Heat Protection for Healthy Hair
If you're a frequent user of heat styling tools like straightening irons, curling wands, or hairdryers, you're no stranger to the damage they can inflict on your hair. Heat robs your strands of moisture, leaving them dry, lifeless, and damaged. The solution? Heat protectant sprays – an absolute must-have not only for preserving your hair extensions but also for safeguarding your natural hair. These ingenious products form a protective shield around your hair strands, significantly reducing the damage caused by direct heat exposure.
Depending on the specific heat protectant you choose, it might offer additional benefits, such as detangling, smoothing, and enhancing shine. Some thermal heat protectants even go the extra mile by delivering essential nutrients and vitamins to your hair, fortifying it in the long run and shielding it from harmful UV rays.
To use a heat protectant effectively, simply spritz it evenly onto both your natural hair and hair extensions, then wait for a minute or two before applying heat. This simple step can make a world of difference in maintaining the health and vitality of your hair.
Nourishing Your Extensions with Hair Oil
As previously mentioned, hair extensions miss out on the natural oils and nutrients that your scalp provides, leaving them chronically dry and in need of special care. To maintain the luscious, soft, and shiny appearance of your hair extensions, incorporating a nourishing hair oil into your routine is essential.
After heat styling or washing, be sure to apply a nourishing hair oil, focusing on the ends. This step helps replenish lost moisture and keeps your extensions in top-notch condition.
** Remember to avoid getting any oils near the tape as this will cause them to come out of your head**
Revitalize with a Hair Mask or Deep Conditioner
To keep your hair extensions well-hydrated, nourished, and easy to style, it's best to pamper them with a deep conditioner or hair mask. These products typically have a thicker consistency compared to regular conditioners, making them highly effective at moisturizing your hair strands deeply.
For optimal results, leave the hair mask or deep conditioner on for at least 30 minutes, or if time allows, overnight. When selecting a product, look for one that is alcohol and sulfate-free, containing ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil, which can penetrate the hair cuticle and provide lasting hydration.
** Remember to avoid getting any conditioner near the tape as this will cause them to come out of your head*
Top Picks for Hair Oils
- Coconut Oil: Renowned for its abundance of fatty acids, coconut oil penetrates the hair deeply, resulting in soft, silky, and shiny hair. It's excellent for deep conditioning your extensions before washing. However, use it sparingly as a finishing oil to avoid excessive greasiness.
- Argan Oil: Often referred to as "liquid gold," argan oil boasts vitamin E, ferulic acid, fatty acids, and antioxidants, protecting hair from UV rays and preventing damage. A few drops of argan oil can nourish, moisturize, and smoothen hair, reducing dryness and frizz. It's perfect for achieving soft and manageable hair extensions, and it can be used as a finishing oil after styling due to its non-greasy nature.
Jojoba Oil: Derived from the jojoba plant, jojoba oil's chemical structure closely resembles our scalp's natural sebum, making it an ideal hydrating agent. Like coconut oil, it deeply hydrates hair strands, enhancing shine and softness. Consider using jojoba oil as an overnight mask before your regular hair-washing routine.
Incorporating these hair care essentials into your routine will ensure that your hair extensions maintain their luscious appearance and vitality throughout their lifespan.