How to Care for Your Fusion Hair Extensions

Fusion hair extensions are permanent hair extensions that can be a great way to achieve the thick, luxurious lock looks you want. Installed and cared for properly, human-hair fusion hair extensions give you a completely natural look that falls, bounces, and shines as if it were your “real” hair. Fusion hair extensions have a three to five months lifespan with proper maintenance.  Despite being rather expensive, they are nevertheless immensely popular in today's market because they appear much more natural than any alternative options. They not only last you a very long time, but they are also easy to care for. But, if you’re not careful, fusion hair extensions can also be a disaster – just check out celebrity gossip magazines and websites for pictures of celebrities (people with mega-fortunes and stylists!) sporting woefully nest-like fusion hair. This just doesn’t have to be!

1. Don’t Wash Your Hair Right Away After Getting The Extensions

Don't wash your hair for at least 72 hours after having fusion hair extensions to give the bond time to settle in. Additionally, it will give you time to become accustomed to how the hair will feel.

2. Comb Your Hair Gently Before Showering And Sleeping

The two biggest threats to your fusion hair extensions are tangling and split ends. When combing hair, detangle from ends to roots – similar to the method used for natural Black hair – and use a special a href="https://www.perfectlocks.com/products/hair-extension-loop-brush">hair brush for hair extensions which uses loops to gently glide through your hair. This eliminates tangles and reduces pressure on the hair before you reach your roots and the vulnerable fusion bonds there.

3. Avoid Washing Your Hair Everyday

If you wear fusion hair extensions, it's not recommended to wash your hair every day. You run the danger of damaging the bonds and your natural hair by merely washing your hair every day, which also removes its essential oil. It's advised to just wash your hair two to three times a week.

4. Tilt Your Head Backwards When Washing And Be Gentle.

When washing fusion extensions, use a gentle hand. Never scrub, as this will cause matting and breakage, and try a gentle, non-stripping shampoo. For longer extensions, it’s best to wash hair in the shower, tipping your head backwards and gently cleansing the scalp with the pads of your fingers. The downward stream of water from the shower head will help rinse your hair clean from root to tip without you having to manipulate the strands too much. You also won’t have to flip your hair back and forth too much, reducing stress on the easily-loosened hair at your nape and hairline.

5. Use Sulfate-free Products

And when it comes to conditioners and styling products, avoid buildup and flaking by using smaller amounts of lightweight products. Use sulfate-free products, and stay away from harsh chemicals. Start at the ends and work your way up when conditioning your hair. To prevent the bonds from becoming loosened, try to keep the shampoo or conditioner away from them.

Before going to bed, be sure you lightly brush your hair to remove any tangles. Then put your hair up in a loose ponytail, pigtails, or braids. This will prevent your extensions from tangling and pulling on them while you sleep. Before going to bed, make sure to dry your hair and bonds. Never sleep with wet hair extensions because it is very possible to damage both your natural hair's roots and the extensions.

7. Be Careful When Using Heating Tools

Speaking of your fusion bonds, make sure to be careful when using heating tools when styling your hair. Flat irons, curling wands, and the like can cause your cold-fused or hot-fused keratin bonds to crack or weaken, so make sure to use a thermal spray protectant first. Don't use a blow dryer because it could harm the bonds or melt them, which would make your hair extensions slip out. Heat can also harm your hair, so try to use it as little as possible. Instead of using a blow dryer to dry your hair after a bath, let it air dry naturally.

8. Aftercare And Maintenance

After your extensions are installed, your hairstylist will provide you product recommendations and instructions on how to take care of them. Make sure you follow the aftercare recommendations your hairstylist will give you if you want to keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy over time. Remember, human hair extensions are still human hair – you must get regular trims from your stylist and comb it carefully. For best results, keep a standing salon appointment every other month, so that your beautician can replace or tighten any loose or lost locks, shape up your ends, and make sure you’re on the right track.