Styling your hair extensions can really be the key to unlocking your inner confidence. From adding length and volume to creating intricate updos, working out how to finesse your extensions is critical.
To achieve stunning results and maintain the longevity of your extensions, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of hair extension styling.
In this guide, we'll share our industry tips and salon-quality guidelines to help you rock your hair extensions with confidence.
The Don'ts of Hair Extension Styling
Before we get into the tips and tricks of how to keep your hair extensions shiny and healthy, let’s get into some big no-nos when it comes to styling and caring for your hair extensions.
Don't apply excessive heat
On top of this, limit the frequency of heat styling as much as possible to maintain the integrity and longevity of your extensions. After all, you probably don’t really need glamour waves to go to the post office.
Avoid using high temperatures and limit the frequency of heat styling to maintain the integrity and longevity of your extensions.
Don't sleep with wet extensions
Sleep in a puddle, you’ll get your extensions in a muddle. That’s right, wet hair is more susceptible to tangling and breakage.
This is why it’s so, so important to make sure your extensions are fully dry before heading to bed. We recommend letting your extensions air-dry until they’re about 80% dry, then blow drying on a low to medium heat until fully dry.
To avoid tangling and breakage while sleeping, loosely braid your hair and secure it with a silk scrunchie. Bonus points for a silk pillowcase!
Don't neglect proper maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your extensions in optimal condition. Brush them gently and make sure to wash with sulphate-free, extension-friendly products. We love Muvo’s range of extension-friendly, high quality hair care.
If you have temporary extensions, store them properly when not in use.
Don't tug or pull
Your extensions are an investment – make sure to treat them with the love they deserve.
When detangling or styling, take your time and handle with care to prevent damage and prolong their lifespan. If you want them to last, you have to show them love!
Don't skip regular check-ups
If you have a semi-permanent extension style like tapes or wefts, don’t skip your maintenance appointments!
Our extensions are designed to be non-damaging to your natural hair, but you need to use them the way they were intended. Follow your stylist’s professional advice and attend your maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks to avoid putting stress on your natural hair.
If that doesn’t suit your lifestyle, consider a temporary extension style. Our halo extensions can be worn every day, and only take a few seconds to apply.
With temporary extensions, you can wear them as little or as often as you like without risking damage to your hair by skipping an appointment.
The Dos of Hair Extension Styling
Now we’ve covered what not to do, let’s get into the fun part!
Do use heat protectant
The golden rule of heat styling: always use heat protectant.
While no product can offer 100% protection from heat, you can drastically minimise damage to keep your extensions healthy.
We love the MUVO Revolution Leave-In Treatment for extensions. Why? Because not only does this product offer heat protection up to 220º, but also hydrates and moisturises at the same time.
Do use the right tools
Make sure to invest in high-quality heat styling tools for your extensions. Make sure any heat styling tools have temperature control, too. We love the Bondi Boost Airburst Styler for its versatility and unique hair protection properties.
Don’t forget the essentials, either! We think everyone should have a sectioning brush and alligator clips in their toolkit for easy and efficient styling.
Do choose extension-friendly hairstyles
While you can achieve any style with extensions, some cause more tension and stress than others.
Loose updos and waves are always a safe choice. The great news? Hair extensions make these styles look incredible!
Save slicked-back ponytails and other tight styles for special occasions, as they can place stress on the extension bonds. Alternatively, slick back your hair, high or low, and add a ponytail extension for instant volume and length in ponytail or bun styles.
Do style with care
Slow and steady wins the race! When brushing or combing your extensions, be extra careful in handling them, starting from the ends and working your way back up.
This avoids tugging or causing damage. Also make sure to use a detangling brush or a loop brush designed specifically for extensions to detangle gently.
Do experiment with different looks
Hair extensions can offer so many varied styling possibilities, so why settle for one? From cute, messy updos to glamour waves, your new favourite look may be just around the corner.
Do consult a professional
Visiting your trusted professional hairstylist is always a good idea. They will be able to cut your extensions to blend seamlessly with your natural hair, and might even be happy to show you how to style them.
Salon professionals are smooth operators when it comes to personalised recommendations, so why do it alone?
Remember, high-quality hair extensions like ours are made of 100% remy human hair, which means they need to be treated with care.
Remy hair extensions will give you the most beautiful, natural-looking results. Just remember that unlike natural hair, they don’t receive moisture from the scalp, so you’ve got to stay on top of hydration.
Let’s recap. When styling hair extensions, remember to choose extension-friendly styles and always use heat protectant to preserve their quality and longevity. Don’t be afraid to consult a professional, and always handle with care.
Got it? We knew you would.
Remember, styling your extensions is your playground – have fun, get creative, and explore the endless styling possibilities you’ve now unlocked!