It's all in the maintenance you know.

Last year, for the first time ever, I got hair extensions. Now I have been wanting them for bleedin' years but it was all smoke and no fire. So FINALLY, I decided to bite the bullet and actually get them done. Would I say my life has changed forever? Yes. Will I ever go without them again? Couldn't imagine it. But because of my months of yabbing before actually getting them done, I picked up some serious tips from life long extension pros on the important things to note to make sure you get value for money. I am now one month in, my extensions look good as new and it's all down to these stellar tips! Follow these, save these, rewrite them in your journal, whatever you choose to do, but believe me they really do help!

1. Brushing

Get an extension brush. This is vital, you will literally rip your head of hair out if you try and brush them continuously with a normal brush, so seriously get one, they are only about €15 and worth every cent.

2. Roots

This is brushing continued you could say - because it is hella important to never brush your roots. Why? Because this is where your extensions are bonded to your head and you will damage them and potentially pull them out if you brush them. Instead finger your hands through the roots to keep them from tangling and then hold your hair in a fist just under your ear and then brush the ends. By holding your hair you are taking pressure off the bonds therefore keeping them tight.

3. Shampoo

Choose a natural or extension friendly shampoo. Stay away from any shampoo with Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) as this often damages and corrodes the bonds.

4. Washing

When in the shower, turn the temperature to cold just before you get out and give your hair a blast of the cold shower, this will help keep your bonds once again nice and tight and close your pores too. *NEVER wash your hair over the bath as all the bonds will tangle. Always wash your hair standing up.

5. Conditioner

Never condition the roots as you'll cause the bonds to unravel over time, instead, condition only the ends, this is all you need anyways.

6. Drying

Always fully dry your bonds, you can leave the ends dry naturally if you want, but it is very important to keep the roots bone dry. Another tip is to put your hairdryer on the cold setting, as it is once again, you guessed it, better for the bonds.

7. At night

When sleeping, a very good tip I learnt is to plait your hair before you go to bed, not only does this give your hair a fab beachy wave when you wake up, but it also keeps your hair from tangling. Success.

8. Back brushing

Don't.

9. Hairspray

Hairspray is OK, just remember to properly wash it out the next day!

10. Itching

When you get a new set of extensions, especially your first set ever, it is normal for them to feel a little itchy. Often its just your head getting used to them and sometimes it could be because you need to give them a wash. Obviously if itching persists, go to your hair technician but usually, it is normal! And most importantly, ENJOY your "new lease of life" as I like to call it, I have never felt as confident and happy with my appearance as I do now that I got extensions. I know you don't need these "enhancements" to feel a certain way, but if it gives you a boost to your self-esteem, sure why not. I love mine. If you have any questions, do drop us a line, we are always willing to talk haircare, always.