If you’re blessed with curly hair, you’re likely aware that styling and caring for it requires extra effort. While you adore your luscious, bouncy locks when they cooperate, they can sometimes become challenging to manage and become a wild, frizzy mess. This applies to pre-styled curly hair extensions as well. They also require more care and attention to maintain their fresh, defined appearance.
Today, we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks for maintaining and styling wavy hair and curly extensions. Whether your hair is naturally curly or permed, or you’re tending to your curly hair extensions, you’re in the right place.
Comb your hair properly
It’s essential to properly comb curly, wavy hair extensions to maintain their form and prevent damage. This trendy hairstyle is highly sought-after in Europe and Africa but can also be one of the most challenging styles to support. Curls are prone to stretching and splitting, making proper care essential. The way you comb your curly, wavy hair is critical to its upkeep.
Avoid using small, short combs with teeth that are too closely spaced. Also, please refrain from using a hair dryer directly on your curls, as the strong wind force can cause them to lose shape.
Instead, follow these tips:
- Use special combs designed for curly hair extensions with solid teeth that provide smoothness without tangling your hair.
- Comb your hair when it’s slightly damp to prevent breakage and maintain the shape of your curls.
- Use a curling batch or manually comb your hair to help define and maintain the curls.
Wash your hair correctly
If you wash your hair extension frequently, consider abandoning this practice. Refrain from curling your hair, expecting it to hold its shape longer. These may exacerbate hair damage, causing it to become more tangled and damaged beyond repair.
Avoid using too much shampoo, which can stretch out the curls easily. Also, don’t use high heat to dry your hair; dry its ends. Before going to bed, pull all of the hair behind the back of your neck and avoid lying on it. Avoid rubbing your hair together while washing.
Instead, follow these:
- Wear curly wavy hair extensions more often than any other hairstyle to take better care of them.
- Wash your curly, wavy hair extensions once a week or after wearing them at least ten times to ensure they stay clean and fresh.
- Soak your hair in lukewarm water, apply shampoo evenly, and gently massage. Wash the hair in small sections to prevent tangling and maintain its shape.
- Focus on nourishing the bottom of the extensions, as this is the highlight of curly, wavy hair.
Avoid high heat
To preserve the quality of your curly, wavy hair extensions, one of the best things you can do is avoid using heat. Excessive heat can cause your extensions to look dry and worn out, requiring significant effort to repair the damage. After washing your hair, allow the curls to air dry to maintain the quality of your extensions.
You can hang your extensions on a hanger using a clothes clip to keep your curls in shape. If you have pre-sewn extensions, let them hang freely while they dry. A hair diffuser can also help speed up the drying process.
Keep your hair from tangling
Covering your hair at night is essential to prevent the tangling and shedding of your curly, wavy hair extensions. One effortless way to do this is by wrapping your curls in a silk scarf or wrap. This will keep your curls in place and protect them while you sleep.
Alternatively, you can use a silk cap to cover your curly hair, ensuring your extensions remain in good condition and tangle-free.
Replace your extensions regularly
Even with the best maintenance, wearing the same extensions indefinitely is not advisable. Experts recommend replacing your extensions every two to three months. Top this up with proper care and regular visits to your hairstylist.
When your hair has grown out so much that the installation is entirely visible, or the style no longer looks good, it’s time to remove the extensions. This is the best advice from the celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, who has worked with stars like Tyra Banks and Zendaya. She suggests replacing all extensions every six to eight weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows, to prevent tangling and matting.
Takeaway
Taking care of your hair extensions requires effort. By following the dos and don’ts of hair care, avoiding excessive heat, covering your hair at night, washing and conditioning regularly, and replacing your extensions every two or three months, you can ensure that your extensions stay in excellent condition.
With proper care, you can enjoy your curly and wavy extensions, adding volume and length to your natural hair while avoiding tangles, matting, and other problems that can arise from neglect.
