If you’ve invested in keratin bonded hair extensions, you’re probably amazed at how incredible they look. You have renewed fullness and volume, as well as a flattering cut. The extensions also have the natural look and feel that can come only from Deseo’s top of the line 100% REMI hair products. Don’t let the lovely look fade. Follow these tips to protect your keratin bonded hair extensions and keep those alluring locks for the rest of the year.
Clean and Condition Your Extensions Regularly
Keep your hair and extensions looking healthy and natural. One of the most important steps is to shampoo and condition your locks regularly. Maintain that salon-quality look and feel at home with these pointers:
- Shampoo using a gentle circular motion from the crown of the head to the ends. But be careful not to over-scrub. That can lead to matting and breakage.
- Sulfates break down the bonds of the extensions, so use a sulfate-free shampoo. Our favorite is Kérastase Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo.
- Condition the ends of your hair. Use a salon-quality conditioner as a lubricant to gently comb through any tangles. Kevin Murphy Repair-Me Rinse does a great job detangling extensions without causing damage.
- If you’re getting some beauty sleep after washing your hair, be sure to dry it completely. Whether you opt to blow dry or air dry, do not go to sleep with wet extensions. Doing so will cause matting to develop.
Use the Right Brush to Protect Your Keratin Bonded Hair Extensions
When you have extensions, you need to fix tangles as soon as they start. Make sure you have the right tools and techniques protect your extensions. The Balmain Extension Brush is designed with your extensions in mind. Using a regular brush can cause breakage and weakening the extensions’ bonds as they tear through the hair. Where regular brushes tug, this extension brush gently glides through hair and extensions without causing damage.
Brushing technique matters, too. We recommend detangling your hair starting at the ends and working your way to the crown. If there is a section that is particularly snarled or unruly, brush while holding the section away from your head with your free hand to prevent pulling.
Style with Lightweight Products and Low-Heat Tools
Use lightweight styling products to manage the upkeep of your keratin bonded hair extensions. Heavier products can lead to stubborn buildup and tangles. They may also compromise the bonds of your extensions. Avoid using products containing parabens, sulfates, and silicones. These chemicals may contribute to residue on both your hair and extensions.
While you can use hot styling tools on extensions, follow these tips to protect your keratin bonded hair extensions:
- Use a lighter heat setting than usual when styling hair with extensions.
- Avoid exposing the bonds to direct heat for an extended period of time. Too much heat will lead to damage. Do not clamp down directly onto the bonds with heated styling tools such as flat irons and curling tools.
- Experiment with new ways of showcasing your hair that don’t involve heat styling. You may surprise yourself!
Return for Regular Trims
Yes, even extensions need a periodic trim! Keep your extensions looking fresh with regular trims to even out hair growth. Maintaining your usual schedule, with trims every four to six weeks, will keep your extensions looking as fresh as the day they were bonded. This is also a great time to ask your stylist any questions you may have about the maintenance of your extensions, too. You can also replenish your supply of extension-friendly products.
Deseo Salon & BlowDry has expertly trained stylists who can style and help you maintain your extensions. With a little upkeep and the right tools, you can reap the most of your investment and make every day a good hair day!
Frequently Asked Questions
What shampoo should I use with keratin bonded hair extensions?
A sulfate-free shampoo is essential for keratin bonded extensions because sulfates break down the keratin bonds that hold the extensions in place. Kérastase Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo is specifically recommended for its gentle cleansing formula that protects the bonds while keeping the hair and extensions clean. When shampooing, use a gentle circular motion from the crown to the ends, being careful not to over-scrub which can lead to matting and breakage.
What conditioner works best for detangling keratin bonded hair extensions?
Kevin Murphy Repair-Me Rinse is a top recommendation for detangling keratin bonded extensions without causing damage. Apply conditioner to the ends of the hair and use it as a lubricant to gently work through any tangles with a wide-tooth comb or extension-specific brush. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the bonding points as buildup near the bonds can weaken them over time.
Why should I not sleep with wet hair extensions?
Going to sleep with wet keratin bonded extensions causes matting to develop overnight. Wet hair is much more fragile and prone to tangling, and the weight and movement during sleep, combined with the moisture, creates knots that are difficult to remove without causing breakage. Always dry your extensions completely before bed, whether using a blow dryer on a low heat setting or allowing them to air dry fully.
What type of brush should I use on keratin bonded hair extensions?
Standard brushes are not recommended for hair extensions because they can snag on the bonding points and cause breakage. The Balmain Extension Brush is specifically designed for extensions, its bristles gently glide through the hair and extensions without tugging or weakening the bonds. Technique also matters: always detangle starting at the ends and working up to the crown, and hold sections away from your head with your free hand when working through particularly tangled areas to prevent pulling.
Can I use heat styling tools on keratin bonded hair extensions?
Yes, but with caution. Heat styling is possible on extensions, but you should always use a lower heat setting than you normally would, avoid prolonged direct heat exposure in any one spot, and never clamp flat irons or curling tools directly onto the bonding points. Excessive heat at or near the bonds can weaken or melt the keratin adhesive, causing the extension to slip or detach. Experimenting with heatless styles is also a great way to protect your investment.
How often should I trim my hair when wearing keratin bonded extensions?
Keratin bonded hair extensions should be maintained on a regular schedule, including trims every four to six weeks. This keeps the ends of the extensions looking fresh and helps even out natural hair growth around the bonds. Regular appointments are also a good opportunity to ask your stylist any care questions and replenish extension-compatible styling products. Consistent maintenance maximizes the longevity of the extensions and keeps the look smooth.