Hair Extensions Aftercare
Hair extensions require a lot of time and dedication. I personally decided to choose Tiny Tips as my preferred method as the extensions are fitted with tiny copper tubes. There is no heat, glue, or silicone in the beads like other methods meaning with the correct aftercare there is absolutely no risk of damage.
Maintenance is needed every 6-8 weeks where I will brush out the hair beneath the extension and lift the tip higher where the hair has grown. The life span of the hair extensions when properly cared for is 9-12 months.
Sulphate free shampoo should be used once the hair extensions have been fitted. My shampoo of choice is Color Wow Color Security shampoo and conditioner. The shampoos and entire range of products are perfectly safe for extensions. You can purchase it following the Shop button below.
Using silver shampoo and lightening the extensions is not advised. Instead of silver shampoo - I personally advise Color Wow Brass Banned Blonde toning foam for your T-section if necessary. You can apply this much more carefully directly to your natural hair avoiding your extensions.
Do’s and Don’ts when having hair extensions:
Dry your extensions thoroughly, never go to bed with your hair wet.
Always use a heat protector spray (All Color Wow Products contain heat protectant excluding shampoo and conditioner)
Do not use excessive heat on the hair - try and keep below 180 degrees. I recommend a medium temperature for blow-drying, Cloud nine irons for straightening, and Beauty Works for styling wands both of which have adjustable temperature settings.
Plait your hair when sleeping, and use silk scrunchies and pillow cases to extend longevity and prevent breakage (I personally recommend Polly Pockets Mermaid Mane collection)
Do not pull or remove the hair extensions
Keep up to date with your maintenance appointments
Brush regularly with a wide comb or soft brush (I recommend Polly Pockets Mermaid Mane comb)
Do not brush where the extensions are attached to the natural hair.
Hair Colour Aftercare
Shampoo and Conditioner
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner is essential for prolonging the life of your colour. This sulfate free formula is designed to gently cleanse your hair, leaving no residues or product behind.
Other sulfate and sulfate-free shampoos that claim to "moisturise, volumise, hydrate"generally use pearlisers, bulking agents, plastics and silicones; they all have to leave something behind to make that claim which in turn can lead to build-up, discoloration and hair loss due to clogging up scalp follices.
Washing with luke warm water as opposed to very hot will also prolong the life of your colour.
All products listed can be brought using the Shop button.
Blondes
For those who have a platinum scalp bleach service, appointments are advised every 4 weeks to ensure a clean even blonde.
For my blonde clients that have highlights and balayage and like an icy, ash, silver or platinum toner; toners are advised every 4-5 weeks. Color Wow Brass Banned toning foam is recommended between appointments, along with Dream Filter which works as a magnet to remove build up from minerals, chlorine and copper all found in tap water that can lead to brassyness and discoloration.
It is important to keep on top of hydrating your hair between appointments with products such as Olaplex no3, Color Wow Kale and Coconut Cocktails and Pop + Lock gloss creme.
Reds, Coppers, Pastels and Vivid tones
Reds, Coppers, Pastels and Vivids are all among the quickest colours to fade. These colours need refreshing at around 5-6 weeks.
To prolong your colour it is essential to use luke warm water whilst washing, Color Wow Color Security shampoo and conditioner, and ensure you are protecting your hair from heat and keeping it hydrated.
All Color Wow products contain heat protectant, Dream Coat and Dream Cocktails Kale + Coconut are my go to prior to blowdrying, I would recommend Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray prior to using straighteners and irons and Style On Steroids prior to waving for hold and protection in one.
Brunettes
The longevity of brunette tone varies from client to client depending on the natural base and what colour has been used on the hair previously.
To ensure your brunette tone stays rich, glossy and shiny, I would highly recommend using Dream Filter prior to washing to remove any build up of coppers, minerals and chlorine from tap water which can dull a colour down.
Brass Banned Dark Mousse is also great for cooler brunette tones that want to stop their colour going warm or brassy (yes this can happen to brunettes too!)
Dream Coat and Dream Cocktail Coconut are essential for preventing frizz and keeping a smooth, glossy texture alongside Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray and Pop + Lock.