Hey, Beautiful!
HOW ARE YOU ADJUSTING?
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You already took the first steps in protecting your hair and scalp so you can cross that one off your list! Phew. We covered a lot during your visit and I know it is hard to remember it all. The first few days after a new extensions install or method can be a little nerve racking so I am here to guide the way.
I've curated this page specifically for all my IBE guests as a reference. At-home care is the key to making your investment last. It can be a little tricky at first, but be patient. It really isn't that hard ... I promise!
I've done my part as your extension and hair & scalp health specialist but the health of your hair and scalp from this point forward is up to you.
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Should you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to e-mail me.
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I'm so freaking excited you chose me as your stylist and I can't wait for our next visit!
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PREPARE​
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Prepping for sleep will be a little bit different than you're used to doing. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase will help prevent matting and preserves the moisture in your hair while you sleep.
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BEST SLEEP PRACTICES
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Always remember STUDS:
Serum, Tangles, Up, Dry, Silk
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Apply 1 pump of serum to your mids and ends every night. Brush both sides of your wefts AND your hair to remove all tangles.
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Always sleep with your hair in a loose bun or braid secured with a silk/satin scrunchie and don't sleep with wet hair!
Sleeping
Brushing
PREPARE
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Brushes containing both natural fiber and pliable plastic nylon are the safest and easiest to use. The natural fibers help spread natural oils while the nylon bristles effectively yet gently remove tangles.
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BEST BRUSHING PRACTICES
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Always brush while gently supporting the top of the weft with the palm of your hand. I find it easiest to separate my hair from the extensions using a clip. Applying serum to the hair prior to brushing will help protect the hair and evenly distribute the oil.
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Brush starting at the ends of your hair (don't forget to support and protect the top of the weft) and work your way towards your scalp. You want to detangle both sides of your extensions. If you have more than one row installed, be sure to brush in between them, too!
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HOW OFTEN?
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You'll want to brush a minimum of two times per a day: upon waking and prior to bed. If you work out, brush it after your workout, too!
Products
BEST HOME CARE PRACTICES
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I strive to bring you the safest and most effective products that protect your hair, extensions and scalp. Some ingredients can cause damage to your extensions that alter the color or condition so be sure to follow your personalized home care recommendations.
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Sunscreens containing Avobenzone and Octocrylene will cause permanent discoloration to your extensions.
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Protein based products cause extensions to become dry and brittle which increase your risk for tangling, matting and breakage.
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Products that build up weaken hair strands and require additional washes resulting in shortened wear and excessive fading.
The fewer products you use, the longer your extensions will last, but don't be tempted to skip your serum!
Shampooing
BEST WASHING PRACTICES
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Shampooing is the tricky part. You're going to be tempted to be suuuper gentle. Gentle is good but your scalp still needs some love so don't be afraid to get close to the tops of the wefts.
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Starting in the nape, clip everything from the bottom row up. Take a small nickel size of shampoo and pre-lather it in your hands with a little water. Work the shampoo into your scalp using moderate pressure and work your way up to the bottom of the first weft. Using your middle and pointer finger, gently was along the stitch line. Next, take down the bottom row and gently cleanse using the same steps above. Continue working your way towards the top, releasing a new row until you've shampooed your entire scalp. Once you've gotten all of your scalp cleansed, rinse and repeat!
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HOW OFTEN?
Prepare to wash every 2-3 days or before your scalp gets flaky. If you're short on time, you can do a half wash to get you through another day. Just pull back your extensions and wash the hair above the top row in the sink and style per usual!
HEADS UP
One morning without serum won't cause much harm but don't. skip. conditioner. Most extensions go through extensive chemical processes and will easily tangle when wet so it's important to use conditioner each time you shampoo.
Conditioner helps soften and detangle hair and can cause the hairs in hand-tied extensions to prematurely shed when applied to the stitch line.
BEST MASK PRACTICES
Emulsify a quarter size of conditioner to the mids and ends of your hair. Add water to your hair as necessary to help push moisture into the hair. Allow the conditioner to sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Conditioner
Blowdrying
PREPARE
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Styling your extensions can seem a little daunting at first. You're dealing with a lot more hair but it has its perks, too!
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BEST STYLING PRACTICES
Always remember to apply your styling products as suggested by your stylist. Clip the hair above your top row out of the way and begin by blow drying the top of your wefts until thoroughly dry. Leaving this area wet can cause mold so it is important to focus here.
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Once you've gotten the stitch line dry, focus on removing 80-90% of the moisture from the rest of the hair. Your hair and extensions are more susceptible to breakage when wet so be sure to dry most of the way BEFORE bringing a brush to your head.
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Use a flat brush to smooth and finish blow drying your hair and extension. From here, you're free to curl or use
BEST STYLING PRACTICES
Depending on the texture of your hair, blow drying may be all that is needed for day one styling. If you prefer to wear your hair curled or sleek, you're free to do so.
The biggest change you'll make is how you section your hair. I suggest larger zig-zag sectioning so each section you curl includes both your hair and some extension hair. It's the easiest way to ensure your finished look is seamless.
ALTERNATIVE METHODS
If you're not a fan of hot tools, braids and heat-less silk/satin rods provide gorgeous styling options without the heat.