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Don't shampoo your hair for a minimum of 24 hours after the extensions have been fitted as this gives the bonds time to harden and gives your scalp time to get used to the extra weight of the extensions.
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When brushing the extensions, use the extension brush and the extension comb. The brush can be used all over the head as it is very soft and will not damage the bonds. However, because it is so soft it will not prevent tangling of the hair underneath, which is why you must use the extension comb aswell to ensure all the bonds and hair are separated.
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Tie your hair into a loose ponytail or a plait before going to bed to prevent hair becoming tangled during the night.
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Before washing your hair, always brush it thoroughly to help prevent tangles and enabling you to wash and rinse it properly.
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Always wash your extensions in the shower with your head tilted backwards. Never lean forwards and wash your extensions face down as this will cause tangling.
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Wash your hair extensions thoroughly but gently. Do not scrub them hard or vigorously. Gently stroke the suds down the length of the hair then rinse thoroughly off. Shampoo will cling to the bonds and if it is not totally rinsed off and it will cause your scalp to itch. A thorough rinse of about 3-5 minutes is advised.
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When washing hair, be very careful not to get conditioner onto the bonds as this will eventually (if you keep putting it onto the bonds wash after wash) begin to weaken the bonds and cause them to fail. Condition the lengths of the hair but avoid your scalp entirely.
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To dry the extensions you will need to bring them around to the front and squeeze the water out with a towel. Don't put them up in a towel wrap on top of your head as this will tangle the extensions and put a lot of strain on the bonds. Likewise, do not rub at them vigourously - be gentle and take your time.
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Fusion bonds do go a little tacky when wet but will harden up again once dry. Make sure you separate any bonds that are sticking together with your fingers and the wide-toothed comb before drying.
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Don't brush the extensions whilst they are wet as this will put strain on the bonds and can cause split ends. You shouldn't brush your own hair when it is wet and it is the same for extensions. Use your fingers to gently separate any tangles and then dry them using a medium to high heat. Do not hold the hairdryer in one place as it will heat the bonds up and can cause them to stick together. Move the dryer to different sections of your head continually. Once the hair is 99% dry, take the extension comb, hold the extensions at the root and comb them from the bottom up to remove any tangles. You can then use the extension brush to finish off.
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Never leave the bonds wet for a long period of time or the bond will start to soak up the water and will fail. Ideally, dry them as soon as you get out of the shower. If you want to leave the hair to dry naturally, dry your scalp and the bonds.
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Once the hair is completely dry, apply a heat protection spray and run straighteners over them (straight hair only). This is actually an important thing to do as it smooths the cuticles of the hair back down again as they will have been roughed up during the washing and drying process. Smooth cuticles give the hair lots of shine and it will blend in better to your own hair. You do not have to straighten them but they will look glossier and better if you do. Extensions can then be curled/styled to your preference.
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When straightening/curling extensions, be very careful to avoid getting the heated appliance onto the bonds. Fusion bonded extensions will melt if you do.
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If you go swimming, remember to keep the bonds out of the water as chlorine can damage the them.
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I recommended having a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep your extensions looking neat and in top condition.
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Once a week it is good for extensions to treat them to an intensive conditioning hair mask to keep them soft and supple and prevent the ends from drying out and becoming tangled. I sell two which I have found to be great for extensions - Osmo Intensive Hair Mask and Options Essence Deep Conditioning Mask.
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It is also important to use a leave in conditioner on the mid length-ends of the hair extensions everyday as you need to remember that the hair is effectively 'dead' and will not be getting the same nutrients from you scalp as your natural hair will and is therefore more prone to dryness if it isn't kept nourished. Using a good leave in conditioner on a daily basis will help to keep it nourished and supple. John Frieda and Tigi do some good ones.
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Don't over wash your hair. Once or twice a week is sufficient when wearing hair extensions. If you need to you can use a miracle product called Batiste Dry Shampoo to freshen up your hair on the days when you aren't washing it.
