Last week I gave in and decided to get my hair done. I got micro-beads back in for the first time in over 3 years. I bought the hair myself from Hairspray on Henry Street. I went in and the girls in there were very helpful, they matched my colour and suggested how much hair I needed. I got a half a head (4-5 bales of hair) 22" Spanish hair. For the first couple of days they were a little painful just because they are so fresh and tight but that's totally normal and expected, but by now they have settled in and don't hurt anymore but pain is beauty and it was so worth it! When my hair was done all I wanted to do was to swish & hair flip!
So here are my top tips for taking care of and getting the most out of your extensions.
1) When you get your extentions try to let them settle in for 2-3 days before washing for the first time.
2) Aim to wash your hair once or twice a week but if you feel your hair needs to be freshened up dry shampoo is a great alternative to washing your hair. Only use it around the crown/frontal area on your natural hair as dry shampoo soaks up oil. As the extension hair is cut from source there is no nutrients or natural oils to keep it healthy and nourished like your own hair, so over washing and styling can have a drying effect on the hair overtime. However styling techniques will last longer in extension hair than in natural hair so once or twice a week becomes a little easier.
3) When washing, always have your head up. NEVER wash extensions upside down as this will cause the bonds to knot and tangle.
4) Moisturising your extensions is important. The extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils and so you need to have moisture added so spray in a small amount of leave in conditioner on mid lengths and ends, not the bonds or beads. This will prevent the hair becoming brittle, leading to split and ratty ends. I've been loving the Boots Coconut & Almomd range for my hair, I like to spray my hair every second day with the leave in conditioner and when I wash my hair I use the intense mask.
5) When washing your hair use shampoo and conditioners with no sulphate or harsh chemicals that will damage the extention hair.
6) Always brush out all knots before you wash your hair, swim or sleep. Start at the bottom and work your way up slowly. I find tangle teezers the best for this. The same goes for drying and styling, brush your hair well and use a large soft bristle roller brush when blow drying your hair to minimise pull and damage to the hair. I always use this GHD brush whether I have extentions or not, it always gives my hair a smooth sleek finish. If you spent a little extra time blow drying your hair this will eliminate any extra styling or heat eg straightening.
7) Use a good heat protection spray when blow drying, using straighteners, tongs or heated rollers. This will prevent your hair from drying out under the heat.
8) Always tie your hair back at night using a soft scrunchie or plat them to the side or behind, this will keep them tangle free during the night.
Here is a before & after of my hair. Even though this is just a half head of extentions you can see the extra volume and body is gives my hair.
If you have any questions about micro beads or any other kind of extentions comment below and I will get back to you.
Love,
A x
