Tiếng Việt
As a leading supplier of high-quality natural hair extensions in Vietnam, ElsaHair knows that extensions can do wonders for enhancing your hairstyle and allowing you to experiment with different looks. However, we also understand that there are some common mistakes people make when using natural hair extensions that can lead to damage, tangling, and less-than-desirable results. In this guide, we will outline the top 7 mistakes to avoid with natural hair extensions so you can have the best experience possible.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Extension for Your Needs
With so many types of natural hair extensions on the market, it can get confusing understanding the differences between them all. The type you choose – whether clip-in, tape-in, pre-bonded tip, woven, or another method – can significantly impact how the extensions look and wear. For example, tape-in and pre-bonded tip extensions tend to be best for long-term wear since they are semi-permanently attached by gluing bundles directly to your natural hair. Meanwhile, clip-in extensions allow you to easily clip hair in and out for temporary styling. If you choose the wrong method for your lifestyle and styling needs, you may deal with unnecessary hassle, maintenance, or damage over time.
Take Your Time Considering Your Routine, Commitment Level, and Budget
When browsing natural hair extensions, don’t impulse buy the first pretty set you see. Carefully consider what you want to achieve, how much time you realistically have for styling/maintenance, and what you can afford long-term. Temporary styles like clip-ins may be better for first-timers on a budget, while those wanting dramatic length for months on end may prefer integrated permanent bond tip extensions. Outline your beauty objectives, commitment level, and budget before selecting a natural hair extension type.
Not Thoroughly Brushing the Extensions
Natural hair is prone to tangling, especially curly textures like Peruvian or kinky Afrocurl hair extensions. While our Vietnamese hair undergoes a special anti-tangle processing, all natural hair still requires consistent gentle brushing to avoid matting and knots. Use a soft bristle brush or wide-tooth comb specifically designed for extensions every day when styling. Gently work from the ends up in sections, never yanking through major tangles. Improper or infrequent brushing invariably leads to frustrating tangles that can cause rips and permanent damage.
Set Aside 10-15 Minutes Per Day for Proper Detangling
Plan to carefully brush through your natural hair extensions from tip to root every single day without fail. The process should take about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness and curl pattern. Regular gentle brushing removes small tangles before they develop into knots and ultimately dreadlocks. Think of detangling extensions as crucial daily hair maintenance like brushing your teeth. The small time investment saves endless aggravation and damage down the road.
Not Visiting Your Stylist Often Enough
While DIY extension application sounds tempting for the budget-conscious, visiting an experienced stylist ensures proper placement and maintenance. With tape-in extensions applied close the scalp and against natural hair, new hair growth causes the bonds to start lifting within 4-6 weeks. This leaves embarrassing gaps that without correction tug on natural hair causing breakage and thinning. Yet many try stretching tape-ins for months leading to disaster. Schedule regular 2 month tape-in adjustment/replacement appointments to combat lifting and improper placement snarls before they ruin the look and your natural hair. The investment pays off in better wear and longevity.
Replace Tapes Every 6-8 Weeks, Get Other Extension Types Professionally Tightened As Needed
Tape-ins starts lifting as your natural hair grows out, requiring replacement around every 6-8 weeks. Other extension types like pre-tip bonded wefts also need occasional tightening and adjustment for optimal positioning as natural hair grows out over months of wear. Rather than waiting until damage sets in, proactively book appointments with your stylist to maintain extensions so they continue looking and feeling fabulous.
Not Giving Extensions & Scalp Some Breathing Time
As wondrous as natural hair extensions may be, both your natural hair and scalp need the occasional break from constant attachment. Otherwise the added weight and stress can lead excessive shedding of natural hair over time. Try giving delicate hair follicles and scalp some breathing room every so often.
Aim to Take 1-2 Week Extension Breaks Every 2-3 Months
If financially and practically feasible, consider planning 1-2 week breaks from worn extensions every 2-3 months. Removing that constant tension provides hair and scalp reprieve to sustain long-term extension wear. Even just a week or two some months allows your natural hair to recover its footing and strength so you can rock tape-ins, bonds, and sew-ins for months more afterwards.
Failing to Properly Wash & Condition Extensions
Natural hair extensions require specialized care to keep the hair clean, conditioned, and detangled. Yet too often we see people treating extensions just like their natural hair when washing. This proves problematic as extensions tend to be drier and prone to tangling when not properly washed, rinsed, and nourished. Develop a dedicated hair extensions washing routine that gives strands sufficient TLC.
Treat Extensions Gently Using Sulfate-Free Shampoos, Silicone-Free Conditioners
Wash extensions 1-2 times per week using only sulfate-free shampoos to avoid dryness. Condition well with silicone-free formulas, gently brushing knots out from ends to roots while conditioner sits. Rinse thoroughly, apply leave-in treatments especially to the ends, then air dry or gently diffuse. Learn what products and techniques keep your natural hair extensions looking their best rather than just shampooing and expecting the best.
Exposing Extensions to Excessive Heat Styling & Chemical Processing
While natural hair extensions hold styles like straightened and curled looks better than natural hair alone, using excessive heat and processing still damages those delicate imported strands. Yet many crank up flat iron temperatures to the max for glass-like finishes and aggressively bleach or dye extensions to match changing styles. The resulting dryness, brittleness, and breakage quickly ruins extension investments sometimes beyond repair.
Limit Heat Styling, Avoid Chemical Processing that Alters Texture or Color
Love your extensions by limiting heat styling sessions to finish or touch up looks just 1-2 times per week max. Keep flat iron temperatures under 380°F and processing like perms, relaxers, or dramatic highlight/color to an absolute minimum. Avoid bleach and color formulas that require 40+ volume developer as overly aggressive chemical processing inevitably fries strands. The healthiest natural hair extensions follow safe styling/processing practices.
Not Correctly Removing Extensions for Reuse
To retain natural hair extensions for reuse 2 or more times means removing bundles extremely carefully to avoid rips, knots, and other damage. Yet clients often yank out tape-ins hastily on removal day leading to destroyed extension wefts unable to be reinstalled. Or they cut sew-in wefts directly off rather than professionally removing to preserve the installation band. With the proper removal process, natural hair extensions can be reused 1-2 times more depending on curl pattern and care between wears. Commit to gentle removal and your extensions investment goes further.
Book Professional Removal Appointments, Store Properly Between Wears
Rather than removing extensions yourself, book professional removal services with your stylist to safely detach bundles from your natural hair and preserve wefts intact. Once removed, carefully store extensions in a dry, tangle-free environment away from direct sunlight and damaging elements. With 2-3 professional removal/reinstallation sessions built into your annual extension budget, your investment serves you well over a longer period of time.
While avoiding these common mistakes takes some education and dedication, we know the effort pays off for our wonderful clients in their natural hair extension success. When you choose quality extensions applied by a professional paired with smart maintenance and care habits, you set yourself up for an incredible boost of confidence from gorgeous long locks. For advice finding your perfect natural hair extensions and stylist or any other needs, the experts at ElsaHair Vietnam Hair Suppliers are always glad to help. Reach out today to unlock the possibilities!
