Hair Extension Care Guide
Hair Extensions Liability Waiver
To ensure the best possible outcome for your installation, we require a consultation with your stylist prior to your appointment. If you have not yet had a consultation, please get in touch with your stylist to schedule one before booking your appointment. Please note that a non-refundable deposit is required for your hair extensions before the installation, and if your hair needs to be shipped to the salon, please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. If you decide to change the color or texture of your hair between the consultation and installation appointment, you must notify JV Salon LLC beforehand so that we can schedule a new consultation. In such cases, a new deposit will be required.
Hand-Tied Weft Hair Extensions Care Guide
Your first experience with hand-tied extensions is always exciting, even if you've tried other types of extensions in the past. They offer superior blending and add length and volume that is difficult to achieve with other methods. With proper maintenance and upkeep, hand-tied extensions have a longer lifespan than many other types of extensions.
The Hair Matters
We believe that great hair is the foundation for any amazing hairstyle. While there are many brands to choose from, our quality hair sets us apart. Our hair undergoes a special processing technique to reduce color fading, and our wefts offer exceptional thickness and density. With proper care, our premium quality hair can last up to 8 to 12 months.
Pre-Wash
It's important to recognize that hair extensions are not identical to your natural hair, and thus they require different care and attention. The more gentle you are with them, the better they will appear.
How to Brush
To prevent tangles in your hair extensions, it's recommended to brush them 2 times per day. Before you shower, gently detangle your hair with a brush. We suggest using the Wet Brush brand of brush for our extensions. While holding the track (the point where your extensions are sewn into your natural hair) firmly with one hand, brush from mid-shaft to ends with your Wet Brush in the other hand. It's important to be gentle during this process. If you have multiple rows of hair, don't forget to brush the natural hair between the rows, as it can easily become tangled. Keep brushing until your hair is completely free of tangles.
Avoid Protein Products
It's crucial to steer clear of protein-based products that are formulated for damaged hair as they can dry out your extensions. Our emphasis is on using moisturizing products, as highlighted in our recommendations. Products that contain protein and are meant to repair damage, such as "bond-builders" like B3, Olaplex, and Olaplex oil, should also be avoided. While it's important to opt for salon-quality products, keep in mind that not all salon-quality products are suitable for extensions.
Use the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
Selecting the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your hair extensions is crucial and cannot be overstated. To keep your wefts moisturized, your stylist will assist you in picking out the most suitable products. Opt for shampoos that are either sulfate-free or contain gentle, high-quality sulfates for the best results. Avoid using non water-soluble silicone as it can accumulate, causing dryness, and weigh your extensions down. Although silicone is an inexpensive ingredient that imparts smoothness and shine, it's best to stay away from it when it comes to extensions. The most favorable choice is a hydrating shampoo that contains lightweight oils of excellent quality.
If Your Natural Hair is Damaged
In case your natural hair requires damage treatment, your stylist is available to assist you. They can suggest a less drying reparative shampoo, but it's still crucial to avoid applying protein-based products on your wefts. Before washing and conditioning, you should put in additional effort in hydration. If you must use protein on your natural hair, we recommend a half-wash technique. First, tie your wefts in a ponytail to keep them separated from your natural hair. Then, tip your head forward in the shower and wash the top of your head with your protein shampoo to prevent any contact with the wefts. Finally, wash your wefts with a more suitable moisturizing shampoo.
Deep Conditioner for Extensions
To keep your hair extensions moisturized, it's crucial to use a daily conditioner that is lightweight yet hydrating. Every third wash or so, use a deep conditioner for extra nourishment. Avoid using heavy hair masks, as they can weigh down your extensions. Don't hesitate to explore products designed for curly hair, as they are often extra-hydrating, even if your natural hair is straight. For deep conditioning, you may also want to inquire about professional in-salon treatments with your stylist.
Prevent Dry Ends with Oil
Trimming the ends of your natural hair is crucial for maintaining healthy locks, but with extensions, those same ends have to last for months. To ensure their longevity, it's important to take extra care in keeping them strong and hydrated. Since extensions don't receive the natural oils from your pores, it's necessary to compensate with a light daily oil or serum. However, it's essential to avoid dark and heavy oils like Moroccan or argan oil, as they can stain and block moisture from entering the hair shaft, resulting in dryness. Heavy oils such as coconut and castor oil can cause buildup and should always be avoided. Instead, your stylist can recommend a silicone-free, light daily oil to keep your extensions shiny, soft, and healthy. Remember to apply the oil evenly from mid-shaft to ends, being careful to avoid the track.
Dry Shampoo is Your Best Friend
Reducing the frequency of washing your hair extensions can significantly extend their lifespan. If you can limit it to two or three times a week, your extensions will have a longer life. To maintain a fresh look between washes, consider investing in a high-quality dry shampoo. Some dry shampoos even contain heat protection and nourishing ingredients, providing additional benefits for your hair extensions.
How to Wash Your Hair
Once you have completed your pre-wash routine, it's time to step into the shower. Allow your hair to hang down naturally and avoid tilting your head forward or backward, as the weight of the water can tug on the track. Ensure that the water is flowing straight down your back.
Extra Care to Wash the Tracks
To clean the track without disturbing or pulling on it, avoid using circular or vigorous movements. Be gentle while massaging the shampoo into your scalp. Apply a small amount of shampoo, mostly to your roots, and then briefly wet your hair again without rinsing yet. As you have more hair now, you'll need more shampoo. After the first application, add a little more to help spread the shampoo and create lather. Remember to avoid circular motions and be gentle. You may feel the weight of the water in your extensions, so use your hand as a comb and run the shampoo from mid-shaft to ends. This is where the pre-wash detangling will come in handy.
Condition the Right Spots
To condition your hair extensions, apply conditioner generously from mid-shaft to ends, but avoid the track area. The oil in some conditioners can cause build-up that may be difficult to remove. Allow the conditioner to sit for three to five minutes to ensure that your extensions absorb the moisture before rinsing it out thoroughly. To help you keep track of the time, you can set a timer & listen to your favorite music for a moment of self care!
Drying & Brushing
After the shower, it's important to continue being gentle and careful with your hair extensions when drying, brushing, and styling.
Pat Dry & Never Rub
Once you're done washing your hair, gently pat it dry with a micro-fiber towel. Place the towel over your hair and press down to remove excess water. Avoid harsh movements and let your hair fall naturally. Refrain from rubbing or making circular motions as they can cause tangling and knotting in your extensions. You should aim to remove about 75% of the moisture before you start brushing. Additionally, a quick rough-dry using a blow dryer without brushing can be helpful.
De-Tangle Post-Wash
Detangling is important before proceeding with styling, whether air-drying or blow-drying. To do this, use a gentle wet brush or round brush, being careful to keep the hair extensions separate and natural. Your stylist can suggest a high-quality detangler to aid in this process. Using a primer is also recommended as the pores in your natural hair are different from those in your extensions, causing styling products to absorb and spread unevenly. Primers even out hair porosity, making styling easier and faster. Applying oils mid-shaft to ends and using heat to ensure even saturation is ideal, but be sure to use a heat protector beforehand to safeguard your natural hair and extensions. It's important to section your hair by rows, avoiding styling or clipping half a weft at a time. When curling your hair, pre-heating the entire length of your strands will prevent "climbing," where the hair tightens as it heats. Don't worry if this sounds like a lot of products—there are fantastic multi-purpose products out there that can prime, detangle, and provide heat protection. Your stylist can help you choose the right one for you.
"Natural" Drying Technique
To ensure the longevity of your extensions, it's important to blow dry your hair in the same direction as the cuticle. Pointing the blow dryer downward and allowing water to dry naturally will help achieve this. Be sure to thoroughly dry the track as well to prevent any moisture buildup. When blow drying, avoid tousling your hair to prevent knots and tangles. It's recommended to use a heat protective styling product, but avoid blow dry accelerators that claim to speed up the process as they can cause breakage. Also, keep the heat below 330°F to prevent damage.
Never Use Heat Tools with Wet Hair
Using a hot iron on wet hair is a big no-no! The moisture inside the hair shaft turns into steam, which causes the hair to expand. This expansion can weaken and damage the hair shaft, particularly at the ends. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your hair is 100% dry before using a hot iron.
No At-Home Toning Shampoos
Using purple and green toning shampoos at home can cause dryness and uneven pigment absorption in extension hair, leading to unpredictable and inconsistent results, including staining. Although it may be okay for a stylist to use diluted toning shampoos in-salon, we do not recommend their use at home, including toning shampoos, conditioners, or masques.
Color Maintenence
Our wefts undergo a month-long coloring process and are designed to retain their original shade if possible. However, like natural hair, all human hair extensions will experience some fading over time and require touch-ups. The frequency and approach to touch-ups may vary depending on how well you follow the care guide and how often you wash your hair. During your move-up appointments, many stylists may perform a color gloss to ensure that both your natural hair and extensions maintain their optimal appearance. This process helps refresh the layer of pigment that counteracts the natural warm tones of the hair. It's worth noting that blondes, particularly those with low-lights and melts, may require more maintenance than brunettes.
Additional Advice for the Longest, Best Results
Before Bed Tips for Extensions
Invest in a silk pillowcase to avoid hair snags and matting while sleeping. Refrain from sleeping with wet hair to prevent tangles and strain on your hair. Before going to bed, consider loosely braiding or putting your hair in a bun to avoid tangling and pulling.
Can Sunscreen be worn?
Ensuring your hair extensions are not affected by sunscreen is crucial. It's essential to avoid any sunscreen containing Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) as this chemical can cause a chemical reaction with the dye in human hair extensions, resulting in peachy-orange discoloration that is almost impossible to fix. Zinc Oxide based sunscreens are a safer option, but make sure they don't have any other harmful ingredients mixed in. We recommend pulling your hair up and away from your skin when applying sunscreen and keeping it that way to avoid any contact.
Can I Swim with Extensions?
Mixing swimming and hair extensions is not recommended. Just like your natural hair, your hair extensions can be affected by pool chemicals, minerals, saltwater, and sun exposure, which can cause color fade, tangling, staining, dryness, and damage. Saltwater or chlorine exposure can dehydrate the wefts and shorten the life of your extensions. Harmful chemicals and residual sunscreen from other swimmers can also be absorbed by your hair. However, if you still choose to swim, you can take extra precautions to minimize damage. Before entering the water, wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier against harmful water and chemicals. Use a protective product with added UV protection to prevent damage from salt, chlorine, and other chemicals. Braiding your hair before swimming can help prevent tangles. After swimming, always wash and condition your hair. It's important to note that no hair extensions company can provide a warranty for hair that has been stained or changed color after swimming.
Can I Workout & Do Outdoor Activities?
Just like with swimming, it's important to take extra precautions when engaging in outdoor activities. Using a proper UV protective product is essential to prevent damage from sun exposure. After intense physical activity, it's recommended to brush, wash, and condition your hair as quickly as possible to maintain its health and vitality.
Can I Have My Hair Colored?
Yes! A certified stylist in hand-tied weft application should be able to maintain your hair color without difficulty. However, if you plan on lightening your hair, it may be necessary to replace your extensions as it may be impossible to match the new color with your natural hair.
Hard Water on Extensions?
Hard water can be harsh on hair as it can strip, stain, or damage hair color, leaving it dry, dull, and frizzy. On the other hand, soft water can significantly improve the look and feel of your hair and skin. It also helps your hair products lather and last longer, as well as prevent frizz. Additionally, soft water prevents hard water scale buildup on your sinks, faucets, shower doors, and even your car after a wash. Using soft water can also help hot water heaters last longer and use less energy. If you have moderately hard water, you don't need to spend a fortune to get a softener. The softeners available at Home Depot or Lowes should work well for most people.
It's important to note that this information may not be relevant to every brand and type of extensions available.