How to Care for your Hair Extensions in Winter

I know I am not alone in dreading the colder weather for more reasons than just being terrified of my heating bill… Ladies!! Our hair takes a beating! There is static electricity to contend with, dryness, breakage, and let’s not forget hat head! We know, we get it, and we're here to help.

Cold and Heat

Colder weather literally pulls the moisture out of your hair. And it isn’t just the dropping temperatures that you need to be wary of; indoor heating will leave your skin and hair extremely dry, which can lead to dandruff. This is probably the number one reason girls mention their extensions are itchy this time of year - when in fact it isn’t the extensions at all.

Washing

We all know that shampoo washes away the bad stuff like dirt, dust, and flakes on our hair and scalp - but it also washes away the good stuff, like those natural oil and moisturizers you need. At the base level, shampoo cleans the hair using detergents, just like every other cleaning product you use. Not only that, but most shampoos have ingredients in them that are incredibly drying. Instead of washing your hair several times per week, cut down to washing it once or twice a week. On the days you don’t wash it, use a good quality dry shampoo like AG Hair Care's Dry Shampoo to absorb some of the oils. Your scalp and hair extensions will thank you.

Instead of using a traditional shampoo, we highly recommend X-Tendz. This miracle product was developed specifically for extensions. Not only does this product cleanse and condition, it moisturizes, strengthens, detangles, and protects against colour-fade and heat, all in one step.

Turn the temperature of your shower down. As wonderful as a hot shower is on a cold day, it isn’t good for your skin or your hair. Hot water makes your hair strands porous allowing moisture to slip away from the hair. And you know what that means? When the hair loses moisture, it becomes dry, and frizzy, leading to tangles and split ends.

Hat Head

It’s a brand-new day and your hair is full of bounce and shine, and you’re ready to conquer the world! Since we know to protect our hair from the elements with a winter hat, all is right in the world. Until that pinnacle moment when it’s time to remove the hat and unleash the remnants of what once was. Enter: hat head.

Our advice: Put your hair in a high but loose bun on top of your head. Your hat will go on over the top of the whole thing. The hat won’t squish your roots down because they’re being pulled upwards by the bun. When it’s time to remove the hat, simply set your locks free.

Static Electricity and Split Ends

Winter weather is the catalyst to some problematic hair issues, but static has to be on top of the list. Thanks to the cold dry air outside, and hot dry air inside, your strands become dehydrated, which ignites a positive charge to the atoms in your hair. When there’s a positive charge that can’t be released into your environment, static stays put on your strands. You can use tools (such as an ionic blow dryers or metal combs) or products (such as X-Tendz, and oils or pomades) to help prepare and protect your extensions against the elements.

Ionic blow dryers. These have negative ions which neutralize the positive ions in your hair and extensions to help get rid of static. The ion molecules also break down water molecules instead of evaporating them, like regular blow dryers do. Always point the nozzle of the dryer down, following the natural direction of the cuticle.

Dryer sheets. This is going to sound a bit out there, but gently rubbing dryer sheets on your hair can help get rid of static. Alternatively, you can rub them on your pillowcase at night. Another dryer sheet trick is to wrap your brush in one (with the bristles poking through.)

Metal combs. Instead of using a plastic comb, try a metal comb. Plastic will actually make your hair more static-y. Metal is a conductor, so it won’t. This means that the electricity goes to the metal first before it goes to your hair. Also, use a brush with natural bristles. These brushes are more expensive but help distribute oil in your hair and prevent static.

Silk. Silk is naturally endowed with anti-static properties, so silk pillowcases, and winter accessories like hats and scarves that are lined in silk are great ways to stop the static.

Other tips

• Try using a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, helping both your skin and your hair.
• Use coconut oil – pure virgin organic if possible – on your locks but be careful not to get any on your extension bonds. If you use the coconut oil, make sure to do so about an hour before showering as a extra boost of natural moisture to keep hair gorgeous and protected - always avoiding the scalp and bonds.