Hair extensions are a popular go-to for women who want to add length or volume to their hair quickly. But as time goes on, extensions can become dry, frizzy and brittle. If you’ve noticed that your extensions are no longer silky soft and smooth, don’t worry! There are a few easy solutions that can help restore them to their former soft and luxurious state.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective ways to make your extensions soft again. Whether you have clip-in extensions, sew-in extensions, or fusion extensions, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover everything from basic maintenance tips to more advanced tricks for restoring the softness of your extensions, so you can get the most out of your investment.
Understanding Why Your Extensions Have Become Hard
If you’re experiencing stiff, dry, and tangled extensions, it’s crucial to understand why they’ve become hardened. There could be several reasons behind it, but the most common ones are the use of harsh chemical products, exposure to humidity, excessive heat styling, and poor washing and care routines. When you use chemical treatments on your extensions frequently, they tend to lose their natural oils and proteins, making them prone to brittleness, drying, and breakage. Moreover, humidity and sweat can make your extensions sticky and matted, leading to unwanted knots and tangles.
Additionally, excessive heat styling can also cause your extensions to become hard and unmanageable. Constant exposure to high temperatures from flat irons, curling wands, and blow-dryers can damage the hair cuticles, causing them to lose moisture and become brittle. Lastly, if you don’t clean your extensions regularly or don’t use the right products, it can accumulate dirt, oil, and product residues, leading to unwanted hardness and stiffness. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind your hardened hair extensions to take the necessary steps to make them soft again.
Tips for Properly Caring for Your Hair Extensions
Proper care is crucial to keeping your hair extensions soft and silky. Here are some tips to help you maintain your extensions in great condition:
1. Brush your hair regularly: Use a soft-bristled brush to detangle your hair. Start brushing from the bottom and work your way up, holding the hair at the roots to prevent pulling.
2. Avoid using heat: Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and hair dryers can damage hair extensions, causing them to become brittle and dry. If you must use these tools, ensure that you apply heat protectant spray before styling.
3. Wash your hair gently: Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair and avoid rubbing the hair together vigorously. Gently massage the shampoo and conditioner into your hair, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry.
4. Use oil: Applying natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or castor oil to your hair extensions can help prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. Use a few drops of oil to add shine and nourishment to your hair.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your hair extensions looking soft, shiny, and healthy for longer periods.
The Best Products for Softening Extensions
When it comes to softening your extensions, using the right products can make all the difference. The best products for softening extensions are those that contain natural oils, such as coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These oils help to moisturize the hair, making it soft and more manageable.
Another great product for softening extensions is a leave-in conditioner. Look for a conditioner that is specifically formulated for hair extensions, as it will contain ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for the hair. Applying a leave-in conditioner to your extensions after washing can help to keep the hair hydrated and soft throughout the day. Be sure to avoid using products with sulfates or alcohol, as these can dry out and damage the hair, making it harder and less pliable.
Natural Remedies for Softening Hair Extensions
Natural Remedies for Softening Hair Extensions
If you are looking for gentle, natural ways to make your hair extensions soft and silky again, look no further than your own kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Here are some simple and effective DIY remedies to try:
1. Coconut oil: Massage a small amount of virgin coconut oil into your extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up. Leave it on for at least an hour (overnight is even better) before washing it out with a mild shampoo. Coconut oil is a deeply moisturizing and nourishing treatment that can help restore lost shine and softness.
2. Apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and use it as a rinse after washing your extensions. ACV helps balance the pH of your hair and scalp, remove buildup, and add shine and softness.
3. Aloe vera: Slice open a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply it to your damp extensions and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off. Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties that can improve the texture and health of your hair.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Extensions
To ensure that your extensions remain soft and manageable, it is important to follow a recommended maintenance schedule. The first step in maintaining your extensions is to comb and detangle them daily. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any knots or tangles.
Next, you should shampoo your extensions at least once a week, or every two weeks if you do not use excessive hair products. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for extensions. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots of your extensions as this can lead to product buildup and weigh them down. By following this maintenance schedule, you can keep your extensions looking and feeling soft, smooth, and healthy.
How to Prevent Future Hardening of Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can become hard and stiff over time, which can make them uncomfortable to wear. To prevent future hardening of hair extensions, it is important to take good care of them. Firstly, avoid using products with high levels of alcohol, as they can dry out the hair and cause it to become brittle. Instead, use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for extensions.
Another way to prevent hardening of hair extensions is to avoid exposing them to harsh environments. For example, protect the extensions from extreme heat and cold, as well as chlorine and saltwater. Consider wearing a swimming cap or using a protective leave-in conditioner before going for a swim. Additionally, avoid sleeping with wet hair extensions, as it can cause tangles and damage. By following these tips, your hair extensions should remain soft and beautiful for longer.
Seeking Professional Help for Damaged Hair Extensions
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our hair extensions can become irreparably damaged. This can happen due to multiple reasons, including poor quality maintenance, excessive heat styling, or overuse of chemical products. When this happens, seeking professional help is the best solution. A professional stylist or hairdresser can give you expert advice on getting your extensions back to their soft and shiny self.
Professional help can come in various forms, including trimmings, repair treatments, and even removals if the damage is extensive. A stylist will examine your extensions and determine the best course of action to revive them. They may also recommend specific products to use or ways to change your maintenance routine to prevent future damage. Remember, while it may be tempting to try and fix the damage yourself, seek a professional’s help to avoid further harm and preserve the longevity of your extensions.
Final Words
Taking care of your hair extensions is crucial for maintaining their softness and longevity. To make your extensions soft again, start by conditioning them regularly with a high-quality hair conditioner. Be gentle when detangling, and avoid using too much heat or harsh styling products. Also, consider using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction between your hair and extensions while sleeping.
Remember to take proper care of your extensions and follow the above tips to restore their softness. With patience and commitment, you can prolong the life of your extensions and enjoy softer, healthier hair for longer.