Hair extensions are an investment and when you invest in SWAY, you know you’re getting the best human hair that is made to look and feel as natural as your own. But for extensions to look their absolute best, it takes more than just a good fitting. It's also how you maintain them on a daily basis that can have a significant effect on their lifespan, shine, and how they blend with your natural hair.
From styling in the morning to bedtime, or even hitting the gym, different activities throughout the day can have an effect on the appearance and health of your hair extensions. In our guide, we'll cover all of the best ways to protect yourSWAY hair extensions from day to night, along with expert tips on styling, sleeping, working out, and swimming.
How to Protect Hair Extensions During the Day
Did you know that your daily routine can affect the appearance and lifespan of your extensions? At SWAY, we take your daily brushing, styling, washing, and overall care of your extensions very seriously!
We understand that life is busy, but caring for your extensions in your day-to-day life will help make sure they always look their best. Read on to find out how your daily routine can impact your hair extensions!
Brushing & Detangling Your Extensions Correctly
Brushing your extensions regularly is the best way to keep tangles at bay and your extensions looking great. It will also help the extensions blend well with your natural hair. Always use aprofessional paddle brush oroval brush designed specifically for hair extensions.
Gently brush from the ends of your hair to the roots and don’t pull or tug on the bonds or wefts as you brush. This can cause damage to your natural hair and extensions.
Brush your extensions two to three times per day (morning, midday, and evening) to keep your extensions looking healthy. Be sure to hold the roots when brushing your extensions to prevent pulling on the bonds or tape. This is especially important if you haveNano Bonds orTape Extensions.
Protecting Extensions from Heat Damage
As SWAY extensions are made with Remy human hair, you can style them using straighteners, curling wands, and blow dryers. When using any heat styling tools, you should always use aheat protectant spray beforehand and keep them on a low setting, no more than 180 degrees. Wherever possible, opt for heatless styling, such as braids and rollers to give your extensions a rest and still create gorgeous waves and curls.
Shielding Extensions From the Weather
Did you know that sun, wind, and air pollution can all impact your hair extensions? If you live in a hot climate or somewhere that gets a lot of sun exposure, UV rays can make the extensions fade and dry out.
If you live in a damp or humid climate, this can also make your extensions frizz or matt. To protect from sun damage, use aThe Hair Hero to protect your extensions from damage. You can also tie your hair up in a loose braid to stop tangles in windy weather.
How to Protect Hair Extensions at Night Time
It’s not just the things you do during the day that can impact the health of your extensions, it’s also the things you do before you sleep. Yawning and tossing around in your sleep can cause kinks, tangles, friction, and general stress on your bonds or wefts.
Brush Before Bed
Take a brush through your extensions before you hit the hay, smoothing your hair and taking care of any knots. Tie your hair up loosely in a braid or a low ponytail to keep your hair in place and to stop it from matting while you sleep.
If you have longer hair, one big braid down the back is best. If you have shorter extensions, two braids at the side are a great option.
Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Rubbing up against a cotton pillowcase as you sleep causes friction on your hair, leading to tangling and dryness over time. Simply swap to a silk or satin pillowcase and you’ll notice a huge difference as the hair slides across the pillow as you move in your sleep. This helps keep your natural hair and your extensions healthy and untangled, making a big difference to how soft and shiny your extensions look in the morning.
Night-Time Hydration
SWAY’s Hydrate System will nourish your extensions, helping your colour and style to last salon-fresh for longer. To avoid dryness, especially if you prefer to sleep with your hair braided, add a lightweighthair oil to the mid-lengths through the ends before bedtime.
How to Protect Hair Extensions at the Gym
Whether you’re in the gym or playing your favourite sport, sweat and friction can affect the lifespan of your hair extensions. Here are a few ways you can care for your extensions while exercising.
Tying Back Your Hair
We always recommend that you tie your hair back in a loose low ponytail, braid, or bun during your workouts to help reduce tangles and matting. Avoid tying it too tightly as this can pull on the bonds or wefts at the roots, causing tension on your scalp.
Forhigh-impact sports, we recommend creating a braided style to keep your hair securely in place. This will also help to minimise friction caused by clothing or workout equipment.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Sweat is made up of natural salts and oils from the body. These can cause the extensions to dry out over time if they're not properly cared for.
Let your scalp breathe and pat off excess moisture with a towel after your workout. For those who wash their hair after sweating, we recommend usingSWAY’s Hydrate Shampoo andConditioner in order to maintain moisture.
Outdoor Workout Tips
If you areexercising outdoors, keep in mind that your extensions may be affected by long periods in the sun’s UV rays, wind, and pollution. It may be beneficial to use a protective spray before your workout and tie your hair back in a neat braid to minimise tangling.
How to Protect Hair Extensions While Swimming
If you’re going on holiday or swimming regularly, then it’s necessary to take extra precautions with your SWAY extensions in chlorinated pools and/or salt water. Chlorine and salt can dry out the hair and deteriorate the tapes/bonds/wefts when not taking the proper steps of prevention.
Preparing Your Extensions to Swim
Always pre-moisturise your natural hair and extensions with fresh and clean water, before swimming. This will help limit the amount ofchlorine/salt absorbed into your hair. Apply a small amount ofSWAY’s Hydrate Conditioner to your hair prior to swimming to give a protective barrier to your hair and to help minimise the drying effect.
Styling Your Hair for Swimming
Secure the extensions in a loose braid or under a swim cap. This will help prevent the hair from tangling while you're in the water. Do not leave the extensions loose in the water as salt and chlorine can cause the hair to matt if it is moving around freely.
Everyday Styling Tips to Protect Your Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are a fantastic way to look fabulous, but the true secret to keeping them flawless lies in the hairstyles you wear them in on a daily basis. Choosing low-tension, protective hairstyles can help to extend the life of your extensions and keep them shiny and glamorous!
Opt for Low-Tension Styles
High ponytails and tight braids might look stylish, but they can place a lot of stress on your bonds and wefts. Opt for low ponytails, loose braids, and soft waves instead to reduce tension while still looking put together.
Try Heatless Styling Options
Experimenting with heatless styling options can help to minimise damage and dryness over time. Overnight braids, foam rollers, and flexi rods are all great tools for achieving soft curls and waves without using heat styling tools.
How to Protect Hair Extensions: FAQs
1. How frequently should I wash my extensions?
Try not to wash your hair too often as it can dry out your extensions. Washing two to three times a week is best for maintaining your extensions. Use SWAY’s Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner for the best results.
2. Is it ok to sleep with wet extensions?
You should never sleep with wet hair extensions. Sleeping with wet hair will cause it to tangle and mat. Make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping.
3. Can I do high-impact workouts with my SWAY extensions?
Yes! High-intensity workouts are fine with SWAY extensions, but take the extra precaution of tying your hair back in a braid or low ponytail to minimise friction during your workouts. Also, be sure to wash/rinse out your extensions if you tend to sweat a lot while working out.
4. Can I swim with my SWAY extensions?
Yes, but take some precautions before getting in the water. Pre-moisturise your hair with fresh water, apply SWAY’s Hydrate Conditioner, and rinse with fresh water again. Chlorine and other pool chemicals can dry out and cause tangles in your hair extensions.
5. How do I avoid tangling my hair overnight?
Brush your extensions, tie your hair back in a loose braid or low ponytail, and use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction between your hair and the pillow while you sleep.
