GOLDEN Rules

On the day of your fitting:

• Please make sure your hair is washed, preferably with a clarifying shampoo. A clarifying shampoo ensures all residues are removed.
• Please do not use any conditioner on the day of fitting.
• Try to leave your hair as natural as possible and do not apply any styling products.
• If you usually straighten your hair please ensure it is straightened if possible before fitting.
• Please have your hair in its usual parting.

SHAMPOOING 

• After the application, allow 24 hours before washing your hair.
• Always brush your hair before washing with a soft bristle brush or Tangle Teaser, to remove any tangles.
• Never wash your hair extensions with your head tipped upside down.
• Apply the shampoo liberally to wet hair, making sure you lather the shampoo thoroughly all over the scalp by using a downward zigzag motion with your fingers. Pay particular attention to the bonds and hair underneath. Then apply more shampoo to the hair, stroking downwards to the tips. Rinse thoroughly, then gently squeeze to remove excess water.
• Always wash your hair in the shower, never wash hair in the bath.

• Keep your hair clean! DO NOT allow your hair to get oily - natural scalp oils, dirt, perspiration and products contaminate the bonds and will cause them to soften. 

• Always wash your hair immediately after exercise or swimming.

CONDITIONING 

• Only apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair extensions. Never apply conditioner on the bonds, as this will cause them to soften. Draw your hair to the back of your neck as if you were about to tie your hair into a ponytail. Hold the hair in one hand, and stroke the conditioner down the hair with the other. Leave on for a few minutes, rinse, then gently squeeze to remove excess water.
• Since the hair extensions do not receive nutrients from your natural scalp oils, it is important to keep them well moisturised by using a good quality moisturising conditioner. You may also apply treatments to the extensions, but make sure you avoid contact with the bonds.

DRYING

• After washing, gently pat your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Do not rub vigorously as this will cause the hair to tangle.
• Comb through wet hair using a wide toothed comb or Tangle Teezer (see Brushing & Styling).
• Dry your hair immediately after washing. The bonds swell when wet, and if they are regularly left damp they will soften and crumble.
• Blast off the bonds first until bone dry. Never let the hairdryer get too hot on the bonds.
• NEVER blow dry your hair upside down.
• Then blow the hair dry. Blast the hair until it is about 80% dry. Always point the hairdryer down the hair shaft to smooth the hair and avoid tangling. Then blow dry the hair section by section, beginning at the bottom section working up the head methodically. Hold each section of hair over a round brush or paddle brush and direct the brush and hairdryer down the hair to the ends.

BRUSHING 

• Brush your hair using a soft bristle brush or Tangle Teezer. These brushes will glide gently over the bonds without pulling on them.
• Always hold your hair when brushing to support the extensions and prevent causing strain on your natural hair and scalp.
• Begin brushing the ends of the hair first in downward strokes, working upward step by step. Never brush too harshly
• Make sure that you brush over all the bonds and scalp everyday - this will prevent matting the roots. Lift up the top sections of hair to brush the bonds underneath.
• You may use other types of brushes on the hair but only use a soft bristle brush or Tangle Teezer to brush over the bonds.
• Only use a wide toothed comb or Tangle Teezer on wet hair. Brush/comb the hair in small sections, holding the hair and starting at the ends. If using a comb, do not comb over the bonds, as you will pull out the extensions and your own hair.
• Never backcomb your hair extensions as this will cause matting which can be very difficult to remove.
• You may use products such as hairspray, serums and mousse on your hair extensions, but avoid contact with the bonds.
• Take care not to touch the bonds with hair straightening irons, curling tongs and other heated appliances as this will cause them to melt and stick together.

• Everyday it is vital that you separate the extensions at the root area with your fingers, making sure each one is hanging separately. This will prevent any matting from occurring at the roots where your own hair has naturally shed.
• Gently plait the hair or tie loosely in a band before going to bed.
• When wearing your hair up, be careful not to tie the hair too tight as this will cause excess tension on your natural hair.
• Do not pick or pull at the extension bonds, as this may result in them sliding out and may cause damage to your own hair.
• Wear your hair up when swimming, keeping your hair out of the water as much as possible.
• When on holiday, take particular care of your hair extensions by washing them regularly and keeping your hair out of the water as much as possible.
• Avoid using saunas or steam rooms, as the intense heat and moisture will cause the bonds to soften.

• Using the wrong type of shampoo
• Not shampooing properly (must lather thoroughly all over scalp) 
• Applying conditioner on the bonds
• Washing hair with very hot water
• Not drying your hair immediately after washing
• Not drying the bonds thoroughly (leaving the bonds damp)
• Allowing your hair to become oily / not washing hair often enough
• Excess perspiration on scalp (e.g. during exercise) - always wash hair immediately after exercising
• Having your hairdryer setting too hot on the bonds
• Contact with hair products and dyes on the bonds 
• Excessive heat and moisture e.g. from using saunas, steam rooms etc.
• Consistently getting the bonds wet/damp e.g. swimming
• Wearing hats or helmets