S16 Blog

Before taking the plunge and committing to hair extensions, we get asked many questions from clients about what they need to do to take good care of them. After all, you’re investing time and money into having long, luxurious hair. You want to ensure it’s still glamorous when you’re away from the salon.

Your first step to the best extensions is calling Studio 16 and booking with one of our stylists to get our AVEDA-exclusive VoMor extensions. Made from 100% cuticle-intact human hair, our VoMor extensions are virtually undetectable and, best of all, won’t damage your natural hair at all. They’re available in various lengths and colors, from ash blond to deep black, so we have everything we need to give you exactly the look of your dreams.

Once you have that first step done, here are more things you need to know to keep your extensions looking salon-fabulous for the long haul.

Hair Extension Dos and Don’ts

DO wash your hair!

But don’t wash it as often as you would your normal hair. After all, washing too frequently can cause the installation to loosen and shorten how long your extensions will last before needing to be replaced. Also, even if you have extensions, you must keep your scalp underneath clean and healthy. 

DON’T forget the moisture!

No matter what your natural hair is like, you must ensure your hair and scalp get plenty of moisture when you have extensions. Make sure the shampoo and conditioner you choose are mild and provide plenty of hydration. We recommend Aveda’s Nutriplenish™, available with either deep or light hydration. 

Since taking care of your scalp and keeping everything hydrated is vital to the life of your extensions, you should always air-dry your hair whenever possible. This will alleviate the stress that hot blow dryers can place on your natural hair and extensions. If you must blow dry, make sure to use the lowest heat setting available. 

DO sleep on silk or satin!

Silk and satin pillowcases are all the rage now, and it’s about time. The benefits of these pillowcases are more than just a fantastic feeling that stays cool for hot sleepers. They can also help keep your skin clean, hydrated, and sleep-wrinkle-free. But for your hair extensions, they can be a game-changer. Why? Because it’s all about that moisture. Silk and satin don’t wick moisture away from your skin or hair. The smooth surface also lets the hair glide across it which lessens hair breakage. It’s a way to protect your hair investment that you can literally do in your sleep!

DON’T sleep with your hair free-flowing!

Speaking of sleep, making sure you style your hair correctly before curling up on your silk pillowcase will keep your extensions from quickly turning into a matted, knotted mess. We recommend gently brushing your hair with a soft bristle brush and putting it in one of either a loose but secure low pony or gentle braids. The goal is to put as little stress on your hair while you sleep as possible and to keep it from tangling. 

DO brush your hair - but gently!

You should absolutely brush your hair extensions regularly, but the tools you use and your technique may need to be adjusted slightly to reduce stress on your hair. First, invest in a good detangling brush that will take care of the tangles before you have to use more force with them. When using this brush, grab your hair just below the extension connection site and brush it down. If brushing OVER the connection site, switch to a soft bristle brush to make sure you aren’t damaging the connection. 

Finally, we recommend not brushing your hair extensions while your hair is still wet. Wet hair is far more susceptible to damage even without delicate extensions. Instead, wait until your hair is AT LEAST 90% dry before running a brush through it. 

DON’T miss out on the fun this summer!

The warmer, sunnier months are just ahead, and you can enjoy the weather, and the fun it brings even if you have hair extensions. Our VoMor extensions are 100% natural hair, so take a dip in the pool or the ocean worry-free with just a little prep and a couple of precautions. For example, you don’t want to keep your hair submerged in a pool or ocean water for long periods of time. That’s why we recommend wetting your hair and styling it in a loose braid before either clipping it up or tucking it under a swim cap.

But the first DO you must follow to be on your way to beautiful, long-lasting extensions is contacting one of our stylists at Studio 16. Let’s chat about what look you’re trying to achieve and the services we offer to give you that, and more!