Essential Hair Care Guide After Keratin Extensions

Protecting Your Investment: Professional Care Guidelines

Your keratin hair extensions are an investment in confidence and beauty. Proper care ensures they remain invisible, natural, and beautiful for the full 3-6 month lifespan. Following these professional guidelines protects both your extensions and natural hair from damage.

First 24 Hours: Critical Care Period

DO NOT wash your hair for 24 hours after application. This waiting period allows the Italian keratin bonds to fully cure and seal around your natural hair strands. Washing too early weakens the capsule structure and can cause premature slipping.

During the first day:

• Keep hair completely dry (no rain, steam, swimming)

• Avoid sweating from intense exercise

• Do not tie hair tightly or use elastic bands

• Sleep with hair loose or in a very loose low ponytail
  

Daily Washing Routine

Proper Washing Technique

Wash hair vertically only, never upside down. Tilting your head forward and washing upside down causes tangling around the keratin capsules and stresses the bonds.

Step-by-step washing:

1. Wet hair thoroughly standing upright in the shower

2. Apply sulfate-free shampoo to roots and scalp only

3. Massage gently with fingertips (not nails) using downward motions

4. Rinse thoroughly ensuring no product residue remains near capsules

5. Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only, avoiding the root area and capsule zones

6. Rinse completely with lukewarm water (not hot)

Washing frequency: Every 2-3 days is ideal. Daily washing is unnecessary and can dry out extensions.

Recommended Products: Sulfate-Free & Paraben-Free Only

Why sulfate-free matters: Sulfates strip natural oils and weaken keratin bonds, causing extensions to slip prematurely. Paraben-free formulas are gentler on both extensions and your scalp health.

Professional Brand Recommendations

Shampoo & Conditioner:

• Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (sulfate-free, keratin-safe)

• Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste (strengthening, paraben-free)

• Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo (sulfate-free, argan-enriched for lengths only)

• Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo (bond-building, sulfate-free)

Deep Conditioning Treatments:

• Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Mask (apply mid-lengths to ends only)

• Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask (weekly treatment for extension longevity)

• Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask (lightweight, won't weigh down extensions)

Leave-In Products:

• Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray (thermal protection, alcohol-free)

• Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray (essential before heat styling)

• WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Leave-In Conditioner Spray (detangling, sulfate-free)

Finishing Oils (Tips Only):

• Moroccanoil Treatment Light (apply only to last 5cm of hair, never near capsules)

• Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (ends only, after styling)

PROHIBITED PRODUCTS:

• Oil-based shampoos or treatments near roots

• Dry shampoo (causes buildup on capsules)

• Products containing alcohol, sulfates, or ammonia

• Heavy argan oil, coconut oil, or castor oil near capsules
  

Heat Styling: Safe Tools & Techniques

Recommended Professional Tools

Dyson Airstrait™ Dryer and Straightener

The Dyson Airstrait is our top professional recommendation because it dries and straightens simultaneously using controlled airflow instead of extreme heat plates. This prevents overheating damage to keratin bonds while achieving smooth results.

Why Dyson Airstrait excels for extensions:

• Intelligent heat control (prevents bond weakening from excessive temperatures)

• Combines drying and straightening (reduces total heat exposure time)

• Even airflow distribution (no hot spots that damage capsules)

• Works on damp hair (eliminates need for separate blow-drying)

Alternative: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer with diffuser attachment for gentle drying.

Heat Styling Guidelines

Before any heat styling:

• Hair must be 80% dry (never use heat tools on soaking wet hair)

• Apply thermal protection spray to all hair (Chi 44 Iron Guard or Oribe Royal Blowout)

• Use medium heat settings only (never maximum temperature)

Hair dryer use:

• Keep dryer 15cm away from scalp and capsules

• Use cool shot button to finish and seal cuticles

• Direct airflow downward following hair growth direction

• Never concentrate heat directly on capsule areas

Straighteners and curling irons:

• Safe to use on extension hair (avoid direct contact with capsules)

• Maximum temperature 180°C (356°F)

• Clamp gently, don't pull or tug

• Always use thermal protection spray first
  

Daily Brushing: Technique & Tools

Recommended Brush: Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teezer Hairbrushes For All Hair Types are specifically designed for extensions because their flexible bristles glide through hair without catching or pulling on capsules.

Best Tangle Teezer models for extensions:

• Tangle Teezer The Original (wet or dry use, gentle on bonds)

• Tangle Teezer Wet Detangler (specifically for post-shower detangling)

• Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly (for clients with naturally thick or textured hair)
  

Proper Brushing Technique

NEVER brush wet hair. Wet hair is vulnerable, and brushing when wet stresses both natural hair and keratin capsules, causing breakage and bond weakening.

Correct brushing method:

1. Hold hair at the base in a loose ponytail with your hand

2. Start from the ends (last 10cm of hair)

3. Brush section by section working gradually upward

4. Check capsules with fingers after brushing to ensure they remain separated

5. Brush 3-5 times daily to prevent tangling buildup

When to brush your hair:

• Morning after waking

• Before showering

• After drying hair completely

• Mid-day if needed

• Before bed
  

Sleeping Care: Protect Extensions Overnight

Never sleep with wet or damp hair. This is the most common cause of matting, tangling, and premature extension failure. Wet keratin bonds are vulnerable and friction during sleep causes irreversible damage.

Nighttime routine:

1. Ensure hair is 100% dry before bed (use Dyson Airstrait if needed)

2. Brush thoroughly using Tangle Teezer to remove all tangles

3. Create a loose low ponytail with a soft fabric hair tie (not elastic bands)

4. Alternative: Divide hair into two sections and create loose braids on each side

Sleep positions:

• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase (reduces friction vs cotton)

• Avoid sleeping with hair loose and spread on pillow (causes extreme tangling)

• Check hair position before falling asleep
  

Prohibited Treatments While Wearing Extensions

These salon treatments will damage or destroy your keratin extensions:

❌ Keratin straightening treatments (conflicts with extension keratin chemistry)
❌ Nanoplasty hair treatments (chemical incompatibility)
❌ Botox hair treatments (weakens keratin bonds)
❌ Hair injection therapy (mesotherapy)
❌ Bleaching or coloring at home (unpredictable chemical reactions)
❌ Clarifying treatments (strip keratin bonds)

Allowed salon services:
✅ Professional hair coloring in salon with stylist notification about extensions
✅ Gentle toning (ammonia-free formulas only)
✅ Haircuts and styling

Important: Always inform your hairstylist that you have keratin bond extensions before any chemical service.

Professional Hair Coloring with Extensions

Can you color hair with extensions? Yes, but only professionally.

Rules for coloring:

✅ Notify stylist immediately that you have keratin capsule extensions
✅ Use only ammonia-free dyes (ammonia weakens keratin bonds)
✅ Professional application only (never DIY box dyes at home)
✅ Precise timing (monitor development carefully, don't over-process)
✅ Avoid root bleaching near capsule areas

Best coloring options:

• Balayage or highlights (avoids direct capsule contact)

• Toning to refresh blonde or cool down warmth

• Root touch-ups with ammonia-free formula

Avoid:

• Full head bleaching (damages both natural hair and extensions)

• Box dyes from supermarkets (unpredictable results, often contain harsh chemicals)

• Coloring within first 2 weeks of extension application
  

Capsule Maintenance & Checks

Weekly capsule inspection prevents problems before they escalate.

What to check:

✅ Capsules remain separated (use fingers to gently feel between bonds)
✅ No matting or tangling around capsule areas
✅ Bonds feel smooth and intact (not rough or crumbling)
✅ No visible slipping (capsules should remain 3-5mm from roots as hair grows)

Warning signs requiring salon visit:

⚠️ Capsules feel rough, sticky, or degraded
⚠️ Extensions sliding down more than 2cm from original placement
⚠️ Matting or dreadlock formation around bonds
⚠️ Excessive shedding (more than 5-10 hairs per day from extensions)
⚠️ Visible capsules when hair is tied up (bonds may have moved)

Swimming, Exercise & Lifestyle

Swimming (Pools & Sea)

Safe to swim with extensions, but precautions are essential:

Before swimming:

• Braid hair into one or two plaits

• Wet hair with clean water first (reduces chlorine/salt absorption)

• Apply leave-in conditioner to lengths

After swimming:

• Rinse immediately with fresh water

• Wash with sulfate-free shampoo within 2 hours

• Apply conditioner generously to mid-lengths and ends

• Dry completely before bed
  

Exercise & Gym

Extensions are safe for all exercise types, including yoga, running, weightlifting, and high-intensity workouts.

Exercise hair care:

• Secure hair in low ponytail or braid during workouts

• Wipe sweat from hairline immediately after exercise

• Wash hair if heavily sweated (salt from sweat can dry capsules)

• Never leave gym with damp, sweaty hair
  

Correction Schedule: When to Return

Keratin extensions require professional corrections every 2-5 months depending on capsule size and your hair growth rate.

Correction timeline by capsule type:

• Nano capsules (0.2g): Every 2-3 months

• Micro capsules (0.5g): Every 3-4 months

• Standard capsules (1g): Every 4-5 months

Why corrections are essential:

Your natural hair grows approximately 1-1.5cm per month. As hair grows, capsules move away from the scalp, creating visible lines and making extensions look unnatural. Correction involves safely removing existing bonds, checking natural hair health, and reapplying the same extensions closer to roots.

Book your correction when:

• Capsules are 3-4cm from roots

• You notice visible lines when hair is tied up

• Extensions feel heavy or pulled

• 2.5 months have passed (don't wait until issues occur)
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Tangling around capsules
Solution: Increase brushing frequency to 5 times daily, ensure hair is completely dry before bed, use more leave-in conditioner on lengths.

Problem: Capsules feel sticky or rough
Solution: You may have used oil-based products near roots. Book salon visit for capsule cleaning or early correction.

Problem: Extensions looking dry or dull
Solution: Increase conditioning frequency, apply Moroccanoil Treatment Light to ends after every wash, use weekly hair mask.

Problem: Shedding more than normal
Solution: Some shedding (5-10 extension hairs daily) is normal. Excessive shedding may indicate improper brushing or product buildup. Contact salon.

Problem: Visible capsules when hair is up
Solution: Hair has grown; time for correction appointment. Book within 1-2 weeks.

Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts

DO:

✅ Wait 24 hours before first wash
✅ Wash hair vertically, never upside down
✅ Use only sulfate-free, paraben-free products
✅ Brush 3-5 times daily with Tangle Teezer when hair is dry
✅ Apply thermal protection before any heat styling
✅ Sleep with completely dry hair in loose ponytail or braid
✅ Check capsules weekly with fingers
✅ Return for corrections every 2-4 months
✅ Inform all hairstylists about your extensions
✅ Use Dyson Airstrait for safe heat styling
✅ Apply oils only to last 5cm of hair (tips)

DON'T:

❌ Wash hair within 24 hours of application
❌ Brush wet or damp hair
❌ Apply oils, serums, or heavy products near roots or capsules
❌ Use products containing sulfates, parabens, or alcohol
❌ Sleep with wet or damp hair
❌ Use dry shampoo
❌ Tie hair tightly or use metal elastic bands
❌ Get keratin treatments, nanoplasty, or botox while wearing extensions
❌ Color or bleach hair at home
❌ Use extreme heat (above 180°C) directly on capsules

Your Extension Care Routine Summary

Morning:

1. Brush hair with Tangle Teezer (3-5 minutes)

2. Style as desired with thermal protection

Washing Days (every 2-3 days):

1. Brush before washing

2. Wash vertically with sulfate-free shampoo

3. Condition mid-lengths to ends only

4. Rinse thoroughly

5. Gently pat dry with towel (don't rub)

6. Apply thermal protection spray

7. Dry with Dyson Airstrait or hair dryer on medium heat

8. Brush when 100% dry

Evening:

1. Brush hair thoroughly

2. Check capsules are separated with fingers

3. Create loose low ponytail or two loose braids

4. Sleep on silk/satin pillowcase

Weekly:

1. Deep conditioning mask (mid-lengths to ends)

2. Capsule inspection

3. Apply nourishing oil to tips only

Every 2-4 Months:

1. Book professional correction appointment

2. Discuss any concerns with technician