I have done a couple of blog posts now about hair extensions, my experiences with them, and which ones I LOVE vs. the ones I can’t stand. If you haven’t seen those posts, I have a lot of good information about them if you are still trying to decide what hair extension is BEST for you and your needs. Check that post out here and here.
Now, if you have already decided on hair extensions or you are still on the fence about them, this post is PERFECT for you. I know getting hair extensions can be a big, intimidating process. First off, the hair is not cheap. Having hair extensions is definitely an investment, but it is honestly worth it. Going to a professional to get your hair extensions is also a must. I went to one hair extension stylist who was not qualified but gave me a really good deal. Like I’ve shared before, I was driving home and extensions were already falling out. Not to mention, the hair quality was nothing to write home about.
The hair extensions I currently have are from Brittany Pirtle Hair. She is based in the heart of Dallas and does everything from extensions, Brazilian blow-outs, color, and cuts. Like I said, she does everything! If you mention my name, you can also get 20%! So, if you are looking for a great stylist in the area, you should contact her!
Now, the reason you all came to this post; How to take care of your hair extensions. I get this question a lot and honestly, it isn’t that hard. I feel like hair dressers create panic by saying how hard it is going to be, but in reality, I spend way less time stressing and fretting about my hair now than when I didn’t have extensions.
Washing your Micro-bead Extensions
I wash my hair at least every other day. I try to go 3-4 days before washing it again, though. The reason you need to start washing your hair less is because the more and more you wash your scalp, the beads will naturally start to slip over time.
Washing your hair LESS is also super good for your hair and scalp. When you wash your hair every day, you are stripping your hair/scalp of its natural oils that help make your hair HEALTHY. Dry hair is so not in.
My Routine: When I wash my hair, I let it air dry about 80% and then blow dry the rest until it is fully dry. OR, I’ll blow dry the roots and then let the rest air dry. If I don’t have a photoshoot that day, I will just let it stay straight. If I do, I will just loosely curl it.
For Day 2 hair, I usually just let it be. I might add a curl or two but that is it. If I have worked out SUPER hard, I will also add a little bit of dry shampoo (but not a ton!!!). You gotta train your hair.
For Day 3 hair, this is when it starts getting a little…bleh. So, the night before, I will spray a ton of dry shampoo on my roots and then just let it sit. Nope, I don’t brush it out or anything. I don’t run my fingers through my roots either. YES, my roots look white. Then I go to bed! Wake up day 3 and blow dry my roots and my hair feels like DAY ONE!! Its such a game changer.
My favorite Dry Shampoo is this one. I have used so many other popular brands, and they all leave my hair feeling WORSE. Like cakey, heavy, dirty. This one makes your hair feel like day one hair AND smells amazing.
Shampoo:
I don’t use any fancy brand. There are brands designed for hair extensions, but I don’t use them. I did for a month and then missed my favorite brand too much. I currently use Joico products. This brand is one of my favorites. I haven’t had any problems! I get the liter bottles and they last me MONTHS.
Do I scrub my scalp? A lot of hair extension newbies have SUCH a hard time getting that “clean” feeling when washing their hair. I’m not going to lie, washing your hair with 100+ beads in it can be challenging, but once you learn the ropes, it is a piece of cake! I wet my hair completely through in the shower first (this is important to get a good lather). Once my hair is wet, I pour shampoo into my hand and take about half and put it on my head (this is the hardest thing to type..hah!). I lather that amount onto the top of my head and begin to work it into my scalp.
Now, the hard part; the rest of your head. I then take the remainder of shampoo I have in my hand and rub my hands together to get lots of suds. Then, I go straight to the back of my head and start massaging the shampoo onto my scalp. I actually scrub my head! No need to be super tender or scared to actually scrub. I use the tips of my fingers to get in between the rows of beads. Then, once my head is fully lathered, I let the shampoo sit for about 30 seconds before rinsing. It’s as easy as that!
Conditioner:
I, of course, use conditioner. Professionals tell you not to use conditioner at the root, but I HATE the feeling of dry hair….so I actually do put conditioner at my root. Now, before you freak out, I only put the smallest amount on the top and focus heavily on the mid-to-end portion of my hair. I have found this to leave my hair looking and feeling its best.
Brushing your Extensions
First, invest in a wet brush. I have been using a wet brush for about a year and a half now and I don’t know how I went my whole life without one. I ONLY use a wet brush, with the exception of a teasing comb. Immediately after I shower, I spray a leave in conditioner onto my ends. Then I let that soak into my hair for about 30 seconds before brushing my hair.
How to brush wet hair: Wet hair is the most fragile state for your hair. DO NOT treat your hair poorly. Even if you don’t have hair extensions, this is a great technique to use in order to promote long, healthy hair. Hold onto the middle of your hair with one hand and brush the bottom part of your hair with your wet brush. This gets out all the tangles at the bottom first.
For the rest of my hair, once the bottom part is smooth, I’ll then start tackling the top. I have found that with the wet brush, it is significantly easier to brush through those tangles.
What about dry hair? Follow that same process! Don’t use start brushing your hair ferociously without holding it. If you think about it, you are putting all that pressure on tiny strands of hair. The more you pull with brute force, the more damage you will cause. With extensions, all that pressure will pull on the bead and the extension can fall out. Having extensions has definitely taught me to love my hair more and give it more TLC on a regular basis.
Tangled Extensions
The honest truth: your micro bead extensions should NOT tangle. If your beads are, there are a couple things to consider.
- Did you go to a professional? Professionals should be able to place your beads in rows where they aren’t getting stuck together
- How long do you go in between maintenance? It is recommended to go every 4-6 weeks. Now, this DOES cost money, but it is needed when you have extensions. If your hair starts to grow out too much, then the beads will start to get twisted. You should never have an inch of grow-out. Once you get into the inch range, your hair extensions will natural start to overlap and twist.
Another pro tip: Either braid your hair or put it in a low, lose pony tail at night. I don’t always do this (I should), but I definitely did in the beginning. Having your hair stay tamed while you sleep is essential, especially if you are a little bit of a rough sleeper. All that tossing and turning will make even your real hair look like a rat’s nest. Can I get an amen?
My extensions are twisting?! That is Natural. The bead is heavier than the hair, so gravity does it’s thing. See my pictures above. Some of my hair is “twisted”. No, they are not dreads hah! When I get them maintained, Brittany easily takes out the bead, brushes the hair, and reapply the extension. This is why getting your hair maintenance every 4-6 weeks is crucial!
Will My Hair Fall Out?!
In short: NO.
BUT, if you are not going to a professional, then it could?? If the bead is too heavy, then it will pull on your hair. When looking for someone to put extensions in your hair, you want to look at the beads themselves. Having a big, thick bead will cause too much tension on your hair and “pull”.
The extensions Brittany uses are small beads but thick hair. So, best of both worlds!
This is my second round of hair extensions. After my first round, I took them out and “gave my hair a break” for about 8 weeks. I only did that to just be natural. I missed my extensions a ton during that break!
When I took my extensions out, my hair felt SO healthy. It was longer (which was my goal), the ends weren’t as damaged, and my hair only felt thin because I was used to my thick extensions. I have a twin sister, so I would compare her hair thickness to mine and it was the same. So, did I lose my hair? NO! If anything, having my extensions made my hair healthier because I gave my hair some TLC, didn’t use as much heat because my hair extensions held a style significantly longer and better, and I just took way better care of my hair.
Can you Tease your hair with Extensions?
YES! I was on Mavs when I first got my hair extensions…..so I curled and teased my hair at least 4 times a week. LOL! If that sounds like you, I would recommend talking to your hair stylist and asking her to not put extensions at the crown of your head for teasing purposes. That is what we did for my second round of extensions and they are still perfectly blended into my real hair, but teasing is now such a breeze! I don’t need to tease anywhere close to my beads..haha!
Can you wear your hair up?
Yup! I workout a ton, so I am always throwing my hair up. They tell you to stray away from top knots, but y’all… I put my hair in a top knot every time I shower (just my body) or wash my face! Or wear a hair mask. It is totally possible. I just put my head upside down to get all the hair/beads going in the right “upwards” direction and then tie it up! Easy as that!
I workout a lot. Will my sweat make my beads fall out?!
NO! I workout at least once a day and then I dance at night. To say I am the Queen of Sweat is an understatement. You should see me when I workout. Probably the sweatiest person in the gym. No, I am not ashamed. I work hard…haha
I haven’t had any problems with sweat and extensions. Like I said before, the extensions even hold a curl so well that after a sweat sesh, I just brush my hair and go!
My Favorite Products for Healthy Hair and Healthy Extensions
Still have questions? Feel free to comment on this post and I will answer to my best ability! I love my hair extensions and I love being able to share my experiences with them with you!
