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EXTENSION HAIR GUIDE
Invisible Bead Extensions // Hair Care Guide // Near Edgewood, WA
Cleansing
I suggest washing your hair 1 to 2 times a week with a suggested and approved by me shampoo and conditioner.
Don’t wash your hair everyday, as it will shorten the life of your extension hair. I understand that life happens so don’t stress about it too much.
Before washing, you have to brush all of the tangles out. If you have multiple rows, make sure you get the hair in-between the rows. While washing multiple rows, section them out just like brushing so you are able to cleanse between the rows. Gently wash as normal and be sure to avoid rubbing the ends together.
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When conditioning, only apply conditioner from the ears down, and around the face frame pieces. Avoid applying conditioner at the scalp and where the extensions are tied in to avoid build up.
Use a wet brush to brush the conditioner through before rinsing out.
If you simply cannot go without washing your hair I recommend doing the “half wash” to preserve the extensions hair. Start by sectioning off the top section of your hair (your natural) then braid of pony tail the remaining hair out of the way.
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After you have the extension hair out of the way and the top portion of your natural hair out, you can then wash the top of hair in the faucet/sink/shower, washing only your natural hair. Style the top as you see fit!
Drying
Gently squeeze the water out of your hair, please don’t rub! You should moisturize your ends daily, only using leave in conditioner/serum/oil.
Make sure to always use a heat protectant before drying. Follow with brushing through gently with a wet brush. Before drying make sure each row is completely brushed through. I don’t recommend you air drying your extensions, but if you wish to, you need to dry the top of each row (weft line). If failure to do so, you may be susceptible to matting and molding.
HAIR MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE GOING TO BED.
Products
Shampoo, conditioner and other hair products need to be extension friendly- meaning they should be paraben and sulfate free. You should also use a serum/oil/leave in conditioner from the ears down, daily, for continued moisture. If you have products at home that you would like to use, or try something new, please check with me prior so I can confirm its extensions friendly.
Sleeping
I recommend to braid your hair or a low bun for sleeping. Its also best to sleep on a silk pillowcase. Do not sleep on your extensions while they are wet, it will damage your natural hair and will cause matting and mold.
Styling
You can use your tools as you normally would, but remember, when using any hot tools to use a heat protectant prior to use. Obviously the less heat used, the better, as heat dries out your hair.
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BRUSH, BRUSH, BRUSH! Keeping your hair tangle free will extend your life with the extension hair. Brush your hair multiple times a day. Best to use a wet brush for gentle effectiveness.
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It is very important to brush all the way up to the weft line of your extensions to prevent matting at the root or the “top” of the wefts. Make sure you are careful when brushing in this area as to not snag the extensions.
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If you brush the extensions too harshly, you may end up destroying your wefts, which will then need to be replaced at your maintenance appointment.
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Style however you want, that’s the fun with IBE! High bun, high pony, braids, half up, you name it!
Swimming
Can you swim with extensions?
Yes- BUT there are minerals in some water that can react poorly with your extensions and can cause discoloration and dry them out rapidly.
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The ocean water can cause extreme dryness and also severe matting. I recommend taking out your extensions if your vacation includes swimming in the ocean.
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To avoid this, I advise to do the following:
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Wet your hair before getting into pool/lake/river,etc. Apply a leave in conditioner or hair mask.
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Comb it through and put it in a braid or pony.
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Brush and wash your hair immediately after swimming.
Sunscreen / Self Tanning / Sun
BEWARE of sunscreen! Most brands contain ingredients that will turn your extensions a brassy orange/peach color. It is permanent and cannot come out of the hair, meaning wefts will need to be replaced. Finding a sunscreen without the ingredient “Avobenzone”.
Here are a few favorites:
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Bare Republic mineral
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Blue Lizard mineral
Self tanners will cause discoloration of the wefts as well. If you self tan/spray tan, please keep your hair up off of skin until your body has been washed a minimum of 2x after tan has been applied.
Sunlight can also cause discoloration. If you are spending prolonged time in the sun, I recommend you tie your hair away from sunlight and cover with a large hat.
Blonde extension hair can be more susceptible.