MAINTENANCE
Everyone loves a hair extension fitting but is hesitant to book in regular maintenance appointments. Over the years I have heard la lot of myths about how it's unnecessary and it's for an extensionist to make extra money however, this couldn't be further from the truth. Basically, when wearing any hair extensions, maintenance and aftercare are THE MOST important thing to consider when choosing to have extensions and which method to choose. Not only does it keep your extensions looking their best but it allows us to monitor your natural hair growth and ensure it remains healthy.
Factor in maintenance appointments costs when deciding if extensions are for you. They are honestly vital for the protection of your natural hair and scalp, as well as keeping your hair extensions looking AMAZING after all they are an investment!
Have you noticed when brushing or washing your hair on a daily basis (without extensions) the amount of hair you have in the brush or in your plug? This is your normal hair cycles natural shed. It will vary from client to client but on average we lose 100-200 strands PER DAY. Now, imagine 1/3 - 1/2 of your own hair is trapped in a bond or ring when you have hair extensions in. Your own natural hair cannot escape this yet will remain to shed as normal for you, so, it remains stuck inside the ring or bond. THIS IS WHAT IS BRUSHED OUT ON YOUR MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT you are NOT losing hair and the extensions certainly isn't ripping your hair out. (I would not reinstall hair again if this was an issue).
This build-up of natural hair shed is what causes matting and itchiness that extension wearers say they experience and usually know their maintenance is due!
I am not going to say NO HAIR AT ALL is pulled out by extensions. We have all had a lazy day where we haven't separated our bonds correctly, had a massive tat which needs a good brushing out or not dried our hair and gone to bed with wet hair (naughty)! All of which can stress natural hair however if you follow aftercare advise these 'one offs' will not to damage and would literally be a few strands.
So, if WE DO NOT have regular maintenance appointments will it cause damage?
In short YES! Over your 6-8weeks of wearing hair extensions you shed your normal 50-250 strands a day as usual. These hairs trapped in the ring remain and cause irritation and the clean sections between rings/bonds become mixed together and cause matting. This is why separating is a major player in hair extension aftercare. Also, as your hair sheds naturally the amount of your natural hair in the ring/bond left attached is reduced. In some cases, this amount of hair isn't strong enough to hold the remaining strand in place, it's too heavy now! This is where people say 'damage' occurs as your ring/bond will either slide out or if pulled too harshly, could pull the remaining hair out.
This is probably the MAJOR REASON why we have our maintenance ladies! It honestly isn't a money-making scheme but so I can observe and care for your natural hair. Believe me, I have refused to refit extensions when a client hasn't looked after them and resulted in damage. Your natural hair is my main priority afterall I am a hair loss technician and want to promote beautiful, healthy hair! It's my reputation you walk around with on your head on a daily basis, ha!
Generally, people get extensions in to grow their hair...… and believe me, IT DOES GROW WHEN APPLIED AND LOOKED AFTER CORRECTLY!
Lastly, hair always looks and feels better once maintenance has been done. All lumps, bumps, matting and shed is removed leaving clean sections once more. Usually placed on new hair to alternate where the extensions are and encourage growth. We trim the extensions taking off all damaged ends and with your scalp feeling all fresh and clean why wouldn't you want to regularly do this?