Beautiful bounce, soft volume, too lustrous to be natural, but too natural to not seamlessly blend. The perfect wave isn't a myth. But, getting waves and keeping waves can be two different stories.
So, we brought in a professional. Laura Hickenboth, owner of Premier Beauty Bar, @thetightlinemethod extensions specialist and hair stylist for 17 years, shares her top tips for keeping wavy hair extensions looking their best. And although she has way over-the-top professional credibility, just look at her hair, she definitely knows what she's talking about!
Thank you, Laura!
Follow her @lauramae.hair
Detangle in the shower
The best maintenance begins before you even step out of the shower. Detangle hair while it's wet and keep your extensions in alignment with the cuticle. For those with wavy hair extensions, massaging the weft can help reduce the major point of stress, which is the nape of the neck. This helps prevent matting and damage to the weft. Brushing dry curls can lead to frizz and shedding.
Air dry your extensions
Air drying is your new BFF. Keep curls and waves at their healthiest by avoiding heat whenever possible. Excessive heat can lead to dryness and dullness.
Start stockpiling silk and sating scarves to wrap your waves around. The best techniques are scarf braids and rope braids. They're super simple to do even for those who don't know how to braid.
Sleeping in either type of braid helps you protect the extensions and preserves the wave. You'll wake up like Sleeping Beauty with beach waves ready to go, saving you some time in your get-ready-to-leave-the-house routine.
If you absolutely have to blow dry, keep hair in the same direction as your hair's cuticle, so don't flip your head over and dry your hair upside down. Lower temperatures are a must and don't go over 350°F.
Learn how to do scarf braids
Use a Deep Waver
If you need to refresh your waves on day 2 or 3, ditch the wands and curling irons. Instead, try a Deep Waver. It's like the crimper's millenial friend. You place your hair between two plates, clamp down and hold for a few seconds. This gives your hair a wave pattern. The best part is that you hold the deep waver horizontally, so you don't pull or tug at your weft.
Take routine maintenance seriously
Incorporate hair extension maintenance into your daily routine. Just a few minutes a day of taking care of your hair can save you a ton of time later and helps the extensions last longer. Hair extensions help you look and feel good, so take some time to keep them in great shape. It saves time, money and effort down the line.
Let us know if you have any tips, tricks or hacks for keeping your wavy hair looking its best!
