Love that instant volume? To ensure your set has a long lifespan, proper maintenance is key. If your hair is losing its shine, you need to know How Do You Wash Clip In Hair Extensions the right way. Unlike natural hair, extensions require a specific care routine to remain silky and tangle-free. Master this simple process, and your extensions will look brand new for months.
How Do You Wash Clip In Hair Extensions? The Big Question Answered
One of the most common things I get asked is simply, “do you wash clip in hair extensions?” The short answer is: absolutely, yes! However, the way you do it matters immensely. Unlike your natural hair, extensions aren’t attached to your scalp, which means they don’t receive the natural oils (sebum) that protect and hydrate your own strands.
Because they lack this natural hydration source, they don’t get greasy as quickly as your own hair. But, on the flip side, once you wash them, they can dry out if you don’t replenish that moisture manually. So, while the answer is yes, think of it more like washing a delicate fabric than scrubbing your scalp in the shower.
How Often Should You Really Be Washing Them?
Here is where many people go wrong. If you are washing your extensions every week, stop! You are loving them to death. Since they don’t accumulate scalp oils, you really only need to wash them every 15 to 20 wears.
Yes, you read that right. Unless you’ve used a mountain of hairspray, or you’ve been sweating profusely at a summer festival, they can go a long time between washes. Washing them too often will strip the hair of moisture and shorten their lifespan. If they look visibly dirty or become difficult to style, that’s your cue.
Gathering Your Arsenal: What You Need
Before you even turn on the tap, let’s make sure you have the right tools. You wouldn’t paint a masterpiece without the right brushes, right?
Choosing the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Stay away from products containing sulfates and alcohol. Sulfates are the detergents that create foam, but they are incredibly drying. Since your extensions are already prone to dryness, sulfates are the enemy. Look for moisturizing, sulfate xfree, and alcohol free shampoos and conditioners. High-quality products make a world of difference here.
Essential Tools for the Job
- A wide tooth comb or a dedicated loop brush (extension brush).
- A clean sink or deep bowl.
- A towel (microfiber is best to reduce frizz).
- Leave in conditioner or hair oil.
Pre Wash Ritual: Detangling is Non Negotiable
Imagine trying to wash a necklace that is knotted up; it’s a disaster waiting to happen. The same logic applies here. Before water touches the hair, lay each weft out flat. Gently brush them starting from the bottom tips and slowly working your way up to the clips. This prevents snapping the hair. If you skip this step, the water will lock those tangles in, and you’ll have a nightmare on your hands later.
Step by Step Guide to Washing Your Extensions
Ready to dive in? Let’s break this down so it’s foolproof.
Step 1: Preparing the Water Bath
Plug your sink and fill it with lukewarm water. Never use hot water! Hot water opens the hair cuticle too much, leading to frizz and dryness. You want the water to be comfortable to the touch. Squirt about two pumps of your sulfate-free shampoo into the water and swish it around to create a soapy bath.
Step 2: The Gentle Dunk and Cleanse
Take one weft at a time. Hold it by the clips (to keep the clips dry ish and prevent rusting, although most are stainless steel, it’s good practice). Dip the hair into the water. Do not rub the hair together. I repeat, do not scrub!
Instead, gently dunk the hair up and down and use your fingers to stroke the shampoo down the length of the strands. Imagine you are hand washing fine cashmere. If the clips get wet, it’s fine, but try to focus the washing on the hair strands.
Step 3: Rinsing Without Tangling
Once cleansed, drain the soapy water and rinse the sink. Run cool water from the tap and hold the weft under the stream. Let the water flow from the clips down to the ends. This ensures the cuticles lay flat, keeping the hair shiny. Rinse until the water runs clear and there are no bubbles left.
Conditioning: Breathing Life Back into the Hair
This is the most critical step. Since the hair is “dead” (disconnected from the root), conditioner is its only source of nutrients.
The Deep Conditioning Method
Apply a generous amount of conditioner from the mid-shaft down to the ends. Avoid the clips, as conditioner can make them slippery and cause the wefts to slide out when you are wearing them later.
For the best results, leave the conditioner on for at least 10 to 15 minutes. If you have the time, put the extensions in a shower cap and let them sit for an hour. This acts as a deep hydration mask. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the moisture in.
The Drying Process: Patience is a Virtue
You’ve washed and conditioned; now, how you dry them determines the frizz factor.
Why You Should Never Wring Them Out
Never twist or wring the hair like a dishcloth. This causes breakage. Instead, lay the weft on a clean towel. Fold the towel over the hair and gently press down to absorb the excess water.
Air Drying vs Blow Drying
Ideally, you should always air dry your extensions. Lay them flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area. Hanging them while soaking wet can cause the weight of the water to stretch the weft. If you are in a rush and must use a blow dryer, use a heat protectant spray and use the “cool” setting to prevent heat damage.
Styling: Keeping Clip In Hair Extensions Straight and Sleek
Once they are dry, you might want that glass-hair look. Keeping clip in hair extensions straight requires low heat and good products. Before using a flat iron, ensure the hair is 100% dry. Sizzling hair is burning hair!
Apply a heat protectant spray. Set your straightener to a low-to-medium heat setting (never above 350°F or 180°C). Run the iron through small sections. By washing and conditioning them properly, you’ll find they straighten much easier and hold the style longer without looking stiff.
Putting Clip In Hair Extensions Back In After Washing
Now that your extensions are fresh, clean, and styled, it’s time for the fun part: wearing them. Putting clip in hair extensions back in after a wash feels amazing because the hair is bouncy and smells great.
Start by sectioning your natural hair at the nape of your neck. Tease the roots slightly where you plan to clip the weft; this gives the clip something to “bite” into, preventing slippage. Snap the clips in, ensuring they are flat against your head. Work your way up, blending your natural hair with the extensions. Because they are clean, they will blend more seamlessly and have better movement.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Extensions
Even veterans make mistakes. Here are two big ones to avoid.
Sleeping with Wet Extensions
Never, ever sleep with wet extensions. Actually, don’t sleep with clip-ins at all! But specifically, wet hair is weak hair. If you bundle them up wet, they will mat, and you might ruin the set permanently.
Over Washing
Remember the rule: every 15 – 20 wears. If you wash them every time you wear them, you will strip the silicone coating that many manufacturers use to keep the hair shiny, leading to dull, brittle extensions in no time.
Storing Your Clean Extensions
Once they are clean and dry, don’t just throw them in a drawer. Store them in a box or a dedicated storage bag. Brush them out before storing them to ensure they are ready for your next event. Keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight prevents the color from fading.
Conclusion
Washing your clip-in hair extensions doesn’t have to be a chore; think of it as a spa day for your hair. By using the right products, washing gently, and drying patiently, you protect your investment and ensure your hair looks flawless every time you step out the door. Remember, these extensions are your secret weapon for glamour treat them with respect, and they will keep you looking like a queen for months to come!
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