Ensuring your clients will LOVE their new extensions once they leave your chair can be tough, especially if you do not set them up for success. Giving them the right tools to help maintain their new gorgeous extensions is the key to their happiness with them. They just spent a lot of money on their hair, now we have to teach them how to keep that hair looking amazing throughout the life of the extensions.

PRODUCT

It is a MUST before they even leave the salon to make sure they are set up with the right products for their new extensions. Using quality shampoo and conditioner will help ensure that extensions don’t become dry and dull. Make sure to explain that they should not use anything that sulfates. It can break down the bond faster than wanted and can also strip the color and essential oils from not only the extensions, but their own hair. When using styling products, I always advise to use lightweight products so they do not cause build up on the extensions.

BRUSHING

It is important to teach your clients how to brush their extensions properly. Using a soft bristle brush, nylon extension brush or a looper brush with help  them detangle their hair without damaging it. Extension hair is similar to natural hair when it comes to brushing and detangling. Have your client start at the bottom of their hair working their way up to the top. I always suggestion holding the section in one hand and detangling it with the other, it helps so they do not put stress on the hair. Making sure they know to be gentle with their extensions as pulling can create breakage and can run the risk of pulling an extension out with being too rough.

WASHING

Washing is vital to the upkeep of the hair extensions. As clients sit in my chair, I show them the correct motion they should be using when washing at home so they know how it should feel. In a slow motion, wash the extensions from the top down while gently working the shampoo in, then rinse. Apply the conditioner to the mid shaft of the hair, all the way to then ends, working through the hair to help avoid tangles. Make sure they know not to scrub too hard which could cause matting and/or breakage to their own hair.

HOT TOOLS

Using heat and hot tools is perfectly fine as long as they do not concentrate the heat at the root of their hair where the bond is placed. Remind them that they were put in with heat and too much heat can cause them to slip or become sticky. Also make sure the temperature of the hot tool is not too hot, they don’t want to damage the extensions.

SLEEPING

To ensure their extensions do not tangle while they are sleeping I always suggest having them sleep in a low ponytail or a low braid. Also, an important thing clients needs to remember is, to never go to bed with their extensions wet. It can cause horrible matting to the extensions and their own hair.

REGULAR TRIMS

Even the finest quality extensions need regular maintenance just like a client’s natural hair would need. I always suggest to my clients to schedule ever 5-6 weeks a trim with the extensions. It also gives you the chance to see how they are maintaining the extensions. It’s a great way if needed to refresh them on how to take care of the their extensions.