Virgin hair extensions can instantly transform your look, but achieving that stunning look isn’t just about the initial installation—it’s about the ongoing care and maintenance that ensures your extensions look brand new every day.

Proper care for your virgin hair extensions is vital for maintaining their quality. Understanding the best practices for taking care of your extensions will keep them healthy and make them last a long time.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to keeping your virgin hair extensions in top-notch condition.

Washing Your Virgin Hair Extensions

Even though regular washing is essential, over-washing can do more harm than good. Frequent washing will wear your virgin hair extensions out. Washing them every 5-7 wears is good enough. I’m sure you hear about using sulfate-free products all the time. Sulfate isn’t inherently wrong as it helps the shampoo strip oil and dirt away from the hair. However, the hair needs to retain a bit of its natural moisture and oils to stay healthy, but sulfates unfortunately do too much and may strip away too much moisture, leaving the hair dry and unhealthy. When washing, be gentle. Avoid scrubbing or rough movements to prevent tangling and breakage.

Deep Conditioning

If you know you’re one of those people who save workout videos without ever working out, you also probably read and wash a ton of hair care tips without practicing them, but you see this deep conditioning, you can’t afford to not deep condition your virgin hair extensions, this is what will make your extensions moisturized, a well-moisturized extension will not get dry so that it won’t shed as much, it won’t be tangled and will last you a lot longer.

Give your extensions a deep conditioning treatment at least every two weeks. There are many conditioners and hair masks specifically formulated for deep moisture, but natural ones like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil will never let you down. When you apply the deep conditioner generously, leave it on for 15-30 minutes to allow the product to penetrate the hair shaft.

Using the Right Products

Again, you’re not going to condone products containing sulfate and alcohol. Remember how much your virgin hair costs, and meticulously look for products that are free of these. Using natural oils in your hair is always a safe option. As I stated earlier, oils like argon, coconut, and jojoba oil are excellent choices. Apply a small amount of oil everywhere, especially to the ends, to keep them from drying out.

Sunscreen for hair may sound too boujee, but it does exist. UV rays can make your natural hair and extensions dry and brittle. Use a leave-in conditioner or spray with UV protection, especially if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period. Let’s not forget heat protectant when you’re doing heat styling.

Drying Your Extensions

Now that you’ve finished washing and deep conditioning, you must know proper drying methods are essential to maintaining your extensions’ health. After washing, gently and carefully pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water if you have nowhere else to be, or let your extensions air dry. Hang them up or lay them flat on a clean towel. I like to avoid heat whenever possible, but if you don’t have the time to wait for your extension to dry naturally, choose a relaxed setting on your blow dryer to avoid damaging the hair.

Brushing and Detangling

Tangles are the enemy of hair extensions. You want to brush your hair now and then to keep it as smooth and tangle-free as possible. To do this, throw your brush and use a wide-tooth comb. Sometimes, even fingers do an excellent job of detangling. Start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid pulling and breaking the hair. It goes without saying that you should never yank or pull on knots.

Styling Your Extensions

Unfortunately, heat styling is usually just the simpler and more straightforward way to style your virgin hair extension. Don’t put those strands through the stress of heat styling by consistently applying a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools because heat can cause significant damage to your extensions so fast your head will spin. Using these styling tools on a low to medium heat setting is good. They will still get the job done when you can limit the use of heat and give another heat-less styling method a chance. This tip would make your extensions live longer.

Sleeping with Extensions

You’ve had a long day and need a good rest. Are you going to be bothered by those hair extensions? Yes. Start with sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, which can cause frizz and breakage. Consider wearing a silk or satin nightcap for extra protection. A satin nightcap keeps your hair contained and reduces friction further. Silk is great. No matter how tired you are, please don’t doze off with wet hair; your virgin hair extensions will magically transform into a bird’s net by the following day. Okay, maybe not, but it will cause severe tangling, and you will spend the time you don’t have detangling.

Storage

When you remove your extensions, proper storage keeps them ready for their subsequent use with no hassle. So ensure your extensions are clean and completely dry before storing them to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Comb it and ensure it’s free from tangles before storing it in a breathable fabric bag or box, or use a hair hanger to protect it from dust and dirt.

By following these best practices, you’ll keep your extensions looking stunning and feeling soft, ensuring your investment pays off with every wear. Your extensions will maintain their natural beauty and longevity, allowing you to flaunt fabulous hair day after day. Long live your virgin hair extensions!