Is your once beautiful and silky hair extension turning dry and unmanageable? Believe me, I’ve been there. After experimenting with different remedies and consulting top beauty experts, I discovered that factors like sun exposure or hard water can make our extensions lose their softness.
This article will guide you through simple yet efficient home methods to bring back the shine and softness of your hair extensions. Ready to transform your tresses from drab to fab? Let’s dive in!
Why Hair Extensions Become Dry and Unmanageable
Hair extensions can become dry and unmanageable for a variety of reasons, including poor-quality hair and exposure to environmental factors such as sun, hard water, seawater, and chlorine.
Poor quality hair
Poor-quality hair extensions can leave you grappling with a myriad of problems. They often lack the natural shine and softness that higher-quality options boast, leading to dry, frizzy strands that are difficult to manage.
The culprit behind this is typically the low-grade materials used in their production which fails to replicate real hair’s texture and resilience. Soaking your poor-quality extensions in warmed-up extra virgin olive oil after washing can significantly improve their texture, making them soft again at home.
Importantly, regular maintenance using all-natural oils treatments restores moisture and rejuvenates these extensions over time.
Exposure to sun, hard water, seawater, and chlorine
These are tried-and-true offenders that often rob our hair extensions of their softness. The vibrant summer months may sound ideal, but they’re not always the friendliest for our beloved extensions.
- Sun Exposure: Just as it can harm our skin, long and direct exposure to the sun may cause your hair extensions to dry out and become brittle. Protect them by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection.
- Hard Water Harm: Being dense in minerals, hard water tends to make hair extensions more difficult to manage over time. It can lead to buildup that leaves your extensions looking dull and feeling rough.
- Sea Water Struggles: A day at the beach can be fun until you notice that the salty sea water has dried out your extensions and left them tangled and rough.
- Chlorine Damage: Frequent swimming in chlorinated pools can strip away essential oils from your hair extensions, causing them to become dry and unmanageable.
How to Make Hair Extensions Soft Again at Home
To make hair extensions soft again at home, you can use natural oils like olive, coconut, or argan oil.
Using natural oils (olive, coconut, or argan oil)
I love sharing with you the beauty tricks that I’ve picked up along the way, and today we’re focusing on reviving those dry hair extensions. Now, I personally swear by natural oils – olive oil, coconut oil, and argan oil are my top choices when it comes to breathing life back into my frizzy or dull extensions.
Step 1: Start with a small amount of your chosen oil. Remember, less is more! You can always add if needed.
Step 2: Rub the oil between your palms then apply from mid-lengths to ends. Avoid the bonds or tape of the extensions as this could weaken them over time.
Step 3: Gently comb through your extensions using a wide-toothed comb to distribute the oil evenly.
Step 4: Leave in for at least an hour or even better – overnight!
Step 5: Wash out thoroughly with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.
Using hot water
To make hair extensions soft again at home, using hot water can be a game-changer. Hot water helps to open up the hair shaft and allows for deeper penetration of moisturizing ingredients.
Start by wetting the extensions with warm water and then gently shampoo them using a sulfate-free cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
Next, apply a generous amount of conditioner from root to tip and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water again. This will help to replenish moisture and restore softness to the extensions.
Avoid using excessively hot water as it can strip away natural oils from the hair, leading to further dryness. Instead, opt for warm or lukewarm temperature which is gentle on both your natural hair and extensions.
Using hair masks
One effective way to make your hair extensions soft again at home is by using hair masks. Hair masks are deep conditioning treatments that provide intense nourishment and hydration to your hair.
They can help repair damage, restore moisture, and improve the overall texture of your extensions.
To use a hair mask, start by washing your extensions with a gentle shampoo and then gently squeeze out any excess water. Apply the hair mask generously from mid-length to the ends of the extensions, making sure to avoid the roots.
Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes to allow it to penetrate deeply into the strands.
Afterward, rinse out the mask thoroughly with lukewarm water until all traces of the product are gone. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle the extensions while rinsing them.
Intensive method combining hot water and oil
To make your hair extensions soft again at home, try this intensive method that combines hot water and oil. Follow the steps below for best results:
Step 1: Start by filling a bowl or sink with hot water. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid damaging the extensions.
Step 2: Add a few drops of your chosen natural oil, such as olive, coconut, or argan oil, to the hot water. These oils are known for their nourishing properties and will help restore moisture to your hair extensions.
Step 3: Carefully immerse the hair extensions into the hot water and oil mixture. Gently swirl them around to ensure all strands are coated.
Step 4: Let the hair extensions soak in the mixture for about 15 – 20 minutes. This will allow enough time for the oils to penetrate the hair shafts and soften them.
Step 5: After soaking, rinse the extensions thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any excess oil residue.
Step 6: Gently squeeze out any excess water from the extensions using a towel. Avoid rubbing or twisting them to prevent damage.
Step 7: Lay the damp extensions flat on a clean towel and allow them to air dry completely before styling or storing them.
Recommended Products for Reviving Hair Extensions
To achieve soft and luscious hair extensions, consider using these highly recommended products that will breathe life back into your strands.
1. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
One of the recommended products for reviving dry hair extensions is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. This deep conditioning treatment is specifically formulated to restore moisture and hydration to dry and damaged hair.
Enriched with argan oil, it nourishes and revitalizes the extensions, leaving them soft, smooth, and manageable. The hydrating mask also helps to repair any frizz or brittleness in the hair extensions, making them look and feel healthier.
To use this product, simply apply a generous amount to clean, towel-dried extensions from mid-lengths to ends. Leave it on for 5-7 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Incorporating the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask into your hair extension care routine will help bring back their shine and rejuvenate their overall condition.
2. Undone Undamaged Shampoo
Undone Undamaged Shampoo is a must-have product in your hair extension care routine. This gentle yet effective shampoo is specially formulated to repair and restore dry, damaged hair extensions.
It contains nourishing ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, replenishing moisture and leaving your extensions feeling soft and silky.
One of the key benefits of Undone Undamaged Shampoo is its ability to prevent further damage to your hair extensions. Its unique formula creates a protective barrier that shields your extensions from heat-styling tools, UV rays, and environmental pollutants.
By using this shampoo regularly, you can maintain the health and integrity of your extensions for longer.
What sets Undone Undamaged Shampoo apart is its ability to deliver noticeable results without weighing down your hair or leaving behind any residue. It cleanses thoroughly while retaining essential moisture, ensuring that your extensions are left feeling clean, refreshed, and revitalized.
3. Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner
I absolutely love using Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner to restore softness and vitality to my dry hair extensions. This amazing conditioner is formulated with argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that deeply nourish and moisturize the hair.
It helps to repair damage caused by heat styling tools and environmental factors like sun exposure and hard water.
What I really appreciate about this conditioner is how lightweight it feels on my extensions while still providing intense hydration. It leaves my hair extensions feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and manageable without weighing them down.
The luxurious formula also enhances the natural shine of my hair extensions, making them look healthy and vibrant.
To use the Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner, I simply apply a generous amount onto wet hair after shampooing. I gently massage it into the hair extensions from root to tip, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Then I let it sit for a couple of minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
4. REDKEN One United Spray
As part of your hair extensions care routine, using the REDKEN One United Spray can be a game changer. This multi-benefit spray is designed to provide 25 benefits in one convenient product, making it a must-have for maintaining soft and healthy hair extensions.
It helps to nourish and moisturize dry extensions, while also protecting them from heat styling tools and the damaging effects of UV rays. The lightweight formula of the spray detangles knots, reduces frizz, and adds shine without weighing down your hair extensions.
Simply mist it onto damp or dry hair before styling or throughout the day for an instant boost of hydration and protection. With its versatile nature, this spray is perfect for all types of hair extensions, whether you have tape-in or clip-in ones.
Tips for Maintaining Soft Hair Extensions
To maintain soft hair extensions, avoid excessive heat styling, use sulfate-free hair products, moisturize and condition regularly, store them properly when not in use, and seek professional help for severely damaged extensions.
1. Avoid excessive heat styling
Excessive heat styling is one of the main culprits behind dry and unmanageable hair extensions. The high temperatures from flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can strip away the natural moisture from the hair fibers, leaving them brittle and prone to breakage.
To maintain soft and healthy hair extensions, it’s important to minimize your use of heat styling tools.
Instead of relying on hot tools every day, try embracing more heat-free hairstyles like braids or updos. If you do need to use heat styling occasionally, make sure to apply a good quality heat protectant spray before using any hot tool.
This will create a barrier between your extensions and the high temperatures, preventing further damage.
Remember that proper care goes a long way in maintaining soft hair extensions. By avoiding excessive heat styling and protecting your extensions when necessary, you’ll be able to keep them looking beautiful for longer periods without sacrificing their softness or compromising their overall health.
2. Use sulfate-free hair products
I highly recommend using sulfate-free hair products to maintain the softness and quality of your hair extensions. Sulfates are harsh chemicals commonly found in shampoos and conditioners that can strip away natural oils from the hair, leading to dryness and frizziness.
By switching to sulfate-free products, you can gently cleanse your extensions without compromising their moisture balance. These gentle formulas help to retain essential oils, keeping your extensions nourished and soft.
Look for products labeled as “sulfate-free” or containing ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfoacetate instead of sulfates. Making this simple change in your haircare routine can go a long way in preserving the softness and health of your extensions.
3. Regularly moisturize and condition extensions
Moisturizing and conditioning your hair extensions regularly is crucial for maintaining their softness and vitality. Just like our natural hair, extensions also need hydration to keep them looking their best.
After washing your extensions, apply a nourishing conditioner from mid-length to the ends, focusing on areas that are prone to dryness. Allow the conditioner to sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
This will help replenish moisture and restore any lost nutrients in the hair strands. Additionally, using a leave-in conditioner or oil treatment can provide extra hydration throughout the day, keeping your extensions silky smooth and tangle-free.
4. Store extensions properly when not in use
To keep your hair extensions soft and in good condition, it’s crucial to store them properly when not in use. This helps prevent tangling, frizz, and damage that can occur from mishandling or improper storage.
After removing the extensions, gently brush them to remove any tangles or debris. Then, carefully place them in a breathable storage bag or box lined with tissue paper to protect against dust and moisture.
Avoid storing them near heat sources or in direct sunlight as this can cause fading and dryness. By taking the time to store your extensions correctly, you’ll ensure they stay soft and beautiful for longer periods of time.
5. Seek professional help for severely damaged extensions
If your hair extensions are severely damaged and none of the at-home methods seem to be working, it may be time to seek professional help. A hairstylist or a salon specializing in hair extensions can assess the condition of your extensions and provide expert advice on how to restore their softness.
They may recommend deep conditioning treatments specifically designed for hair extensions or suggest trimming off any excessively damaged ends. Professionals have access to high-quality products and techniques that can effectively revive even the most distressed hair extensions.
Remember, while DIY methods can do wonders for maintaining and improving the condition of your hair extensions, sometimes it’s best to leave it in the hands of professionals who know exactly what your locks need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bringing back softness to dry and damaged hair extensions is achievable with the right care routine. By using natural oils, hot water, and hair masks, you can restore moisture and repair any frizz or tangles.
Additionally, investing in recommended products like Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask and REDKEN One United Spray can further enhance the softness of your extensions. Remember to follow proper maintenance tips such as avoiding excessive heat styling and storing your extensions properly when not in use.
With these methods and a little TLC, you can enjoy luxuriously soft hair extensions from the comfort of your home.
