These are some of the rules for fusion bonded hair extensions. I’m listing for this method because it is one of the most popular and it’s my personal favorite. Many times I’ve seen ladies walking around with hair extension issues and I believe part of it is a lack of stylist education. If we don’t teach you, you won’t be able to care for them properly.
It is emphasized that you take special care of the added hair. Hair extensions properly applied and cared for are a beautiful and exciting way to have longer, thicker hair or even add color to hair. If you follow the steps listed here, I am sure your experience will be rewarding. Remember, it is in my best interest to have your extensions always looking and feeling their best, and of course, you too want your extensions to be fabulous.
Never go to bed with wet hair! If you do, tangles will occur and it may be difficult to untangle them once they become dry overnight. Dry your hair as much as possible and then put your hair into one big loose braid. This is a suggestion for natural long hair as well, but it is doubly important for hair extensions.
Prevention of tangles is the single most important aspect of hair extensions. Try to use only hair products recommended by your stylist. When shampooing, do not scrub your hair excessively. Massage your scalp and gently work the shampoo to the ends. Flood rinse thoroughly. Use conditioner according to the company’s instruction. Brush gently from the scalp to the ends. Use a loop brush or other flexible bristle brush when hair is wet and a recommended brush when dry, starting from the ends of the hair.
Depending upon type of extensions used, do not shampoo for 2 days after your extensions have been applied. You may rinse your hair and use a spray leave-in conditioner (but only one recommended by your stylist). You should not wash your hair with your head face down. Always tilt your head back and work shampoo from scalp to ends. Never dry with a scrubbing action, just wrap with a towel to absorb the water.
Clients should never color, perm, or use any other types of chemicals without consulting their extensionist first.
After having extensions applied, the client must return to the salon for routine follow-up visits. The first visit should be after 2 weeks, so that your maintenance schedule can be assessed. Delaying or failing to call and notify the stylist of any problems that you experience with your extensions will hinder correction and may shorten the time your extensions will last. I include maintenance in my pricing so there are no hidden fees, I want your extensions to look great so you can send me more clients.
Some bonds may get a little tangled even if you brush your hair on a regular basis, therefore the natural fall-out of your own hair may cause a little tangle between bonds. If this should occur, do not hesitate to contact your stylist immediately! Please do not try to correct any problems on your own. Contact your stylist. Your stylist is the only person that can be allowed to correct any problems that may arise. Trying to correct this yourself may result in worse tangles.
Just like your own natural hair, you should not allow chlorine water from a swimming pool or a Jacuzzi stay in the hair extensions. Rinse thoroughly and use the recommended shampoo and conditioner. Then let the conditioner set on your hair for 3 minutes, and rinse the hair with warm water. (Not hot water!)
Always remember, even if you do not wash your hair, rinse thoroughly, lightly towel dry, and use leave-in conditioner. This will help neutralize any impurities that may be in the water that would be left behind on the hair. Following these guidelines will help increase the longevity of your hair extensions.
It is normal to lose a few extensions per month. If this does occur, do not panic! Return to the your stylist and have them replaced. It is very similar to having color touch-ups done on a regular basis.
Never use any over the counter products, such as those purchased at any drug store, cosmetic store, and beauty supply store, etc., unless otherwise recommended by your stylist. For best results, use recommended products. Hair extensions can be finicky, if you want them to continue to blend properly products really do matter.
Please remember that the abuse or misuse of styling tools such as combs, brushes, blow dryers, hot irons, hot rollers, as well as over the counter hair care products (including products recommended by the stylist) may result in damaging your extensions, the same way that misuse can hurt your real hair.
By following these guidelines and keeping up with regular maintenance, you will be able to keep your extensions looking and feeling the best possible.
Hopefully this rather long post helps clear things up a bit. As always, questions are welcome. Comment and I’ll try to respond in a timely manner.
Christine Rinehart 