CURLY HAIR EXTENSION AFTERCARE

Curly hair extensions require additional care and maintenance to keep them looking soft, defined and healthy. Unlike naturally growing hair, extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp throughout their lengths, so using the correct products and following an appropriate aftercare routine is essential. Proper aftercare will help maintain the curl pattern, minimise dryness and tangling, and prolong the lifespan of your extensions.

WASHING YOUR EXTENSIONS

Always use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically suitable for hair extensions. Products containing sulphates can strip moisture from extension hair, which may result in excessive dryness, frizzing, tangling and matting. Before washing, gently separate any tangles using your fingers or a suitable extension brush. Do not aggressively brush curly extensions when dry, as this can disturb the curl pattern and create unnecessary frizz. Wash your hair in an upright position, ideally in the shower. Avoid tipping your hair forward over a bath or sink, as this can encourage tangling. Apply shampoo gently at the roots and allow the product to work through the lengths. Do not rub, scrub, twist or bunch the extensions together. Rinse thoroughly to ensure all shampoo has been removed. Apply a suitable moisturising conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding extension bonds, tapes, rings or attachment points where applicable. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

PRODUCT BUILD-UP

Less is more when caring for hair extensions. Curly extensions require moisture, but excessive amounts of oils, serums, creams, masks, gels and styling products can coat the hair and cause significant product build-up.

Over time, this can leave extensions feeling heavy, sticky, tangled, matted, dry or difficult to manage.

Only use products that are suitable for hair extensions and follow the manufacturer’s recommended quantity. Avoid repeatedly layering products onto the hair without thoroughly cleansing them out.

DRYING

After washing, gently squeeze excess water from the hair using a soft towel or microfibre towel. Never aggressively rub the extensions with a towel.Gently encourage the curls back into shape by scrunching them upwards with your hands.

The attachment area and roots should always be dried thoroughly. Leaving extension attachments wet or damp for prolonged periods can cause problems with both the extensions and natural hair. When using a hairdryer, use a diffuser on a low-to-medium heat setting and avoid excessive heat.

BRUSHING & DETANGLING

Curly extensions should be treated differently from straight extensions. For best results, gently detangle the hair while damp using your fingers, a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions and curly hair. Always begin at the ends and gradually work upwards towards the roots. Never pull through knots or tangles. Hold the hair above the area you are detangling to reduce unnecessary tension on the extension attachments and your natural hair. Avoid excessive brushing when the hair is dry, as this can separate the curls and cause frizz.

DEFINING & REFRESHING YOUR CURLS

Between washes, curls can be refreshed using a small amount of water or an appropriate lightweight, sulphate-free curl product. Lightly dampen the hair and gently scrunch the curls back into position. Avoid saturating the hair with multiple products. Continually adding oils, creams and styling products can cause build-up and may negatively affect the appearance and condition of the extensions.

SLEEPING

Never go to bed with wet or damp hair extensions. Ensure your hair and attachment areas are completely dry before sleeping.

Before bed, gently separate and detangle the extensions. Depending on the curl type and installation method, loosely secure the hair to prevent excessive movement and friction while sleeping. A silk or satin pillowcase or suitable hair covering may help reduce friction, tangling and frizz overnight.

HEAT STYLING

Keep heat styling to a minimum. If using heated styling tools, always apply an extension-safe heat protection product and use the lowest effective temperature. Repeated or excessive heat can permanently alter the curl pattern and cause dryness or damage to the extension hair.

SWIMMING, HOLIDAYS & EXERCISE

Take additional care around chlorine, salt water, sun cream and tanning products, as these may affect the colour, texture and condition of hair extensions. Where possible, avoid submerging extensions in swimming pools, hot tubs, seawater or heavily chlorinated water. If the extensions do become wet, rinse them thoroughly with clean fresh water as soon as possible and follow the recommended washing and conditioning routine. During exercise, loosely secure the hair to minimise tangling. Do not leave extensions damp from perspiration for prolonged periods.

PRODUCTS TO AVOID

To protect the condition and longevity of your curly extensions, avoid: Shampoos or cleansing products containing sulphates. Harsh clarifying or stripping shampoos unless specifically recommended by your extension professional Excessive oils, serums, masks, gels and styling creams Products containing ingredients unsuitable for your particular extension attachment method. Excessive hairspray or products that leave the hair stiff, sticky or heavily coated Always check product ingredients rather than relying solely on wording such as “moisturising”, “curl defining” or “for curly hair”.

MAINTENANCE

Attend all recommended maintenance appointments for your particular extension method. Your extensions should be checked regularly for tangling, matting, excessive product build-up and any issues around the attachment areas. If you notice persistent matting, unusual dryness, excessive tangling or a significant change in the condition of your extensions, contact your extension professional promptly rather than attempting to correct the problem using additional products.

IMPORTANT

Hair extensions require ongoing maintenance and should not be treated in exactly the same way as naturally growing hair. Curly extensions require particularly careful aftercare to maintain their curl pattern, moisture balance and overall condition. Using unsuitable products, products containing sulphates, excessive amounts of styling products, incorrect washing or drying techniques, excessive heat, sleeping with wet hair, or failing to detangle and maintain the extensions correctly can lead to dryness, frizzing, tangling, matting and deterioration of the hair. Following the recommended aftercare routine is essential to achieving the best possible appearance and lifespan from your curly hair extensions.

​