Getting hair extensions for the first time can be a daunting, yet exciting experience. This is especially true if you've decided to go with quality, 100% virgin human hair extensions. You may be wondering not only how to choose the right extensions, but also how to care for them so that they'll last a long time. Here's what you need to know.
Types of Extensions
There are different ways to attach the extensions as well as different types of hair you can choose. Virgin hair means it's never had any treatments like coloring or perming. Virgin Remy human hair extensions are similar to 100% virgin hair, but they come from a single donor and have the cuticles intact. Your stylist can recommend the best option for you for quality, natural appearance, and price. Clip-in extensions can be done at home, but tape-in extensions are a longer-term solution and great for a beginner.
Maintaining Extensions
A benefit of using 100% human hair extensions is that they're maintained just as you would take care of your natural hair. The extensions should be washed, but be careful to not use too harsh of shampoo. The stylist can recommend a good shampoo that has a pH of 7 or higher. Clean hair is less likely to tangle, which can reduce extension longevity. Conditioner should still be used, but try to avoid the roots to prevent the tape-in extensions from sliding out. In addition, place the hair in a loose ponytail when sleeping to keep the extensions together.
Styling Extensions
Natural human hair extensions can be styled like your natural hair, which means they can also be dyed or permed. However, when chemically treating your hair be sure to have a stylist who is familiar with extensions do the treatment. Extensions can be styled using heat, but it's important to remember that too much heat on the tabs of the tape-in extensions can weaken the adhesive and make the extensions fall out sooner. So, when using heat to style your hair, try to let the hair air dry for a while first and then avoid placing a flat iron or curling iron directly on the roots. Hair oils can also cause the extensions to fall out prematurely.