Hair Care Tips and FAQ
What is Virgin Hair?
Virgin hair which is hair that is completely unprocessed and unbroken. To qualify as virgin hair, it must meet certain standards including: not been permed, dyed, colored, bleached, or chemically processed in any way. This also means it comes from a single donor; all the cuticles are intact, running in the same direction. Usually, it also means that is has not been blow-dried or exposed to harsh agents. It’s the only authentic virgin hair that comes in two colors, 1b or 2 shades of color, but you can dye the hair any color you would like.
Because it is unprocessed hair, the hair is not perfect meaning there will be split ends and sometimes will be frizzy. The good thing about imperfections is that they can be maintained by the right products and correct care for the hair. By applying the right type of conditioner to the hair, it will give you that LUXURIANT look that you are seeking.
What is the difference between Malaysian, Brazilian, & Peruvian extensions?
Brazilian hair is extremely versatile, easily maintained & last for up to a year or longer with proper care. This hair handles color extremely well & due to the natural density it is also less likely to frizz which is a big plus. You can also use fewer bundles to still maintain a full look. It is available in wavy, straight or curly textures. The Straight textures are not bone straight but tends to curly beautifully at the end. This hair holds curls very well and tends to hold curls longer.
Malaysian hair has a very luxurious feel to it and has a great natural shine. The shine is however not excessive and after a few washes looks even more natural. The hair is very strong and for this reason holds curls extremely well. Like Brazilian hair it also handles color well. Avoid using too oil spray on this hair as it will make the hair very shiny and appear 'wiggy'.
Peruvian hair is a little coarser and thicker in texture than Brazilian & Malaysian. This hair is extremely durable and versatile and for this reason allows you to style and curl it repeatedly with great results. This hair is great multi-purpose hair as you can constantly change your look and style without damaging the hair too much. The hair is extremely soft & slightly coarser than Brazilian hair. Peruvian hair is relatively more expensive than other hair types because of its thickness.
How to care for your virgin Brazilian, Peruvian, & Malaysian Hair Extensions should certainly, be an important subject on your mind - after all you have just spent a huge sum on acquiring your extensions!
Weft Extensions Installation
One key aspect of caring for your weft extensions is the installation method. To ensure that your weft extensions do not shed after installation, we strongly recommend that you instruct your stylist to observe and follow these key points:
• Do not put a needle through the wefts or pierce the wefts. If installing a sew-in weave, sew in the wefts by looping and tying the weave thread under and over the weft in a blanket stitch method
• Do not split the wefts
• Do not cut the wefts. Avoid cutting the wefts. If you have to cut the wefts, seal each cut weft end with weft glue. We recommend that you use Bond a Weave - Liquid Gold weft glue.
• Please co-wash hair before installation
Post Installation Maintenance
Once natural hair is cut from a donor's head, it stops receiving much-needed nutriments that nourish and keeps the hair soft, shiny & tangle-free. It's therefore vitally important to maintain and treat your natural hair extensions with the appropriate maintenance products that will restores/maintain its natural softness, silk and keep it tangle-free.
Proper maintenance care using the appropriate product range will ensure that your hair extensions keep its luster and last you for a long time. We recommend you use mild shampoos & conditioners; preferably sulfate-free and silicon free hair care products.
Warning!
If you don't follow the above instructions, you will be responsible for potentially damaging your hair extensions. Also, using the wrong maintenance products on your hair extensions will result in dry, dull, tangled, damaged and unmanageable hair extensions.
Recommended Maintenance Regimen
Step 1: Detangle your hair
This is a very important step prior to shampooing your hair.
Ensure that your hair is free of tangles or snares. Using a wide tooth or a detangling brush, gently comb out your hair extensions. Always comb or brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extensions the longer they will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair.
Step 2: Shampoo/Condition
Shampoo your hair at least once a month. Shampoo strips the hair down, so I recommend it once a month. Clean your hair extensions with a moisturizing shampoo Wash your hair in a downward motion, working shampoo from the top down in one motion. Condition your hair with a moisturizing conditioner. Follow with the conditioner in the same manner. If the hair feels dry or heavy it is time to shampoo
Condition: Co-wash your bundles at every 1-2 weeks: Substitute conditioner for shampoo Wash your hair in a downward motion, working conditioner from the top down in one motion. Rinse well and then style. Curly textures require frequent co-washes to look its best; preferably once a week.
Step 3: Deep Condition
To keep you hair in tip- top shape, use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment in your hair once a month. More or less, depending on the hair's need. If you use a lot of heat, I recommend twice a month. This is very important if you have chemically treated the hair or use irons.
Step 4: Styling
As mentioned in step 1, always keep your hair extensions tangle free. Brush or comb gently and avoid any excess tension. Always comb or brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extensions the longer they will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair. We also strongly recommend the use of a de-tangling brush to comb your hair extensions every day so that it does not develop tangles especially in the nape area.
Our Virgin Hair Extensions can be styled as you would your own hair. You can blow dry, curl with curling iron, straighten with a flat iron, dye with a hair dye, and style it as you would your own hair.
Heat is your hair biggest enemy. The more you use on it, the shorter the life span of your hair. Use heat in moderation. Do not use high temperatures. High temperatures can damage the hair, including permanently altering the hair texture. Use styling products that are alcohol free.Try using flexi rollers or Rods for curls instead if hot curlers.
Sleep: Put your hair "up" at night. Braid or twist your extensions before going to sleep especially curly or wavy hair. This is important in preventing tangles. Never sleep with loose wet hair, for it may tangle while you sleep.
Co-Wash: Substitute conditioner for shampoo Wash your hair in a downward motion, working conditioner from the top down in one motion. Rinse well and then style. This is great for curly styles.
Deep Condition: To keep you hair in tip top shape, use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment in your hair twice a month. More or less, depending on the hair's need. This is very important if you have chemically treated the hair or use irons.
Styling: Always keep your extension tangle free. Brush or comb gently and avoid any excess tension. Always comb or brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extensions the longer they will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair.
More information on Straight Hair
• Shampoo hair at least once a week with a product compatible with the hair texture.
• Wet you hair slowly and apply shampoo generously. Do not massage or rub the hair against itself.
• Gently comb hair with a wide tooth comb or your fingers to remove any tangles and wash in a downward motion. Rinse shampoo out thoroughly.
• Apply a moisturizing conditioner or mask. Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to work the conditioner into your hair. Put on a shower for wait at least 10 - 30 minutes, and then rinse out conditioner thoroughly.
• Gently towel dry hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or serum or light hair to hair.
• Air dry hair or set the hair, while wet, on rollers for curls
• When extensions become dry, apply a light serum or a light oil to hair such as Argan, Moroccan, or Coconut oil. Do not use oily or greasy products; it can cause extreme tangling to the hair.
• If you must use heat, to dry or style the hair, be sure you use a leave in conditioner first along with a heat protector. I personally use Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray by Tresemme.
• Comb hair with a wide tooth comb, beginning at the ends and working your way up towards the scalp.
• Use alcohol free styling products, as alcohol will dry out your extensions and cause them to become brittle.
• Before going to bed, braid, pin curl, flexi-roll, or roller set your hair. Sleep with a satin cap or on a satin covered pillow.
More Information on Wavy Hair
• Shampoo at least once a week with a product compatible with the hair texture.
• Do not massage or rub the hair against itself.
• Wash in a downward motion. Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply a moisturizing conditioner or mask. Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to work the conditioner into your hair. Put on a shower for wait at least 10 - 30 minutes, and then rinse out conditioner thoroughly.
• Rinse conditioner out thoroughly.
• Gently blot hair with a towel.
• Spray hair with a leave in conditioner or diluted curl activator solution
• Air-dry hair for the best wave formation.
Daily Care for Wavy Hair
• Use alcohol free styling products, such as mouse, gel, and alcohol free hairspray in moderation.
• Finger style or use a wide tooth comb to style hair while it is damp.
• Apply the suggested products, allow it to air dry
• To refresh waves, spray with plain water, leave in conditioner or diluted curl activator. Do not use leave in conditioner or activator too frequently or the hair will tangle from product build up.
• Do not use oily or greasy products, it can cause extreme tangling.
• Before going to bed, braid or twist your extensions up
• Do not sleep on damp hair.
• Sleep with a satin cap or on a satin covered pillow.
More information on Curly Hair
• Shampoo at least once a week with a product compatible with the hair texture.
• Do not massage or rub the hair against itself. Wash in a downward motion. Rinse thoroughly.
• Apply a moisturizing conditioner or mask. Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to work the conditioner into your hair. Put on a shower cap for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse out conditioner thoroughly.
• Gently blot hair with a towel.
• Spray hair with a leave in conditioner or diluted curl activator solution.
• Scrunch up hair gently to reform curl.
• Allow extensions to air dry hair for the best curl formation.
• Now, I do recommend Silicone treatments every 1-2 weekd for Curly extensions because it helps maintain the frizziness and tangling. Silicone Mix can be bought at local beauty supply store
Daily Care for Curly Hair
• Finger style or use a wide tooth comb only, when hair is damp.
• Apply the suggested products, style the hair while damp, allow it to air dry and then leave it alone!
• Do not comb dry curls for you will disrupt the curl pattern and cause the hair to frizz.
• To refresh curls, spray with plain water, leave in conditioner or diluted curl activator.
• Use alcohol free styling aids, such as mouse, gel, and hairspray in moderation.
• Do not use oily or greasy products, it can cause extreme tangling.
• Before going to bed, braid or twist your extensions up
• Do not sleep on damp hair.
• Sleep with a satin cap or on a satin covered pillow.
Swimming/Sauna
• When swimming at the beach, lake, sauna, or pool the following precautions below are recommended:
• Comb your hair and put it into braids before swimming or wading in any type of water. Never wear a swimming cap, the friction may cause tangling.
• Dry hair soaks up more salt water and chlorine than it does already-wet hair; which, means dry hair incurs more damage while swimming.
• If you plan to get your hair wet, soak your hair with plain tap water before you take the plunge.
• Rinse your hair with plain tap water as soon as you have finished your water play.
• Follow a day at the beach or pool with a deep conditioning treatment.
Recommended products
Detanglers
• Silicon Mix Treatment
• Mane & Tail Detangler
• Suave Kids Detangler
Curls
• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Products
• Mixed Chicks
• Girls with Curls by Dippidy Doo
• Curl Defining Creme by Organix