To keep hair extensions from tangling, the secret is very simple: proper maintenance of your hair! After getting your hair extensions applied, it’s time to begin your new haircare routine for healthy and strong locks.
With longer hair, you may find yourself asking, “Why does my hair get so tangled?” If you don’t take care of those knots and tangles, you may end up with matted hair, which can lead to significant breakage, damaged strands, and overall unhealthy hair. Definitely NOT what you want after investing in achieving your hair goals.
By preventing your hair from tangling altogether using the best brush for tangled hair and other haircare musts, you can actually prolong the life of your hair extensions.
Here are some of the most important maintenance tips to keep hair extensions from tangling as much as possible. They’ll be easy to remember as the 3 S’s: showering, styling, and sleeping.
Showering
The first step to keep hair extensions from tangling starts with always brushing your hair BEFORE showering—this is key to preventing tangles and hair matting! Doing this will get out any knots that could worsen while your hair is wet. Your hair is at its weakest when wet, so the more detangling you can do before washing, the better.
Avoid overwashing your strands by washing them 1 to 3 times per week to keep hair extensions from tangling due to brittle strands. When it comes time to wash and condition, I recommend using Illes Formula products. They use gentle ingredients and are free from harsh sulfates. Less breakage from harsh chemicals equals fewer tangles.
When washing your hair, carefully wash in between extension rows. It’s essential to be very gentle when washing to avoid damaging your extensions or creating knots. After rinsing your hair thoroughly, apply conditioner and distribute the product using a wide tooth comb.. This will ensure every strand gets that much-needed hydration and keep hair extensions from tangling. Make sure to rinse all products out of your hair before getting out of the shower.
Add one extra layer of protection to keep hair extensions from tangling by using a weekly hair mask with nourishing ingredients like olive oil to help keep those pesky knots at bay. Properly conditioning your strands helps to avoid hair matting and makes your strands less prone to tangles.
Styling
When styling your hair, having the best brush for tangled hair and the right tools for your hair extensions will make your life so much easier! After your shower, use a wet brush to remove any tangles that may have formed while washing your hair. Make sure to start brushing at the ends of your hair and work your way up. This technique helps to keep hair extensions from tangling and prevents your extensions from becoming matted.
Use a heat protectant spray before blow drying your hair to avoid breakage. You can also use a leave-in conditioner when styling to ensure your strands are properly hydrated. Only use your hands and fingers when you start blow drying instead of using a brush or comb. This will prevent any unnecessary tugging at your extensions and keep hair extensions from tangling. You can use a round brush at the end of your blow-dry session if you want to smooth out your hair further (here’s my list of the best hair extension brushes).
While heat styling can be a great tool, it’s crucial to give your hair a break from the heat when you can. It’s no secret that excessive heat styling can damage and dry out your hair. To avoid this damage, try to give your hair a break every now and then with some heat-free ways to style your hair.
Sleeping
If you want to keep hair extensions from tangling, what you do with your hair when you sleep might be one of the reasons causing you to wonder, “Why does my hair get so tangled?” When you’re tossing and turning on your pillow at night, the friction from your pillowcase and movement can lead to knots or hair matting.
Before you turn in for the night, make sure your hair is completely dry. As mentioned earlier, your hair is at its weakest when wet. When you sleep on wet hair, it can lead to breakage while you’re sleeping.
The same way you brushed your hair before the shower, do this again before you go to sleep. You don’t want to leave any tangles intact before your head hits that pillow. The best protection to keep hair extensions from tangling is putting your hair in a high bun with a silk scrunchie. This keeps all of your hair extensions contained, so they aren’t getting tangled and knotted while you sleep.
Lastly, keep in mind that silk is your hair’s best friend! Silk helps to reduce friction that can cause tangles and knots. Buying a silk pillowcase or silk hair wrap versus other materials like cotton or polyester will add that extra step of defense against breakage and hair tangling.
Keep Hair Extensions from Tangling with a Proper Haircare Routine
Ensure your hair extensions stay healthy and strong by taking the extra time needed to care for your hair look.
The only way your hair extensions will last the maximum time possible is to keep hair extensions from tangling and getting damaged. The main culprit of knots and tangles is a poor haircare routine (and not listening to your stylist!). By following these tips above, you’ll maintain tangle-free strands and naturally gorgeous hair so you can enjoy your new look for as long as possible.
Want to add stunning volume and length to your locks? Apply today for your dream NBR and IBE hair extensions at Anastasia K Salon in LA.