Extension Care Sheet
Thank you for choosing Intentions Salon for your hair extension needs. We are here to assist you through your journey and ensure an amazing experience. Remember, hair extensions are only as good to you as you are to them. Here are some must-know maintenance tips to keep your mane looking and feeling its best.
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It is important to be aware of the corners of your rows and to avoid anything that will cause pulling or tension on them. These two corners are important to maintain the integrity of your row and the health of your natural hair. Avoid over directing these front corners in a backward direction with excessive tension. Be mindful of this when wearing your hair pulled up.
Treating your extensions with tenderness and care.
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BRUSHING:
Always support your row to avoid tension on your scalp. You can support the row by either laying your hand flat against the top of the row or pinching it into a ponytail to reduce tension on your scalp.
Always start at the ends and work your way up to the scalp. Be sure to avoid getting the bristles of your brush caught or snagged between your scalp and row. This will cause damage to your natural hair and potentially damage your extensions.
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Never use a brush will balls on the bristles.
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Always brush before and after moisture may come in contact with your hair. (I.e. on a hot sweaty day, before & after working out, before & after a sauna session, before and after showering, etc.)
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SHAMPOO:
Begin by brushing your extensions, starting at the ends and working your way up. Always support your row to avoid tension on your scalp.
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Next, separate your top row then, clip your top row up.
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Repeat this process with the bottom row: separate, detangle, and clip up.
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Next, step into the shower with both rows clipped up separately, rinse thoroughly, and shampoo the nape of your neck first. Rinse and shampoo again, we recommend always shampooing twice. Rinse.
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Release the clip for the bottom row, shampoo between the rows, rinse & repeat.
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After shampooing between the rows, let down the top row and shampoo the top like normal.
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After rinsing the final shampoo, apply a generous amount of conditioner. Work the conditioner through your hair with your fingers to evenly distribute all over your mids & ends.
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Rinse, ring out excess water, and towel bloat to dry.
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HOT TIP:
For days when you need extra volume or want to remove oil without washing your entire head, separate your natural hair that lays on top of your extensions while securing your rows and the rest of your hair in a low bun. Lean over a sink to shampoo and condition your natural hair that you have separated from your extensions. Style as desired. We like to call this time-saving tip a partial shampoo, perfect for those days when time is limited or if you're trying to go longer between full washes.
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Avoid waiting too long between washes. Hair extensions do not get the natural oils and nutrients from your scalp and need to be conditioned regularly to remain hydrated.
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prolong both your hair color and the extension color. It is important to use caution and be gentle with your hair when wet because your hair is more fragile while wet.
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STYLING:
We recommend finger drying your hair extensions to avoid breakage & tension. If you have multiple rows, the quickest and easiest method is to section each row and then dry them separately. Work bottom to top when drying.
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Blow drying your extensions with a round brush is not recommended; we suggest using your fingers or gentle detangler brush (without the balls on the bristles) to dry all of your extensions. Then following up drying your natural hair on top with a round brush.
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Follow up with using a low setting hot tool to blend and smooth your extensions. Do not sure heat setting over 360°.
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When pulling your hair up in a ponytail or top knot, be gentle and avoid excessive tension. After securing your hair up, try pulling the front corners of your row towards your face/front to release any tension.
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Bobble Hair ties are best for extensions.
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SLEEPING:
(B.O.S. = brush, oil, secure)
Secure your hair before going to bed to help reduce the chance of tangling and matting. Use silk scrunchies when sleeping.
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Braids
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Top knots without excision tension on the corners of your rows
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Low ponytails
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While sleeping, use a silk pillowcase or a silk bonnet. The silk also helps maintain your hairstyle and preserve those curls. Hair extension hair is naturally drier, so wearing silk will help prolong the life of your extensions.
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Never go to bed with wet hair as this because this will cause damage to your natural hair.
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ACTIVITES:
Keeping your hair in natural fall (downward direction) is always safest. We recommend low ponytails or braids for vigorous activities that have a lot of bounce or movement. High ponies and top knots can pull on your natural hair when bouncing.
Wear topknots and high ponytails sparingly to avoid excess tension and pulling o your scalp.
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Always blow dry your hair after sweating. Leaving moisture in your extensions for prolonged periods breaks down the handed knots, causes excessive shedding on your natural hair during the removal process, and shortens the life of your extensions.
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DO'S:
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Use a heat protectant or leave-In Conditioner
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Use hot tools sparingly
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Brush before and after any moisture may com in contact with your hair. (ei. before sweating, working out, a hot day, sauna, showering, etc.)
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Use high quality professional products to maintain your extensions.
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Oil daily: NOT ALL OILS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Most oils we do not recommend for hair extensions. Our personal fave for your natural hair as well as extensions is Virtue’s Healing Oil.
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Weekly Mask/Treatment: Virtue Restorative Mask, Virtue Exfoliating Mask
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Bobble Hair Ties: the most gentle hair tie but strong enough to secure your new full & fluffy extensions.
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Use a silk cap or silk pillowcase
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Do blow-dry your hair to remove moisture in a timely manner.
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Use zinc based sunscreen.
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Maintenance your rows every 6-8 weeks
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Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming. Apply leave in conditioner before swimming to protect it from chlorine.
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Always use a detoxifying shampoo after swimming or prolonged sun exposure. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment.
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Shampoo & treat your hair with a mask after a day in the sun, out at the beach/pool, hiking. Even if you did not swim this is an important step to keeping your hair feeling soft and staying hydrated.
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DO NOT'S:
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Use purple shampoo: it is drying and shortens the life of your hair extensions.
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Use regular Sunscreen: It will turn your extensions peachy/pink and cannot be removed.
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DO NOT use hot tools on heat settings higher than 360°
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DO NOT use hot tools daily
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Use brushes with balls on the bristles.
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DO NOT pull hair up in a towel when wet.
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DO NOT pull hair up in a ponytail when wet.
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DO NOT sleep with wet hair.
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DO NOT avoid shampooing your extensions. Not shampooing your extensions will not prolong their lifespan. Conditioner is an important treatment that gives your extensions what they need because they are not attached to your scalp. Waiting too long to treat your extensions with conditioner can have adverse effects and shorten their lifespan.
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DO NOT wear tight/sleek ponytails
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Do not leave hair loose in a jacuzzi.
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Remember, proper care and maintenance are key to keeping your extensions looking beautiful and feeling healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your stylist for personalized advice and recommendations. We're here to support you on your hair extension journey and help you achieve the hair of your dreams.
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Get more great tips by following us on instagram:
@jules.intentionssalon
@intentionssalon
or our Intentions Salon Youtube page!