top of page

At-Home Hair Care

     Whether you visit the salon for hair color or you pamper yourself to Hair Extensions, your at-home hair care is very important.  The products that you use and the routine that you put your hair through will determine how long your hair color lasts, how healthy your hair looks and the lifespan of your hair extensions.  It's true!

     When you come to the salon I will use high-end professional products, I can do treatments, and I can pamper your hair, but none of these things have as much impact as your day-to-day hair care routine. 

     Below I will list some steps that you can do at-home to keep your hair healthy, keep your color looking bright longer, and make your hair extensions last much longer!

     Coming into the salon to have your hair pampered or your extensions installed is definitely a treat but it's also an investment....please make sure to protect your investment at home!

​

                                                Annette C.  xoxo

website 10_edited.jpg

HOW TO WASH YOUR HAIR

  • Brush through your extensions before showering.  This will make sure they are tangle-free.

​

  • When choosing a shampoo and conditioner, purchase products that are sulfate-free..  Depending on your hair goals you want to look for products that treat color care, strength and moisture.   FOR EXTENSIONS, you want to choose products that will add moisture, and are light weight.  Some products can leave a film on the hair extensions.

​

  • When washing your hair, don't be afraid to get your fingers in-between the rows.  Put your fingers up near your scalp and really get everything clean.  Be gentle but direct.

​

  • You should never "scrub" your hair or your extensions.  This will create major frizz and you will damage the hair's cuticle.  Apply shampoo and squeeze the hair in a downward motion.  Put your fingertips near the scalp and wash the top of each row.   Rinse very well.  You do not want any product left over, this will cause build-up.  Repeat if needed.

​

  • Keep conditioner away from the scalp.  This can cause an oily scalp.  Apply the product and distribute it by squeezing or gently massaging into the hair.  Don't bundle up or do anything vigorous.  Rinse very well.  HAIR MASKS:  For your natural hair, I suggest a mask once a week.  Choose the mask based on your hair goals.  FOR EXTENSIONS, I actually don't like to put masks on hair extensions unless they are very dry.  They can be too heavy and cause the hair extensions to be weighed down. I can do special treatments for you in the salon that are a much better choice.

​

  • When drying your hair with a towel you want to be very gentle.  Always squeeze!  NEVER rub or scrub.  Drying your hair extensions with a towel in an aggressive way can dramatically reduce the life of your extensions and cause them to be very frizzy.

​

  • After shower products can be very important.  If you have dry hair or are wearing extensions I highly suggest a leave-in conditioner.  Again, you want a light weight product.  

​

AMB Shoot 11.JPG

HOW TO DRY YOUR HAIR

  • When brushing out your hair you also want to be very gentle.  Hair is the MOST susceptible to breakage when it is wet.  You should never tug at the hair.  You want to be sure you use a brush that has bendable bristles such as "The Wet Brush", this brush has bristles that move with the hair.  When brushing your hair or extensions, always start at the bottoms of the hair and work your way up. â€‹

​

  • Invest in a good heat protectant.  Spray in the hair, distribute by brushing.  Use your blowdryer on medium heat.  Keep your blowdryer pointed down to be sure the air is pushing the cuticle down.  Use the dryer to remove 80-90% of the moisture from the hair.  Brush through the hair to remove any tangles.  Your hair should be almost dry before you use your round brush.  Brushing wet hair causes tension and this can damage the hair, irritate your scalp and loosen the extensions.

​

  • Take the hair section by section and use your round brush to dry the hair the rest of the way.  Start at the neck and work your way around the head in small sections.  Clips can keep the job clean.  OPTION 2: My short on time method: Blow-dry the hair 100% dry.  Very important to keep the airflow going down the hair strands. (never point the dryer upward along the hair)  When hair is completely dry I section as above and flat iron all my hair taking small, thin sections.  This helps me to create frizz-free hair that looks silky and lasts for days!

  • Finish with light weight hair oil.  Distribute the oil all over the hair (avoiding the roots).  If needed apply a bit more to the very ends.  A good oil will soak into the hair and give moisture and shine.  

TSS - March 2020 - 17.jpg

HOW TO STYLE YOUR HAIR

  • Hair extensions are great for so many reasons! But one of the best things about them is how well they hold a style.  They can hold a curl or stay styled for dayssss!  This is great because it can dramatically reduce the amount of styling you have to do.

​

  • To curl your hair use a heat protectant.  Take small sections and curl your hair using your desired method.  I suggest smoothing the ends of the hair with the curling iron to give a more polished result.

  • To keep from burning or drying out the hair, keep the curling iron off high heat and try not to hold the hair on the iron longer than 5 seconds.  The heat protectant spray will help.  

​

  • For straight hair, again use the heat protectant.  Use a flat iron and go over the hair in small sections.  Use clips to keep the job clean.  Move the iron over each section in a slow but constantly moving motion.  Don't hold the iron on hair longer that 5 seconds in any one spot.

​

  • When wearing your hair up in any kind of ponytail or bun be sure to use a hair tie that is large enough to hold all the hair comfortably.  Once the hair is up, use your fingers to pull some of the hair around the head to release tension. (especially around your face)  If you are wearing weft extensions gently pulling some of the hair in the front near your anchor bead. By pulling this hair you will reduce tension off that bead.  If you choose to wear a "messy bun", I highly suggest you use a large, soft hair tie (scrunchy)  When you take this style down be sure to gently brush the hair.  That hairstyle can "scrunch" the hair and cause rough spots on the hair shaft.

​

  • Choose all finishing products carefully.  Alcohol based products can dry out the hair.  I suggest using a hair oil to finish off or polish the hair.  For a beachy look try a texture spray.  When styling hair extensions, you do not need a lot of any product.  Remember, the extensions will hold the style.

​

  • Most importantly...HAVE FUN!  Extensions are beautiful.  They accentuate your natural hair and allow you to do hair styles that you may not normally do.  Try new things!  Wear that braid you see all over social media and have fun with it!  

MY WEBSITE PIC 2.JPG

EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR

EXTENSIONS

  • As I mentioned before if you take care of your extensions, they will last much longer.  If you choose not to care for them and not to follow these suggestions they will not last as long.  They will become very dry, they will tangle and they will break at the ends. 

​

  • To extend the extensions life invest in a good, light-weight oil.   Never use oil that is not meant for hair.  Regular coconut oil, avocado oil or any seed oil is not good for extensions.

​

  • Never leave the extensions wet for a prolonged amount of time or go to bed with wet hair, this can cause matting.

​

  • At bedtime put the hair into a loose, low braid. (not tight)  This helps to keep the hair contained and sleek. 

​

  • If the hair needs coloring ,always see a professional.  It's crucial they use good quality products. Some services are not appropriate for hair extensions so seeing a professional will help to decide that.

​

  • FOR MY MERMAIDS: It's normal to want to go to the pool or beach with your extensions.  Both of these are VERY hard on hair extensions.  The chemicals and salty hair will wear down the hair quickly.  While at the beach wear your hair in a bun or braid.  Or, wear a hat to cover the hair.  WARNING! Keep sunscreen away from hair extensions.  It will discolor them. (be careful of your hair rubbing your back when you have sunscreen on) When going to the pool try to keep your extensions out of the water.  If you choose to go in the water, BE SURE to wet the hair before going in.  **Imagine your extensions are a dish sponge.  If the sponge is dry and you put it in water it will absorb water until full.  If the sponge is already wet and you put it in water it will absorb very little water.  If you can add some leave-in spray conditioner to the hair before going in the water..even better!

​

  • Find balance with your washing schedule. Try not to wash the hair everyday.  Washing the hair too often can dry out the hair.  Find a great dry shampoo.  If you have oily scalp or need to wash every day it is crucial you are using superior products and being careful using heat everyday.  Learn a few no-heat styles.

​

  • On the other hand it is important that you don't go too long in-between washes.  Hair products, natural scalp oils, pollutants in the air, and so much more is layering on your hair everyday.  This will form a layer on the extensions and can be hard to remove.  Not washing the hair enough will dramatically reduce the life of your extensions.  Find a balance. 

​

  • Brush your hair often.  Keeping a small extension brush in your bag.  This keeps the hair smooth, the cuticle tight and eliminates the chance of matting.  When brushing, don't be afraid to get near the weft top.  You need to be brushing the entire weft.  Be gentle but remove any knots. 

​

  • Every few days run your hands along the top of your rows to inspect the extensions. If you feel anything concerning, any matting or bumps on your scalp be sure to let me know ASAP.  Most of the time any issues that are reported are nothing or are minor adjustments.  However, if left unattended certain issues can be become a problem.

​

  • Don't over do it with toning shampoo.  Certain ones can dry out the hair.   These shampoos are great for neutralizing unwanted tones but they can also turn the hair unwanted colors.   This looks terrible, is hard to remove and can make the extensions not match your hair anymore.  It's better to come into the salon for a toning treatment.  It lasts longer and is moisturizing.

  • Black Instagram Icon
  • Facebook Basic Black
  • Twitter Basic Black

Est. 2017 Annette Marie Beauty LLC.

bottom of page