Removing your Extensions: A primer

We all hate to take out our extensions, no matter how beautiful you are you just feel less pretty when you lose your 4-12 ounces of someone else's luxurious locks.  But the key to wearing hair extensions is to understand that they are the ultimate accessory not neccesity.

So here a few tips on removing your hair extensions without damaging your hair:

1. Prep your hair for removal with a good hot oil treatment.  Saturate your tresses with either olive, coconut or a blend of tea tree oil & jojoba.   This protects and soothes the cuticles of your hair and prevents tangles.  (tip if you can't reach your hair because it is in a sew-in make use a color application bottle to reach the hair in braids)

2.  VISIT A SALON:  especially if you are taking out strand by strand extensions!  You want to go to a stylist who is certified and trained in hair extensions removal.  If you have a sew in make sure your stylist is aware they will be removing your extensions before your appointment.

3. Once your extensions are completely removed DO NOT WET!  Take the time with your tresses. There is a lot of shed hair that needs to come out.  Please start with your fingers to comb through your hair and then move to a wide tooth comb.  Now is a good time to reapply a heavier oil to ensure you aren't causing any breakage.

4. Wash your hair in two- four sections depending on how much hair you have.  This will further ensure that you aren't contributing to tangles.  Do not agitate the hair too much during your first shampoo. Focus on the scalp but don't agitate the hair too much.

5. Do a protein treatment.  Depending on how much breakage you have.  Follow with a light moisturizing conditioner.

6. Know when to take a break from extensions!!!  If you have had at least two sets of extensions back to back or have had extensions in for more than six months consecutively...time to take a break!!

7. Tips on taking a break from extensions:  Skip the clip in and opt for a fun custom made ponytail.  With your hair in a ponytail people won't notice that you don't have your hair is as much.  Even better... experiment with the new braid trend everyone is rocking.   Give yourself at least 2 weeks with nothing on your scalp and nothing agitating your hair!