How to care the virgin hair extension

Virgin hair extensions use high-quality, unprocessed human hair from a single donor, making them more costly than mass-produced, synthetic varieties. A professional technician bonds the extensions to the wearer’s natural hair using glue — often a keratin-based resin, which is secure but easy to remove — to give added length and volume. Unlike synthetic hair, human hair extensions can largely be treated and styled as you would your own hair.

1. Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours after having virgin hair extensions fitted to give the extensions time to bond securely with your natural hair.

2. Wash your hair at least once a week using warm water and an oil-free shampoo formulated specifically for human hair extensions. Regular shampoos containing silicone-based ingredients are not suitable as they can weaken the bonds holding hair extensions in place.

3. Keep your head in an upright position while washing your hair so that water flows down over the hair. Gently stroke shampoo through your hair, from roots to tips. Do not rub.

4. Use a conditioner formulated for human hair extensions after shampooing. Gently stroke the conditioner through your hair from roots to tips, avoiding the bonded areas near the scalp.

5. Pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess moisture after washing. Separate extensions at the roots, and use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles, working upwards from tips to roots.

6. Blow-dry, color, straighten or curl your extensions as you would your natural hair. Avoid excessive bleaching and pulling on the extensions as you style them.

7. Brush your hair once or twice a day using a hair extension brush to distribute natural oils and prevent matting. Be gentle to minimize shedding and breakage.

8. Wear your hair in a loose plait at night time to keep your extensions tangle-free as you sleep.

9. Return to a salon to have your extensions removed every three months or as advised by your hairdresser.