I’ve been an avid hair extension wearer on and off for the last five years or so. I’ve tried near enough every type going as my hair grows extremely slowly and is very thin. My main issue though is keeping my hair extensions silky smooth and shiny. But how do you make hair extensions soft and shiny again? I found after a while my hair extensions would dry out and get all frizzy no matter how much heat protection i used and preventative measures.
I’ve finally perfected my hair extension care method to bring them back to a shiny and soft condition when they start to get a little ratty looking. I do this method once a month to keep on top of the condition as the longer I leave it the harder it is to get them back to being silky.
How Each Type Of Hair Extensions Worked For Me
Clip in hair extensions
These were my first step into the hair extension world as a teenager. I was desperate to have long blonde luscious locks but of course I didn’t have the budget or knowledge of upkeep for them. I would get through a new set every couple of months as I wouldn’t use any form of heat protection on them and would straighten them to oblivion. No wonder my hair grows so slowly now! Oh how evil I was to my own hair!
My favorite clip in hair extensions
Wefts held in with micro beads
I loved the thickness of wefts of hair but I was always a little sad that my clip in hair extensions didn’t feel like my actual hair. My worst fear was my teenage boyfriend seeing me without my hair extensions in!
Eventually I got the wefts installed using micro beads to ensure it would stay in. I actually loved this method as there was no glue involved. But as many micro bead wearers find is that they tend to slip down A LOT and next thing I know I’ve got a whole weft hanging out my hair.
Micro bead hair extensions
These were my first dive into individual strand hair extensions and let me tell you one thing – OWCH! The first night trying to sleep with these bad boys in was the WORST! hundreds of tiny little metal beads digging into your head!
My biggest issue with the micro beads was the slippage. Because the micro beads had a layer of silicone in the middle of them to not damage your hair they would just slide out constantly! If you went more than three days without washing your roots they would slide out like mad because the natural oils getting in there. I would legit brush my hair and have strand after strand fall out!
My favorite micro bead extensions
Bonded hair extensions
I loved the idea of having individual strands of hair attached to mine so i didn’t really FEEL like i had extensions. I can officially say these were the method I hated the most because of all the matting!
Because of the individual stands they would get matted and tangled at the roots no matter what you do! Every time i showered i would have to painstakingly untangle each strand and try to stop them from matting. Also I found if i caught at bit of hair due to the fact the strands were really tiny it would easily rip out of my head pulling my natural hair with it – THIS IS A BIG NO NO FROM ME!
My favorite bonded hair extensions
Tape in hair extensions
I’m so glad I foud the world of tape in hair extensions because i’m never looking back! They fit perfect with my fine thin hair as the wefts are almost seamless and hard to poke through your natural hair.
My favorite part though is that there is no slippage with tape in hair extensions! The wefts hold their ground until you need them removed and with just a bit of bond remover they slide out like nothing. No damage from clips rubbing at your head. No bonds pulling your hair out. Just pure natural healthy growth!
My favorite tape in hair extensions
How to make hair extensions soft and shiny again after they go frizzy and dry
Step 1 – Deep Conditioning mask
I use the Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment. This stuff is a miracle for hair extensions as it helps suck all the moisture and oils back into the hair that it’s been lacking. This hair treatment is only £1.97 per sachet on amazon and I always make sure to use two at a time on my hair as its pretty thick and long. We need to make sure we are fully coated!
Once I’ve slathered my hair from top to bottom in this hair treatment I make sure to comb it through in case i missed spots! We don’t want some dry patches here and there! Always make sure not to get any of the treatment on the tape/bonds of the hair extensions as this can cause them to slide right out! I tend to just braid it up and pop it in a bun on top of my head and leave it on for two or three hours.
Step 2. Wash that S**t out!
Over the years I have used just normal shampoo on my hair extensions and always wondered why they would get so damaged so quickly! Then I found out you should always be using sulfate free shampoo on hair extensions as the chemicals in normal shampoos can break down the hair. I use the Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo and for £4.49 you cant go wrong!
I always make sure to double wash my hair after doing this treatment as you can be left with a buildup of the treatment in your hair after. I then finish off by conditioning my hair like normal using the Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner.
Read: Why 100% Eco-Friendly Tampons Are So Important
Step 3. Add in your heat protection and leave in conditioners
I always make sure to add extra moisture in my hair before attempting to dry it. I find it just helps to keep the moisture in longer and I can leave longer periods between having to do a deep condition. I use my two favorite leave in conditioners for hair extensions. The X-10 Hair Extension Care Leave-In Treatment (£5.69) and the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-in Conditioner (this was gifted to me) (£19.00)
I also make sure to add in some moisture lotion. Always remember to be sparing with this as A LOT goes a long way and if you are not careful it can fill your hair with too much moisture! I use the Creme Of Nature with Argan Oil From Morocco Moisturizer (£7.43)
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Step 4. Dry Time!
If found over the years to try and add as little heat to hair extensions as possible! Especially after I make hair extensions soft and shiny again. I finally got my hands on the REVLON Pro Collection Salon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser (£49.99) and my hair care routine has completely changed! I make sure to let my hair air dry until its around 80% dry and then go at it with this bad boy! The best thing about this blow drying brush is that you can have it on a cool setting and it still dries and styles your hair perfectly! It even makes some lush curls and waves once you get the hang of the method.
Step 5. Finish off with some shine spray
I always finish my hair off with the X-10 Hair Extension Care Shine Spray (£6.85). I’m not going to lie here but this stuff does not smell good! Yes it makes your hair look beautiful but i does leave a lingering smell of cannibis. I’ll just leave that one there…
The Final Outcome
I’m always very shocked at how good my hair looks after giving myself this treatment. Like how did i let my hair get so frizzy before and how was i walking around like that???
If you have any hair extension tips and tricks leave a comment below because ya girl is always looking to learn!
Interested in Olaplex? Read “I Used Olaplex for a Month | The Result Was Not What I Expected”
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