Caring for Hair Extensions

Updated by Trish

General FAQs

How do I care for my hair extensions?
To prolong the lifespan of your Luxies, we recommend using our products specifically designed for extensions. They are all vegan, cruelty free, and are free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates.  Since our Luxies are made from 100% Remy human hair, they can be styled and washed just like your regular hair, however, the more you wash and heat style your extensions, the shorter their lifespan will be, so try to keep washing and product use to a minimum. We suggest washing your set every 30 wears or so.

Keep in mind that unlike your own hair, which receives natural hydration from the oils on your scalp, hair extensions don’t have a natural hydration source. Therefore, keeping them hydrated is key to keeping them shiny and in good condition. 
How do you prevent tangling/matting and reduce shedding?
Brush your hair often- The first and quite possibly one of the most important steps is to brush your extensions out before washing them and only once the hair is 90% dry. This helps minimize the possibility of breakage and shedding because the hair is at its weakest point when wet. Keep in mind it is also more susceptible to breakage when wet. Instead, use your fingers to gently loosen any tangles. Always gently brush your extensions before and after each use to reduce shedding and breakage. This will also prolong their lifespan. You can do this by starting at the ends and making your way up to the roots. For brushing, you can use a loop hair extension brush, a wide-tooth comb, or a soft bristle brush. Always have a brush in your bag, so that even when you’re out and about you can still give your hair a quick brush.

Keep your hair extensions moisturized- Keeping your extensions moisturized and nourished is crucial, considering they don’t have a natural hydration source like your own hair does. If you are brushing your extensions throughout the day and you seem to notice dryness or some minor breakage, apply a pearl-size amount of a lightweight or water-based hair serum or a lightweight oil, like argan oil. Always ensure you apply it from the midshaft of the hair down to the ends and follow by brushing the extensions to evenly distribute the product throughout. Remember, less is more. You do not need to apply a hair oil daily, as this can cause buildup on your extensions. Instead, you apply it once a week or when you notice significant tangling and dryness. 

Use the right hair products- The proper hair products make all the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and manageable. Purchase products specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair, as they will help keep the strands healthy and nourished. Also, look for products that add moisture to the hair like argan oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. Purchasing sulfate and alcohol-free products is a necessity as they are imperative to maintain the health of your extensions. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils and will affect their integrity. This, in turn, makes the hair drier and more prone to tangling or matting.

Read the ingredients list- Always be sure to do one simple thing before you buy any product - flip it over! Many products out there have sulfates and alcohol hidden in their formulas. Also, keep in mind that not all companies claiming to make sulfate-free shampoos are truly free of sulfates. Be sure to check the ingredient listing and ensure you don’t see the words: SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alcohol denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, and Propyl. To learn more about what products you should avoid using, click here.

Hydrate your hair extensions- Since your extensions don’t absorb the oils your natural hair would, you don’t have to wash them as often. As a general rule, the less you wash your extensions the longer they will last you. When washing your extensions, it's important you hydrate them as much as possible, and apply a moisturizing sulfate and alcohol-free conditioner before and after shampooing. Sometimes, you can even skip the shampoo and only co-wash your extensions with conditioner! Always be sure to rinse the extensions in cold water at the end to close cuticles and lock in moisture.

When you notice your extensions getting dry or tangled, apply a deep conditioning treatment or mask. This will hydrate and restore some moisture back into them, as well as help make them softer and more manageable to style. It’s an easy and simple process to do—all you have to do is dampen your extensions and apply a generous amount of a sulfate and alcohol-free deep conditioning treatment or conditioner to the hair, and let it soak in the product for 5-6 hours or overnight by placing it in a shower cap or a plastic bag. Rinse off as normal the next day.

Use an oil treatment on your extensions- Another way to infuse moisture back in your hair extensions is with an oil treatment, like coconut oil. First, measure out two tablespoons of coconut oil and warm it up until it melts. Then, apply it to dry hair from the mid-shaft working your way down and focusing most of the product on the ends. You can also leave this treatment on overnight for best results. In the morning, wash the extensions as normal. Keep in mind that coconut oil is very heavy so you may need to shampoo your extensions twice to get rid of all of the oil from the hair. 

Handle your hair extensions with care- Improper hair care can also take a toll on your extensions. When washing, make sure to handle the extensions gently and to not rub them vigorously. After you are finished, carefully squeeze any excess water from the extensions. Never rub your extensions dry with a towel. Instead, always lay them out on a flat surface and gently pat them dry. When air drying, invest in a microfiber towel as it will remove excess water faster and it won’t rough up the hair (which can also cause tangles). 

Limit heat styling and always use a heat protectant - We do not recommend blow drying your extensions after every wash as doing this constantly will make them dry and more vulnerable to breakage. If you can avoid it, we highly recommend air drying your extensions for the safest route as this will also prevent against tangles. Also, we always suggest using a heat protectant spray prior to using any heat styling tool to extend the lifespan of your hair extensions. Additionally, we recommend to only use a low heat setting of 120C/250F, as anything higher runs the risk of damaging the hair.

If you need to use your extensions immediately after washing them, the most important thing is to ensure that you are using a cool setting to prevent any heat damage and that you don’t brush the hair until the hair is 90% dry. When blow drying, start by focusing on drying the root of the weft first and then working your way down to the ends. Always blow-dry downwards as this will help to not only smooth the cuticle but it will also prevent the hair from getting tangled since it is being blown in lots of different directions.

Limit the use of heavy hair products- Limiting the number of products you apply to the hair will help with tangling. Using sticky products such as hairspray, hair gel, or hair wax, can and likely will clog up your extensions. The more products you use, the more you will need to wash your extensions, leading to dry, tangled extensions. Also, keep in mind that any products that you use on your natural hair can transfer onto your extensions. 

Your extensions have a beautiful, healthy finish already so you shouldn’t need much product to enjoy them. If you want more hold when curling your extensions, try pinning up the curls and leaving them overnight or even just for an hour to ensure the curls stay in place without the use of hairspray. If you do want to reach for hairspray, consider a lightweight formula which you can still easily brush through. Extra strength hair sprays will clog up your extensions, which means more washing. 

Store your clip-in hair extensions neatly- Starting a good storage routine from the moment you start wearing your new extensions is crucial as it will prevent tangling and matting in the future. Always ensure that you brush your extensions before and after each use. Interested in learning about the best way to store your Luxies? Click here to find out more!

Remove your clip-in hair extensions before sleeping- Clip-in hair extensions should always be removed before sleeping, as they can get extremely tangled throughout the night if worn to bed. Since they only take a few minutes to clip in, and seconds to remove, removing them daily will maintain the integrity of the hair. You can store your hair extensions in the Luxy Hair Extensions Carrier, or, neatly coil them and store them in an airtight shoebox or container.

Do not swim with hair extensions in- One of the most important things to keep in mind when wearing hair extensions is to not wear them while swimming or taking a shower. You can definitely wear them to the beach or by the pool, however, we do not recommend getting into the water with them (unless your hair is tied up and will not get wet).

Avoid working out with your hair extensions in- Avoid doing any physical activity that could lead to excessive sweat, when you are wearing hair extensions. Remember, your sweat is salty, acidic and can dry out your hair extensions so this could lead to additional matting and tangling, causing your hair extensions to deteriorate faster. To increase the lifespan of your extensions, try to minimize their exposure to sweat. Instead, be sure to un-clip them before heading to the gym! 

Have you ever noticed how dry and tangled your natural hair feels after swimming in a chlorinated pool or salt water? Chlorine from swimming pools, salt from ocean water, and dirt in all bodies of water can be damaging to your hair extensions. Also, swimming with your extensions clipped in may lead to the extensions tangling with your natural hair, which can be damaging.  
Can I cut my hair extensions?
Since Luxy Hair extensions are made of 100% remy human hair, they can be cut, trimmed, or layered to any desired length by an experienced hair stylist.

If you decide to get them cut, we recommend having them already clipped into your hair during the haircut. We also recommend coming up with a numbering system for the wefts, so that you know exactly where each weft is supposed to go for future uses.
Can I have Luxies sewn in to my hair?
We do not recommend to have Luxies sewn in to your hair because wearing your Luxies while sleeping and constantly having them washed are just a couple of factors that will deteriorate your set quicker. We recommend to always clip out your Luxies each night before bed, and to wash them separately.
Can I wear my hair extensions outside when it's windy or rainy?
We do not recommend to wear your Luxy Hair extensions outside when it is very windy or rainy as harsh weather conditions can damage your Luxies - we call this "weather damage". Strong winds can cause your extensions to tangle with your hair, and rain can cause them to become dry. We encourage you to be mindful of weather conditions when wearing them outside to ensure they have a long and healthy lifespan.
Details
For full storage instructions, please click here.

What products can be used on hair extensions?

Keeping your extensions moisturized and nourished is crucial, considering they don’t have a natural hydration source like our own hair does. The proper hair products make all the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and manageable. Purchase products specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair, as they will help keep the strands healthy and nourished. Also, look for products that add moisture to the hair like argan oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. 

Purchasing sulfate-free and alcohol-free products is a necessity as they are imperative to maintain the health of your extensions. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils and will affect their integrity. This, in turn, makes the hair drier and more prone to tangling or matting. To learn more about what products you should avoid using, click here.

We do not recommend using protein or keratin products on Luxies, as they may cause protein overload.
Heat Protectant
If you heat style your hair often, you’ll know the toll that your straightening iron, curling wand, and a hairdryer can have. Heat literally sucks the moisture out of hair strands, rendering the hair dry, dull, and damaged. Heat protectant sprays are essential to prolonging not only the life of your hair extensions but your natural hair as well. These products coat the hair strands to minimize damage from direct heat.

Depending on the heat protectant used, the product may have added ingredients to detangle, smoothen, and boost shine. Some thermal heat protectants go so far as to help transfer nutrients and vitamins to the hair shaft, making it stronger in the long run, and protecting the hair from UV rays.

To use a heat protectant, spray your hair as well as your hair extensions with the product evenly, and wait a minute or two before applying heat.
Dry Shampoo
If you have fine or thin hair and wear clip-in hair extensions, you may know the struggle of having the extensions slip out or move around throughout the day. This is because the clips do not have a sturdy base to grip on to.

Not only is dry shampoo a holy grail product for oily-haired ladies in terms of soaking up excess oils at the roots, but it's also a holy grail product for fine-haired clip-in hair extensions users. Before clipping in your wefts, separate a section of hair, apply a bit of dry shampoo at the roots, then backcomb the hair. This will create a stronger, sturdier base for each clip to hold on to, resulting in hair extensions that stay put throughout the day.
Hair Oil
As previously mentioned, since hair extensions do not receive natural oils and nutrients from the scalp, they are chronically dry and should be cared for as such. With the right care, your hair extensions can remain looking luscious, soft, and shiny throughout their lifetime. This includes applying a nourishing hair oil on the ends, especially after heat styling or washing.
Hair Mask/Deep Conditioner
To keep your hair extensions hydrated, nourished, and manageable to style, it is always best to use a deep conditioner after washing them. Deep conditioners or hair masks usually have a thicker consistency than regular conditioners, making them highly effective to moisturize hair strands deeply. Hair masks or deep conditioners should be left on for at least 30 minutes, if not overnight, to see the full effects. When shopping for a hair mask, look for products that are alcohol and sulfate-free, as well as contain ingredients that penetrate the cuticle, like coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil.
Best hair oils for hair extensions
Coconut Oil
Since coconut oil is loaded with fatty acids, it penetrates the hair more deeply than regular conditioners, which tend to only sit on top of the hair, leading to beautiful soft, silky, shiny hair. Due to its moisture retaining properties, coconut oil stays inside the hair instead of evaporating, making it one of the most effective hair treatments there is. Use coconut oil to deep condition your extensions by slathering them with the oil prior to washing. Try to refrain from using it as a finishing oil, as you may find that your hair looks too oily after.

You can also use it to infuse moisture back in your hair extensions is with an oil treatment using coconut oil. First, measure out two tablespoons of coconut oil and warm it up until it melts. Then, apply it to dry hair from the mid-shaft working your way down and focusing most of the product on the ends. You can also leave this treatment on overnight for best results. In the morning, wash the extensions as normal. Keep in mind that coconut oil is very heavy so you may need to shampoo your extensions twice to get rid of all of the oil from the hair. 
Argan Oil
Colloquially known as “liquid gold,” argan oil is jam-packed with beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, and fatty acids, as well as antioxidants, which fight UV rays, and prevent hair cell damage. Just a few drops of Argan oil nourishes, moisturizes, and smoothens hair strands, reducing dryness, brittleness, and frizziness, perfect for soft, manageable hair extensions. Since argan oil is not as greasy as coconut oil, it can be used as a finishing oil after styling.
Jojoba Oil
Extracted from the jojoba plant, jojoba oil has a chemical structure that resembles the oil that is produced naturally by our scalps (sebum). Therefore, similar to coconut oil, jojoba oil hydrates hair strands from deep within, adding shine and softness to hair extensions. Use jojoba oil as an overnight mask before washing.

Washing

How often should you wash hair extensions?
You should wash your hair extensions every 30+ wears, or when there is major product build up to the point where it becomes unmanageable to style.
How do I wash my hair extensions?
For full instructions, please click here.
What is the best shampoo for hair extensions?
Keeping your extensions moisturized and nourished is crucial, considering they don’t have a natural hydration source like your own hair does. The proper hair products make all the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and manageable. Purchase products specifically formulated for dry and damaged hair, as they will help keep the strands healthy and nourished. Also, look for products that add moisture to the hair like argan oil, coconut oil, and castor oil. 

Purchasing sulfate-free and alcohol-free products is a necessity as they are imperative to maintain the health of your extensions. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils and will affect their integrity. This, in turn, makes the hair drier and more prone to tangling or matting. 

Always be sure to do one simple thing before you buy any product… flip it over! Many products out there have sulfates and alcohol hidden in their formulas. Not all companies claiming to make sulfate-free shampoos are truly free of sulfates. This is why it is super important to know what to look for when reading ingredients. 

Be sure to check the ingredient listing and ensure you don’t see the words: SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alcohol denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, and Propyl.
We do not recommend using keratin or protein products on Luxies, as they may cause protein overload. For a full list of ingredients to avoid, click here.
What is protein overload?
Protein overload may occur when products that contain keratin or other proteins are used on human hair extensions. These products are often advertised to be "bond-building" or damage repairing. While products like this may be great for your own hair, human hair extensions may experience an overload of the proteins in these products.

Protein overload can cause dryness, dullness, and breakage. Instead, we recommend selecting sulfate-free products that do not contain keratin or other proteins, and only washing every 30+ wears. Reducing your washing frequency and using the right products is an important part of helping your set to live a long, healthy life!
Do I need to wash my hair extensions before I wear them?
No, Luxy Hair extensions are ready to wear straight out of the box! Hair extensions are a hygienic product and have been thoroughly sanitized at our factory. They are completely safe to wear right out of the box. 

Heat Styling

Can I use heat styling tools on my hair extensions?
Just like your own hair, Luxy Hair extensions can be straightened, blow-dried, styled and curled. For more information, click here
What temperature should I style my hair extensions at?
We recommend setting your tool at 120C/250F, as anything higher runs the risk of damaging the hair. The reason why we recommend opting for a lower heat setting is because it will prolong the lifespan of your set. While our own hair may be able to handle a high heat setting, our hair is also constantly getting revitalized from the scalp, whereas hair extensions don’t get that sort of nutrition.
We recommend always using a Heat Protectant Primer
What are the benefits of air drying vs. heat styling?
Preventing damage and keeping your extensions healthier for longer is the main advantage to air drying your extensions, however, there are several other benefits. If you want to embrace your hair’s natural texture for instance, air drying your extensions will help them blend more seamlessly into your own hair. If you’re in a hurry, you can just have your hair extensions ready to go by letting them air dry overnight (in a braid, for instance), and when you wake up and clip in your set you have gorgeous, beachy waves ready to go. Plus, you can also experiment with different curl patterns without having to buy an array of curling wands. 

For 4 ways to air dry your extensions with little effort, please click here. 
Air-drying
We highly recommend air-drying your extensions wherever possible. When air drying, be sure to invest in a micro-fibre towel as it will remove excess water faster and it won’t rough up the hair (which can also cause tangles). Lay out all of the wefts on a flat surface and gently pat the excess moisture from the hair. A trick to preventing any frizz once the hair dries is to apply a small amount of hair oil to each weft to ensure the hair remains manageable and silky smooth.

If you're looking for some fun and easy heatless hairstyles, be sure to check out some on our YouTube channel here. 

Dyeing & Toning

For full instructions on how to dye or tone your Luxies, click here and here.

Can I color, tone, or bleach my hair extensions?
So, you have a beautiful and unique hair color that doesn't quite match any of the shades we offer? No stress! Luxy Hair extensions are made of 100% remy human hair and can, therefore, be dyed a darker color or toned by a professional hair colorist. We do not recommend getting Luxies bleached, as bleaching is a harmful process that will alter the quality and integrity of your set.

For our dyeing do's and dont's and examples of our customers who had their Luxies dyed/toned, please click here.
Can I use purple shampoo on my hair extensions?
Although many of our customers have used color depositing shampoos/conditioners/products with much success, we always recommend having a professional hair colorist who has had experience with extensions custom tone your Luxies using a professional toner. To learn about our toning do's and don'ts, click here.

Please keep in mind that purple shampoo will balance out the golden undertones from the Ash Blonde and Platinum Blonde shades and make it cooler, however, depending on your tone of blonde, this may not be the best alternative to making your extensions match better to your hair color. Since there are many different variations of cool-toned blonde shades, this is why we recommend having your set professionally toned to achieve a more seamless match.

Also, we don’t recommend purple shampooing the Dirty Blonde shade as it will most likely not create a fully cool-toned medium blonde color. Instead, it may remove some of the brassiness. If you are looking for a dramatic difference, we recommend having this shade professionally toned. 
Can I bleach my hair extensions?
We do not recommend bleaching (this includes highlights) your Luxies as they have already been dyed at our manufacture, and forcing bleach on hair that has already been dyed can be difficult. Bleaching is a damaging process that will alter the quality and integrity of your set. Increasing the concentration of bleach or leaving it in longer to soak will only lead to damaged hair. To learn about our dyeing do's & don'ts, click here.


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