Invest in salon-quality extensions made from authentic human hair. These often come from ethically sourced hair donations. While cheaper synthetic fibers may seem tempting, they do not blend as naturally with your real hair. The texture difference causes tangling and matting that damages natural hair over time. Only use human hair extensions applied by a trained stylist.
The extension application method is key for minimizing stress on your natural hair. Tape-in extensions and clip-ins don’t require heat or chemicals, so they don’t damage your hair like some glue or weave methods potentially can. Hot fusion bonds like pre-bonded tips or i-tips also don’t damage as much as tracks glued across the whole head. Consult your stylist on the least damaging options suitable for your hair type and desired look.
Avoid using glue extensions at home
Never try doing DIY glue-in extensions at home. It requires skillfully applying high-quality adhesive around delicate hairlines and temples. Improper application and removal can rip out strands or even scalp skin causing hair loss. Leave it to professionally trained stylists anytime glue is required. Even hair salon in fort lauderdale glue methods carries some potential hazards, so consider less stressful alternatives whenever possible.
Be gentle with new extensions as your hair gets used to the added weight and texture. Avoid harsh brushing, tight styles, and rugged handling at first. Give your natural hair to adjust without excess pulling or friction that could weaken strands. Use a soft paddle brush and comb extensions starting at the bottom and then working up to prevent damage.
Sleep carefully on extensions
It is possible that your sleep habits may need to change to accommodate extensions without tangling or matting. Protect them overnight by loosely braiding or pineapple with a scrunchie. Use a silk pillowcase to minimize friction. Always sleep with the head slightly elevated to prevent extensions from resting heavily on your natural hair which strains the follicle. Be prepared to modify your sleep position or purchase a special travel pillow.
Follow proper detangling methods
Detangle extensions properly to avoid causing traction damage to natural hair beneath. Use a pre-detangling treatment or spray to reduce friction and provide slip. Gently comb through sections starting at the ends and then slowly working up toward the roots. Never force combs or brushes through in one harsh yank. It tears out hair causing thinning and bald patches.
Ensure extension attachment points stay secure and bonded to prevent excess weight from dragging down on natural strands. Occasionally check that tape, clips, i-tips, and other bonds remain in place. Have your stylist promptly reapply any attachments that become loose to take tension off your real hair. Don’t wait until excessive slipping and pulling causes breakage. See your stylist every 4-6 weeks to have extensions moved up as your natural hair grows out. Leaving them in too long causes excess weight straining the follicles. Regular maintenance appointments to check bonds, treat the natural hair, move extensions up relieve tension, and prevent breakage before it starts.
