How to Care for Your Hair Extensions in Dubai?

Dubai’s glamorous vibe makes it perfect for rocking stunning hair extensions, but they need proper care to stay fabulous.

Whether you’re rocking clip-ins, tape-ins, or sew-ins, here’s an extremely comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide to caring for your hair extensions in Dubai.

Gentle Handling

• Use the Right Tools: A wide-tooth comb or a special extension brush works wonders. Regular brushes can tug and pull at the bonds, causing damage.
• Start from the Bottom: Always start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This method helps minimize breakage and keeps your extensions smooth.
• Be Gentle: Take your time and be patient. Rushing through the process can lead to tangles and damage.
• Avoid Tugging: Be mindful when putting on or taking off clothes, and avoid hairstyles that pull tightly on your extensions.
• Sleep Care: Braid your hair or tie it in a loose ponytail before bed to prevent tangling. Silk pillowcases are also a great investment as they reduce friction.

Washing Routine

• Washing Frequency: Aim to wash your extensions every 1-2 weeks, depending on how much product you use and how sweaty you get. On days between washes, use a dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh and voluminous.
• Prep Your Hair: Before washing, detangle your hair thoroughly to prevent knots.
• Gentle Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and focus on the scalp, letting the suds run through the lengths without scrubbing the extensions too hard.
• Conditioning: Apply a hydrating conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots to prevent loosening the bonds.
• Cool Water Rinse: Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle and keep your extensions smooth and shiny. Ensure all product is washed out to avoid buildup, which can weigh down your extensions.

Drying Methods

• Air Drying: Gently pat your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing as it can cause tangling and frizz. If time permits, let your hair air dry as this method is the gentlest and helps maintain the integrity of your extensions.
• Blow Drying: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat tools. Set your blow dryer to a low or cool setting to avoid excessive heat damage. Start by drying your roots, then move to the mid-lengths and ends. Use a nozzle attachment to direct the airflow and a round brush to smooth the hair.

Styling Precautions

• Heat Styling: Try to limit the use of heat tools like straighteners and curling irons. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature below 180°C (350°F) to prevent damage.
• Styling Products: Use lightweight products to avoid buildup. Mousse, lightweight serums, and sprays are preferable. Avoid alcohol-based products as these can dry out your extensions, making them look dull and brittle.
• Hair Accessories: Avoid metal clips that can snag and tear your extensions. Opt for fabric-covered elastics and clips. Choose loose hairstyles to avoid stress on the bonds and your natural hair.

Proper Storage

• Clean Before Storing: Ensure your extensions are clean and completely dry before storing them. This prevents mold and bacteria buildup. Brush through your extensions to remove any knots.
• Storage Solutions: The packaging your extensions came in is often a great storage solution. It keeps them tangle-free and organized. If you don’t have the original packaging, use a breathable storage bag or box. Avoid plastic bags as they can create a humid environment. For clip-ins, use a hanger with clips to keep them straight and untangled.
• Storage Location: Store your extensions in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can dry out and fade the hair. Avoid high humidity areas, which can cause extensions to frizz and lose their style. A closet or drawer is usually a good spot.

Care Tips for Different Types of Extensions

Clip-ins

• Gentle Handling: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or extension brush before and after each use.
• Minimal Washing: Wash every 15-20 wears using sulfate-free shampoo; focus on the hair, not the clips.
• Proper Drying: Pat dry with a microfiber towel and air dry flat.
• Storage: Store in original packaging or on an extension hanger; ensure they’re completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.

Tape-ins

• Gentle Brushing: Use an extension brush, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.
• Avoid Roots: Don’t apply conditioner or oil directly to the tape bonds.
• Careful Washing: Use sulfate-free shampoo; condition from mid-length to ends.
• Drying Method: Blow dry on a cool setting, focusing on the roots and tape bonds first.
• Heat Precautions: Use a heat protectant spray; keep temperatures below 180°C (350°F).

Sew-ins

• Daily Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or specialized weave brush, starting from the ends.
• Scalp Moisturizing: Use light oils to prevent dryness and itching.
• Weekly Washing: Use sulfate-free shampoo, focusing on the scalp and weave base.
• Deep Conditioning: Apply from mid-length to ends, avoiding the weft.
• Thorough Drying: Ensure the hair is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.
• Styling Precautions: Use moderate heat and a heat protectant; opt for looser hairstyles.

Fusion

• Gentle Brushing: Use an extension-friendly brush, detangling from ends to roots.
• Sleep Care: Tie the extensions in a loose braid or ponytail before bed.
• Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Focus on the scalp; condition from mid-length to ends, avoiding the bonds.
• Air Drying: Air Drying is Ideal, but if you decide to blow dry, use a low heat setting.
• Heat Precautions: Use moderate heat and a heat protectant; avoid direct heat on the keratin bonds.

Micro-link

• Gentle Handling: Brush and style gently, starting from the ends and working up.
• Scalp Care: Keep the scalp clean and moisturized to prevent itching and dryness.
• Washing Routine: Use sulfate-free shampoo, focusing on the scalp; condition from mid-length to ends.
• Air Drying: Air drying is preferred, but if you use a blow dryer, set it to low heat and ensure roots and micro-links are completely dry.
• Styling Precautions: Use moderate heat settings and a heat protectant; choose looser hairstyles to avoid tension on the beads.

Common Issues and Solutions for Hair Extensions

Tangles and Matting

• Regular Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb or a special extension brush daily, starting from the ends and working up to the roots to prevent knots and keep your hair silky.
• Sleep Care: Tie your hair in a loose braid or ponytail before bed and consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent tangling.
• Gentle Washing: Avoid harsh scrubbing when washing. Gently massage shampoo through your hair and rinse thoroughly, followed by a hydrating conditioner from mid-length to ends.

Shedding

• Gentle Handling: Always handle your extensions carefully, especially when brushing and washing, to avoid loosening the bonds and causing shedding.
• Minimize Heat Use: Limit the use of heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant when you do use them to prevent weakening the bonds.
• Extension-Specific Products: Use hair care products designed for extensions to avoid harsh chemicals that can increase shedding, and schedule regular maintenance appointments with your stylist to check and reattach any loose strands.

Loss of Shine

• Hydration: Use hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and consider a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep your extensions moisturized and shiny.
• Avoid Overwashing: Extend the time between washes by using dry shampoo to maintain your hair’s natural oils and prevent dullness.
• Add Shine: Apply a few drops of argan oil or a similar lightweight oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, and always use a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools to prevent damage and maintain shine.

Conclusion

In Dubai’s chic atmosphere and desert climate, caring for your hair extensions is essential for keeping them as glamorous as the city itself.

Whether you choose clip-ins, tape-ins, or sew-ins, gentle care, proper washing, and smart storage are key to maintaining their allure. Keep your extensions looking stunning amid Dubai’s stylish lifestyle with these essential tips!

Also Read: The Importance of a Good Consultation Before a Haircut in Dubai