Cleansing & Washing Your Extensions
For best results, we recommend washing your hair 1–2 times per week using Goldie Locks Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner. Washing too frequently can shorten the lifespan of your extension hair — but real life happens, so don’t stress if you need to wash more often from time to time.
Before You Wash
Always brush out every single tangle before getting your hair wet — yes, alllll of them. If you have multiple rows, section your hair half up / half down so you can properly cleanse between each row.
Shampoo
Gently shampoo as you normally would, focusing on the scalp. Be mindful to avoid rubbing the ends together, as this can cause unnecessary tangling.
Conditioner
Apply conditioner from the ears down, including your face-framing pieces. Avoid applying conditioner directly at the scalp or where the extensions are tied in to prevent buildup.
Use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to gently comb the conditioner through before rinsing. Keeping tangles to an absolute minimum is key to long-lasting extensions.
Washing More Often? Try the “Half Wash”
If daily washing is a must for you, the half wash is a great option to preserve your extensions.
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Section off the top portion of your hair
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Braid your extensions to keep them out of the way
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Place your head directly under the sink, faucet, or shower
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Shampoo and condition only your natural hair at the top
After Washing
Apply a Goldie Locks leave-in conditioner before drying
DRYING
Gently squeeze the water out of your hair, do not rub! You should moisturize your hair daily, with a leave in conditioner/serum/oil depending on your personal hair texture. Make sure before drying you protect your hair with a heat protectant.
Follow with brushing through with a wet brush/wide tooth comb. Before drying make sure each row is completely brushed out from the top of the weft, to the bottom. I don’t recommend letting your extensions air dry, but if you wish make sure the top of the row (where is is attached to your head) is completely dry to prevent matting and molding.
YOUR HAIR MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY BEFORE GOING TO BED.
PRODUCTS
I suggest investing in high quality products as they help extend the life of your extensions that is why I work exclusively with Goldie Locks products.
You should be oiling your hair everyday from the ears down and using a leave in conditioner after every wash. Heat protectant is a MUST when using your hot tools and make sure the temperature isn't over 360.
SLEEPING
I recommend to braid your hair or put in a low bun for sleep. It’s also best to sleep on a silk pillowcase (this is great for your face AND hair). Cotton pillowcases can cause frizz and split ends over time. Silk pillowcases are much more gentle on your hair.
Do not sleep on your extensions while they’re wet, it will damage your natural hair and can cause matting and mold.
STYLING
As far as tools go, you can straighten and curl your hair like normal! When using hot tools, don’t forget to apply a heat protectant before you use heat. Obviously, the less hot tools you use, the better, as it drys out your hair.
You will notice that you need to style your hair WAY less with extensions because it holds the style SO well. With extensions, you can curl your hair after you wash & dry it and then just touch up the curls as the week goes on, until you wash your hair again. This will honestly save you so much time!
Brush your hair multiple times a day (to avoid excessive tangles/matting). It’s best to use a wet brush or wide tooth comb for gentle effectiveness. It is very important that you brush all the way up to the seam of your extensions to prevent matting at the root or "top" of the wefts. It is ALSO very important that you are careful as you are brushing near the top of wefts or where the extensions are sewn in. If you brush over the seam too vigorously, you may end up destroying the wefts which will then need to be replaced at your maintenance appointment.
You can totally put your hair up in a high-pony or bun (IBE is the best for this! You don’t have to worry about seeing beads or tape!). This is most women get excited about, because who doesn't loooove throwing their hair up in a messy bun!
SWIMMING
The big question – Can you swim with extensions? Yes – BUT there are minerals found in some water that can react poorly with your extensions and can cause discoloration or dry them out.
When it comes to the ocean, things do change a bit. The salt water can be extremely drying and cause severe matting. I recommend having your extensions removed before vacation if you plan on swimming in the ocean.
To avoid this, I advise to do the following:* Wet your hair before getting into the pool/lake, etc. After wetting, apply a leave in conditioner or hair mask.* Comb your conditioner or mask through your hair, then braid it or put it in a tight bun or pony.* Brush & wash your hair immediately after swimming.*
Beware of sunscreen, most brands contain ingredients that will turn your extensions a brassy orange or peach colour. Look for a mineral based sunscreen. Stay away from any sunscreen that includes "Avobenzone" as an ingredient.
