Heat Styling & Everyday StylingUpdated 5 hours ago
- Always Use Heat Protection: Heat tools can dry out and damage extension hair just like natural hair (or worse, since extensions have undergone processing). Instruct clients to apply a heat protectant spray every time before blow-drying, curling, or flat ironing their extensions. The protectant should be extension-safe and applied mid-shaft to ends (avoiding the bonds). Pro tip: after misting on a heat protectant, wait a minute or two before applying heat, so the product isn’t still wet on the hair – this avoids “frying” the hair due to the heat + moisture combo.
- Temperature Control: Emphasize moderate heat settings on all tools. We recommend keeping hot tools below ~170°C (338°F) as a general rule. Many brands even suggest staying under 148°C (300°F) for the longevity of the hair. High heat can scorch extension fibers and especially damage blonde extensions, causing dryness or even a color change (blondes can develop a brassy or “burnt” tint if overheated). Blow-dryers should be used on medium heat at most, and always keep the dryer moving – do not concentrate high heat at the bonds.
- No Heat on Bonds: Under no circumstances should clients apply flat irons, curling wands, or other hot tools directly on the extension bonds or tapes. The point of attachment (keratin bond, tape adhesive, or bead) can melt or degrade with direct heat, leading to slippage or shedding of the extension. In practical terms: when flat-ironing, start a bit lower than the roots (leave the first half-inch to inch of hair near the scalp out), and when curling, do not wrap the tape or bond area around the iron.
- Limit Over-Styling: Encourage clients to reduce how often they use heat tools on the extensions. Continuous daily curling or straightening will shorten the lifespan of the hair. Suggest incorporating heat-free styling methods: e.g. setting damp hair in braids or rollers for waves, using fabric heatless curlers, or simply embracing styles that work with the extension’s natural texture. Extensions tend to hold styles longer than natural hair (for example, a curl can last several days in extensions), so clients can style once and then just do minor touch-ups, rather than re-curling every day.
- Loose Hairstyles: Caution clients to avoid hairstyles that strain the extensions. Tight high ponytails, top knots, or tight braids on a daily basis can put tension on the attachment points and the natural hair. It’s fine to wear ponytails or updos, but keep them somewhat loose or low on the head. If they love high ponies, suggest using a soft scrunchie and not pulling the hair super tight, and alternating ponytail placement so the same bonds aren’t always bearing all the stress. A constantly tight style can lead to traction stress on both the extensions and the client’s own hair.
- Extension-Safe Products: Advise clients that styling products should be chosen with extensions in mind. Avoid any products with high alcohol content (like many strong hold hairsprays or root-lifting sprays) on the extensions – alcohol can make extension hair dry and brittle, and can even weaken the bonds over time. If the client uses hairspray or dry shampoo, it should be a professional, extension-friendly formula. Likewise, avoid applying oils, heavy creams, or silicone serums near the roots/attachments. While oils and serums are great for mid-lengths and ends (for moisture and shine), any oily or slick product at the bond can seep in and cause tapes to slip or keratin bonds to soften. The general rule: oils only from the mid-shaft down.
- Product Buildup: Remind clients not to go overboard with styling products on their extensions. Since extensions aren’t getting regularly renewed (like natural hair that grows out), heavy buildup can accumulate. If a client uses a lot of product (hair sprays, dry shampoos, etc.), suggest that they clarify their extensions occasionally. This could mean using a gentle clarifying shampoo once a month or so, or an at-home remedy recommended by their stylist. Some extension brands make special rinses (for example, Great Lengths’ Anti-Tap Water) to remove product residue and restore the correct pH after product use. Regular clarifying helps prevent the bonds from getting coated and helps the hair extensions respond better to conditioning.