The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Hair Extensions Gorgeous and Long-Lasting

Want your extensions to slay for 1-2 years? These tips will help you keep them luscious, shiny, and full of life. Oh, and your natural hair? It’ll stay damage-free if you play nice with your extensions!

A SMALL ADJUSTMENT: When you first get nanos, your scalp might need a bit of time to get used to them. It’s normal to feel some tightness or tenderness for the first few days - this will settle down soon. Some people also notice itching as their scalp adjusts. If the itching doesn’t go away after two weeks or becomes really uncomfortable, please reach out to me. It might mean you’re reacting to the metal bead.

BRUSH LIKE A BOSS: To keep your extensions looking their best, brush your hair every day with a gentle brush like a wet brush or soft bristle brush. Always hold the hair close to your head for support while brushing. Start at the ends, working your way up, and be careful not to pull on your extensions.

THE ZEN OF WASHING: Take care of your investment by using high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Some great options are:

  • Malibu C

  • Amika

  • Pureology

Try to wash your hair only 1-2 times a week, and use dry shampoo in between. Always detangle and brush your hair before showering. When conditioning, focus on the mid-lengths and ends - avoid putting conditioner near the roots. While washing, use your fingertips to gently clean between the bonds. Afterward, pat your hair dry with a towel, and always blow-dry the root area to prevent matting.

STYLING SECRETS: You can style your nanos just like your natural hair - curl, straighten, or blow-dry. But keep in mind, too much heat can shorten their lifespan. Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools, and avoid using heat directly on the bond area to prevent melting. To keep your extensions shiny, apply hair oils or serums to the ends, but steer clear of the beads. Remember to also keep those styling tools on a lower temperature! Never crank them up to the highest temp!

SLEEPING BEAUTY: Before bed, tie your hair in a loose braid or ponytail to keep it from tangling. Make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping—wet hair can cause matting and damage. You should also consider a silk pillowcase or even a silk bonnet. Bonnets are great for keeping your curls intact without having to put a ponytail holder around your hair while you sleep!

SUMMER SURVIVAL: Chlorine, salt water, UV rays, and heat can dry out extensions and alter their colour. Follow these tips to protect your hair:

  • Use mineral sunscreen to avoid discolouration (light shades can turn pink or orange from regular sunscreen)

  • Rinse your hair thoroughly after swimming in chlorine or salt water and wash afterwards with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner

  • Wear a hat to protect your hair from UV rays

  • Apply a leave-in conditioner for added moisture

  • Bring a detangling spray and wet brush to the pool/ocean/lake with you and use it between swims! This will prevent tangling in the wind while your hair is wet

THE COLOURING RULEBOOK: Use purple shampoo sparingly, as it can be drying and cause premature damage. Consider using a purple conditioner or toner as an alternative. Always test on a small section first, as extensions absorb pigment faster than natural hair! Extensions cannot be bleached or lightened, but you can darken at your own discretion. For my highlight queens like myself, I recommend scheduling a removal and then a reinstallation appointment. Some stylists are okay with highlighting with nanos in, but it’s best to have them out. You can easily line up your highlight schedule with your nano maintenance schedule!

MAINTENANCE IS SEXY: Regular maintenance appointments are crucial to keeping your natural hair healthy and your extensions in top condition. Extensions grow out with your natural hair, which can increase the risk of matting and tangling. Separate the bonds daily to prevent this. Remember, we lose 150-200 natural hairs per day. These shed hairs can become trapped in the beads, but they’ll be cleaned out during your maintenance appointments. Always attend these appointments within the recommended timeframe of 6-8 weeks. Never attempt to remove extensions yourself. Professional removal is essential to avoid damage! It’s very easy to accidentally cut your natural hair with pliers!

CAUGHT SLIPPIN: Losing up to 15 extensions between maintenance appointments is normal. Save any extensions that may have slipped out and bring them to your next appointment for reinstallation.

TO SUM IT UP:

  • Avoid rough handling: Be gentle while brushing and styling

  • Protect from heat: Use a heat protectant and avoid high temperatures (over 350°F)

  • Avoid chemicals near bonds: Keep oils, masks, and conditioners away from the bond area to prevent slippage

  • Follow a washing routine: Wash your hair 1-2 times a week, using sulfate-free products and dry shampoo in between. Avoid over-washing to maintain moisture.

  • Sleep smart: Use a silk pillowcase or wear a silk bonnet, and secure your hair in a braid or low pony or bun at night

Follow these tips, and your extensions will stay as gorgeous as the day you got them. Treat them right, and they’ll love you back!

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Still have questions? No worries! Send me a message and I will get back to you ASAP!

nicole@nrhairextensions.com
(705) 606-9351