Preparation

On the day of the fitting please make sure your hair is washed.

• DO NOT use conditioner
• Try to leave your hair as natural as possible and do not apply styling products
• Please come with your hair in its usual parting and straighten if possible, especially if your hair is naturally wavy.  This makes it easier to see where the extensions will be applied
  
• DO NOT colour your hair between the consultation and fitting

Maintenance

It is recommended you undergo maintenance for your extensions every 4 weeks.  This helps keep them in tip top condition and you looking and feeling fabulous!!

IMPORTANT

You will need to expect some discomfort for the first week as the scalp will need time to get used to the extra weight of the extensions. For a full head of extensions your scalp will be supporting an extra 4-8oz of hair. The discomfort will include itchiness and scalp tenderness. For the first few nights, sleeping on the extensions may be quite uncomfortable until your hair has grown 1mm and they aren’t so close to your scalp. Some people experience itching for up to 2 weeks after the application until the scalp has got used to the extra weight. If you experience continued itching, it is probably because you aren’t rinsing the shampoo out thoroughly enough.

If you have the micro ring weft method applied, these will drop from 1/4 to 1/2 an inch in the first couple of weeks.  Do not worry, this is normal and will make your extensions more versatile over the period of time you have them in. 

• Avoid washing the extensions before 48 hours after the fitting
• Always brush your hair at least twice a day with care - WIDE TOOTH COMB on hair length to deter any shredding at all.
• Brushing from the ends holding the hair from the bonds to avoid tugging. 
• Always wash extensions using a mild shampoo - Aussie Mega Mega is a good example - and so water flows in vertical direction (in shower not bath) to avoid tangling.  If possible do not shampoo the extensions, just add conditioner.  Shampoo your own hair lifting up the layers but avoid the extensions.
• To prolong the life of your extensions try not to overwash.  Tie extensions back and wash the top section of your hair or use a dry shampoo called Batiste (available in most supermarkets and chemists)
• Gently squeeze the extensions to remove excess water and pat dry, do not pull
• Apply an intensive conditioner avoiding the bonds and an intensive leave in conditioner is also ideal as it’s easy to apply and lightweight
• Hair extensions can be straightened, curled and blow dried, avoiding the bonds with any heat.  Your hair can also be cut but try not to have the hair cut so it exposed the bonds
• You can colour the extensions but at your own risk, do a strand test as it may not colour how you expect.  You can however colour your roots whilst the extensions are in
• Your hair will have a natural wave so can be left to dry naturally
• Always plait your hair when swimming, sunbathing and taking part in sports
• Tie hair back in a loose plait before going to bed to avoid tugging or tangling
• You will experience some shredding. The less stress and pressure you put on the extensions the longer they will last
• It's recommended have your extensions removed after 3 months wear.  Always have them removed by your hair extensionist to avoid any damage to your own hair.

You will need to use an intensive conditioner on your extensions to keep them looking in great condition.  I recommend using Tresemme Thermal Repair or the Aussie range.  These are available at most stores, are just as good and cost half the price of salons.   

As long as extensions are properly maintained and properly removed they will cause little or no damage to your own hair (depending on the quality of your hair to begin with).  Picking and rough brushing causes the most damage. Some people find that extensions have helped their own hair grow quite a bit over the time they are in. Please take extra care in all aspects of maintenance if you have naturally fine or thin hair as the extensions do put added strain on the roots. By being gentle minimises damage to your own hair, although extensions should cause little or no damage, it helps to treat them with respect as it is an un-natural process which may take your scalp time to adjust to.

ENJOY YOUR NEW HAIR