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2 Rows Invisible Bead Extensions

How to care for your hair extensions at home

You finally got your extensions, and you love your hair. You might remember some of the maintenance tips we discussed, but not everything. Don't worry—I've got you covered. Here are some tricks to ensure your extensions last.

Initially, they might feel a bit odd, similar to sleeping with a bobby pin in your hair—uncomfortable but normal. Just ensure nothing is causing discomfort.

Washing and styling might seem daunting at first, especially depending on the length and number of rows. Make sure you give yourself some extra time for each row to wash, dry, and style, and though it may seem like a lot initially, once you get the hang of it, maintaining your look throughout the week will be a breeze.

Brush. Cleanse. Style. Protec.t

Maintenance

It is necessary for you to return to the salon within my recommended time frame to maintain your extensions. Your extensions will move further away from the scalp as your hair grows.

Appointments not maintained within the recommended time frame run the risk of tension on your natural hair, tangling, and matting. If you experience extreme shedding or tension or something has slipped, please contact me immediately.

Bothel Washington Extension Install
Sleeping with IBE

Sleeping

Before bed, brush your extensions and apply oil. Sleep with your hair in two braids or rope-braids, or a loose bun on top of your head. NEVER go to sleep with wet extensions. Doing so will cause matting or tangled hair.

For an extra layer of protection, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase and/or with a silk wrap/scarf/bonnet. 

*Bonus tip: apply your dry shampoo before bed to help absorb oil from the start.

Brushing

Regularly brushing your extensions is one of the most crucial steps for proper aftercare.

Start by holding your hair in a ponytail and brushing from the ends towards your hand with an extension-specific brush. Once detangled, release your hair.

Then, hold your wefts at the top near your scalp and brush from ends to scalp to reduce tension and prevent damage. If you avoid brushing near your scalp, your hair will start to mat and ruin your hair extensions.

Pro Tip: Brush your extensions a minimum of three times per day.

How to brush your hair with IBE
Shampoo your hair with Invisible Bead Extensions

Cleansing

  1. Before shampooing, separate your hair into rows and detangle each from ends to roots.

  2. Starting at the bottom with your natural hair, clip everything else up until you're ready for that section.

  3. Rinse each section thoroughly.

  4. Apply conditioner, leaving it on for at least three minutes before detangling with a wide-tooth comb.

  5. Use additional conditioner as needed with a detangling brush, then rinse.

  6. Dry gently with a microfiber towel or t-shirt before styling. Be cautious with tinted products, as extensions absorb color quickly.

Conditioning

Extensions are no longer receiving vital nutrients from the scalp; it is imperative to replenish that moisture.

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Apply conditioner from mid-shaft through the ends of hair and extensions. Allow the conditioner to remain on the extensions for a minimum of three minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Replace your conditioner with a mask or deep conditioner every 3-4 shampoos to replenish moisture.

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Helpful Tips

  • Avoid adding conditioner to the scalp. This will cause slipping of your beads.

  • Avoid purple or other tinted shampoos/conditioners, as your extensions are extremely porous and will grab the color WAY quicker than your own hair.

Hair conditioner for hair extensions
Blow Drying your hair with extensions

Drying

  • Towel dry your hair with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt, using squeezing motions to avoid friction and frizzing.

  • ​It's ok to let your extensions air dry, but be sure to blow-dry excess moisture from the root/scalp area.

  • ​NEVER go to bed with wet extensions.

  • DO NOT blow dry your hair upside down. NEVER round brush extensions from wet to dry.

  • Ensure the hair is 80 to 90 percent dry before using a round brush.

  • ​Working from the nape, start in sections, continuing up to the top of your head. 

Styling

  • Limit heat styling of your extensions to 2 times per wash.

  • Be sure hair is 100% dry before applying any hot tools (flat iron, curling iron, wavers, crimpers, etc.).

  • Always use a thermal heat protectant to protect hair.

  • DO NOT turn irons above 360 degrees, as hair melts at 410 degrees.

  • Use dry shampoo to extend the time between shampoos.

  • Sleeping in braids or rope braids can extend the life of your style. 

Bothell Hair Extensions
Caring for extensions while swimming

Sun & Swimming

Swimming with extensions can shorten their lifespan. Before swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water and apply leave-in conditioner to prevent absorption of water or chemicals.
 
Braid your hair tightly to prevent tangling beforehand, and shampoo and condition immediately after swimming.
 
Avoid sunscreens containing AVOBENZONE and OCTOCRYLENE, as they can cause extensions to turn orange or peach. While we aren't spraying sunscreen directly on our extensions, sometimes the overspray or what's on our neck, shoulders, and back can get on our extensions. Try a mineral sunscreen instead.

TroubleShooting

If you don't know, your extension wefts are hand-tied wefts; an actual human ties another human's hair to a string, strand by strand. This knot holds it together, and sometimes, it can get snagged or come undone. I can fix this quickly, but the entire weft may shed if left too long.

 

Also, if you're noticing chunk-like pieces of hair shedding, please get in touch with me immediately. Again, this is a quick fix, but it can result in a ruined weft if let go.

Invisible Bead Extensions
Goldie Locks Hair Extension Products

Products

Once you've washed and conditioned your hair, begin by applying leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends.

Then, proceed with styling products, reserving serums and oils for the final step to lock in moisture.

Steer clear of products containing high alcohol content, particularly hairspray, as they can dehydrate extensions.

Lastly, before brushing and braiding each night, gently apply a few drops of oil for added nourishment.

Helpful Tips

  • If you're experiencing extreme itching, I want you to wash your hair. Sometimes new hair can be sticking out from the packaging, but also be sure to blow dry your hair in a downward motion with the direction of the hair, and never upside down.

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  • Are you going to the gym or for a ride in the convertible or just with your window down? Be sure to secure your hair in braids or a ponytail if you're going to do anything that makes your hair start to tangle.

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  • Always keep a brush nearby to detangle your hair quickly.

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  • Don't forget that your extensions are attached to your head. Please make sure you or someone else doesn't pull on it.

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  • Please make sure you gently brush your hair at least three times per day.

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  • When shampooing and drying your hair, be sure to work in sections. Working from the nape to the top of your head. Securing the rest of your hair up with an alligator clip.

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