1-810-360-0915
455 E. Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48116
kbellasalon.com
Aftercare All 11 guides
Hair Extensions Aftercare
How to wash, condition, dry, brush and protect your new hair extensions, with separate instructions for micro links, I-tip, tape-in and fusion bond extensions, and for natural beaded rows, hand-tied, Bellami and weft extensions.
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The following info will help you become better acquainted with your new service. Please contact us with any questions!
Aftercare instructions
- Do not wash or get hair wet for 48 hours after installation except with micro links and I-tips.
- Before washing, de-tangle the hair and separate the bonds. Hair should be washed a maximum of 2 or 3 times per week.
- It is essential that you only use the shampoo recommended for hair extensions when washing your hair. This will be a shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate-free and paraben-free; these products have been specifically designed to protect keratin bonds.
- Using non-extension hair care products can severely cut the lifespan of your extension bonds and extension hair, causing dryness and tangling.
- Smooth the shampoo onto the scalp/root area, gently massaging between the bonds/micro links. There is no need to wash the mid-lengths and ends; the lather will cleanse the hair as you rinse. Never rub, as tangling will occur.
- If using a dry shampoo between washes, only use on the top section of natural hair and avoid bonds. Avoid alcohol-based products close to the point of attachment, as they may compromise the bonding agents.
- Do not apply conditioner to the bonds/micro rings; apply to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair.
- Condition your hair standing upright (a shower is ideal). Never flip your extensions to wash over a sink or bath; this can cause matting. Pat hair gently with a towel to remove excess water. Deep condition your hair once a week with a repairing mask; this will keep it nourished. For tape hair and fusion, you must use a pH balancer (which we retail at the salon) after every wash.
- Towel or air dry as much as possible before using a hairdryer. Always use a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, or treatment oil from mid-shaft to ends to protect your extensions. Dry your extension bond area using the cool setting on your hairdryer; warm is fine for micro links. Never use the hot setting as this can melt bonds or cause stickiness over a period of time.
- Slightly rough-dry the hair, then blow-dry section by section using a round vent brush or extension brush. Point the hairdryer down the hair shaft towards the floor to smooth the extension hair; be gentle and never tug on the hair.
- If you would like to let your hair extensions dry naturally, make sure to completely dry the bond area with the hairdryer. This applies to all methods. Leaving your bonds wet will cause them to slide out.
- Give your hair a good brush before bed, then tie back in a loose ponytail or braid at night when sleeping; this will help avoid tangling and matting. Never go to bed with wet hair; always dry it thoroughly first. Real silk pillows can help prevent tangling.
- Always use a thermal protection spray when using heated styling tools. If you use hair straighteners, still glide down the hair shaft without stopping and keep well away from fusion bonds, as they will melt them, causing them to come out or melt together. Limit the use of tongs and straighteners as they can damage the extensions over time just like natural hair.
- As the bonds grow down (fusion), make sure to separate your bonds. Check them every day by just feeling, and make sure they are not tangling together - it only takes a few minutes! (Micro rings or I-tips will be pushed up at your 6-week maintenance appointment.)
- You should return after six weeks for a maintenance check; if you are wearing micro rings, they will need to be pushed up. If you feel you have any matting, you should make an earlier appointment and bring any hair with you that you may have lost so it can be reapplied. It is essential to keep your 6-week appointment.
- Take extra care when abroad; keep hair protected from the intense sun, sea, and chlorine. Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh tap water and apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner. Tie in a braid or loose ponytail. After finishing swimming, rinse immediately and wash as soon as possible. Using a leave-in conditioner during the day when around the pool and spritzing your hair regularly is recommended. Take a deeply nourishing hair treatment and treat your hair while away.
- A sun hat or cap is always a good idea. Remember, if you are wearing blonde hair, argan oils can stain your hair due to their orange coloring; use a clear serum.
- Avoid the use of chemical-based sunscreens as this can discolor the hair. Please use mineral-based sunscreens only.
The following info will help you become better acquainted with your new service. Please contact us with any questions!
Aftercare instructions
- Use a sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. Stay away from lanolin and glycerin in the first four ingredients. Unlike other methods, with a weft you can wash your hair whenever you are ready, and there is no waiting period. Ask your stylist before using any color shampoo or conditioner.
- It is recommended you wash your hair a maximum of 2 or 3 times a week using products that have been recommended. If using a dry shampoo between washes, only use on the top section of natural hair and avoid bead and weft attachment areas.
- Never shampoo your extensions with your head over the sink or bath. Standing upright in the shower or tilting your head back in the bath is recommended to avoid tangling. Apply your shampoo and gently massage or stroke into the scalp, taking care not to pull or catch the weft or the rings. Do not use the traditional circular motion; use a gentle up and down or stroking motion, and work the shampoo gently through the scalp and under each weft with your fingertips. Rinse the scalp area thoroughly. Inadequate rinsing can cause a build-up of shampoo along the top of the weft, which will irritate the scalp.
- For clients with oily or very soft hair, a clarifying shampoo is recommended. This helps prevent any slipping of the micro rings by removing excess oils.
- Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding root and attachment area. A deep conditioner is recommended once a week, especially on very blonde hair, because it will damage easily. Rinse all products thoroughly.
- Use of heat protection thermal sprays or serums is highly recommended. Apply mid-lengths to ends, avoiding root area to prevent slipping, and keep all hot tools away from point of attachment.
- Gently towel dry using a patting motion; never rub (do not leave wrapped in a towel for long periods of time). Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to mid-lengths & ends. Comb through using a wide-tooth comb or wet brush. Always support the hair at the root area when brushing or combing, starting with ends and working your way up.
- Section the hair by each individual weft. Start with the bottom weft and pin the rest out of the way. Gently rough dry your hair on a low heat setting until nearly dry, then, using a hair extension brush, work from ends to the top of the weft. Never tug on the hair. Repeat with the next weft row until your entire weft and natural hair have been covered.
- Ensure the top of the wefts is dry, even if you plan to let the rest dry naturally. Leaving your hair wet in the attachment area will cause the rings to slide down. The fabric and stitching on the weft can also break down and rot over time if they are not appropriately dried; this is known as weft rot.
- Only use a brush specifically designed to be used with hair extensions. A wet brush and boar brush are also fine; just don't comb above the weft with regular brushes and combs. Separate the bottom weft row and pin the rest out of the way. Hold the weft at the scalp to support the extension and gently brush starting from the bottom and work your way up towards the weft and rings.
- Gently brush over the weft in a downward motion. Your extension brush has a flexible bristle, which will bend over the rings without catching. Ensure natural hair is brushed in the same way. Continue to work up through the head, row by row. Ensure you do this at least once a day (best in the morning after sleeping) to prevent any matting from occurring.
- You can style your extensions as you would your natural hair, including the use of heat tools; don't forget your thermal sprays or serum! Again, avoid the use of oily styling products on the root and near attachment points.
- Tie hair in a loose low ponytail or plait when sleeping. Never go to bed with wet hair extensions; this will cause severe matting. Silk pillowcases can help prevent tangling.
- Always tie up, preferably in a bun, to avoid going under the water. If it is unavoidable, you can protect the mid-lengths and ends by dampening the hair and applying a leave-in conditioner, then braid and secure out of the way. Shampoo immediately after. Never leave wet hair tied up after swimming.
Removal
You must return to have your weft extensions professionally removed within the time period suggested by your stylist (this will also depend on your natural hair growth and shed rate). Failure to do so could result in damage to your natural hair.
Re-fits, move-ups & reinstallation
- It can be done on the same day; there is no need for a rest period as your rows will be alternated to avoid any strain in one area.
- Wefts are applied very close to the scalp and may feel quite tight after your application; this is normal and will settle within a few days. The scalp can become a bit itchy and can be challenging to get in and scratch; this can be eased by patting the area.
Your extensions team
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PiercerCosmetology Apprentice
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StylistSalon CoordinatorSpray Tans
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ApprenticeReception
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Master Stylist
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Extensions SpecialistColorist
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Stylist
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Master Stylist






