flat, seamless look without causing damage. Not only will this preserve the quality and lifespan of your extensions, but it will also help maintain their original thickness and volume.

By avoiding this common mistake, you’ll save money in the long run and keep your extensions looking flawless for months to come!

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#5 Rough Handling Extensions

When it comes to caring for your human hair extensions, Don’t #5 is a big one: rough handling. Just like your natural hair, extensions need gentle care to stay in good shape.

One essential rule is to always comb your extensions from the bottom up. While many of us know this, let’s be honest—how often do we actually follow it? Think about those rushed mornings when you quickly drag a brush through your hair and dash out the door. Did you start from the ends and work your way up? Likely not.

Now, imagine the damage you’re causing. Brushing harshly from top to bottom not only makes detangling harder but also rips out strands unnecessarily, leaving you with hair shedding all over your brush. For those of us who spend good money on our bundles, seeing those precious strands lost can feel like a tragedy!

Here’s the right way: begin detangling from the ends, working your way up toward the roots. This method reduces stress on the wefts, prevents shedding, and avoids ripping out chunks of hair. To make the process even easier, invest in a brush with narrow, widely spaced teeth specifically designed for extensions.

Another important tip: stop combing your extensions when they’re wet. Wet hair is at its weakest and most prone to breakage, tangling, and split ends. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate knots, starting at the tips and working upwards. This simple adjustment can make a huge difference in maintaining the longevity and quality of your extensions.

Handle your extensions with care, and they’ll stay luscious and flawless much longer!

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#6 Cutting

Cutting your extensions may seem straightforward, but Don’t #6 is a common styling pitfall that can lead to disaster, especially for DIY enthusiasts. As someone who’s no expert with scissors, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get that perfect cut without making a mess.

To start, never use just any pair of scissors you have lying around. It may be tempting to grab kitchen or craft scissors, but this is a big no-no. Always invest in proper styling shears! Unlike standard scissors, styling shears are specifically designed to be sharp and precise, allowing for clean, smooth cuts.

Using dull or bulky scissors doesn’t just make cutting difficult it can also lead to blunt, uneven styles and even cause split ends. Over time, this will damage your extensions and make them look less natural and harder to maintain.

If you’re unsure about cutting your extensions yourself, consider consulting a professional stylist. But if you’re determined to DIY, take your time, use the right tools, and make small, gradual cuts to avoid major mistakes.

With the right approach and tools, you can achieve a flawless style while keeping your extensions in great condition!

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#7 Lack of a Nighttime Routine

Your nighttime routine can make or break the lifespan of your hair extensions. Neglecting proper care before bed is Don’t #7, and it’s a mistake that can lead to tangling, dryness, and reduced durability.

Regardless of how your extensions are installed or styled, prepping them at night is essential. For Deep Wave, Water Wave, or Spanish Wave textures, detangle your hair in 4-6 sections and secure each with a two-strand twist. This helps maintain the curl pattern and keeps your extensions manageable.

For looser curl patterns, opt for three-strand twists, plaits, or Flexi rods. These methods not only prevent tangling but also give you heatless styling options by morning.

Once your extensions are prepped, finish the routine by tucking them into a satin or silk bonnet. Why satin or silk? These materials reduce friction, retain moisture, and keep your hair smooth and tangle-free. (And yes, satin and silk bonnets are different choose whichever suits your preferences best!)

No bonnet handy? No problem. Use a neck scarf or even your partner’s durag to wrap your hair. The key is to ensure your extensions are protected, no matter the method.

With this simple nighttime routine, you’ll wake up to perfectly preserved, moisturized, and tangle-free extensions every morning!

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We invest significant time and money into our hair, and while that won’t change, the way we care for our extensions should.

Give your bundles the TLC they deserve by steering clear of these seven damaging habits that can shorten their lifespan.

What are your go-to tips for keeping your extensions looking flawless and lasting longer?

and…

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