Thanks to hair extensions, one doesn’t have to wait years before one can have beautiful locks (or wear an obviously fake wig). But getting them is easier than maintaining them. Here are some tips on how to take care of hair extensions so you can get the best out of them:

Keep them clean. This will prevent them from getting all tangled up. It also provides optimum conditions for styling. Your salon may have hair products especially made for hair extensions but any gentle or mild shampoo and conditioner can do. Just be gentle when washing and rinsing them. Pat dry with a soft towel. Apply leave-on conditioner afterward. This will help prevent dryness.

Keep them cool. Use hairbrushes with soft bristles or wide combs. Avoid switching the hair dryer too high. Heat can damage hair extensions.

Keep them dry. Sweat and dirt are enemies of hair extensions. When you exercise or do sweaty activities, make sure that you tie your hair up to keep.

Keep them “natural.” Perming, relaxing, and coloring can change the condition of hair extensions. If you need hair treatments, leave this to a hair stylist.