The beauty, health, and durability of your raw hair extensions depend significantly on a proper hair care regimen. Raw hair requires more maintenance than processed hair, needing tender care and conditioning to stay hydrated and maintain its health. Here are some guidelines for maintaining your raw hair extensions:
1. **Wash Before Installing:** Always wash your hair before installation.
2. **Deep Conditioning:** Deep condition every two weeks to replenish nutrients lost when hair is separated from the donor. Use a hair mask for this process.
3. **Pre-Wash Detangling:** Brush out the hair completely before washing, regardless of texture, for easier management when wet.
4. **Use the Right Products:** Choose sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner. Detangle while wet, using only conditioner, starting from the tips and working up to the roots. A wide-tooth comb or wet brush is ideal, especially for wavy and curly textures.
5. **Conditioning:** Thick cream conditioners work best with Cambodian hair. After washing, pat dry and brush through without product. Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to lock in moisture. Air dry naturally or use a hooded dryer instead of blow drying to prevent strand breakage.
6. **Daily Care:** Apply a small amount of hair oil daily to prevent stiffness while avoiding product buildup. For curly or very wavy textures, add a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to define curls and reduce frizz.
7. **Heat Styling:** Always use a heat protectant when using flat or curling irons to minimize breakage. Argan oil can serve as a heat protectant.
8. **Combing and Brushing:** Use a wide-tooth comb or soft-tip paddle brush for styling as needed.
9. **Night Time Care:** Use a silk bonnet at night to retain moisture and prevent breakage.
10. **Coloring:** For coloring, consult a professional colorist to ensure proper results and avoid over-processing.
**Closures & Frontals:**
- Have a professional bleach the knots to avoid damage.
- Limit brushing to prevent loosening knots and reduce shedding.
- Follow the wefted hair care tips for the overall health and longevity of your lace products.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain the natural beauty and durability of your raw hair extensions.