Shedding is a big bugbear for many with hair extensions, and it can be frustrating due to the amount of money you invested. It’s only natural to wonder why your natural hair extensions are shedding and if the hair is of poor quality. The truth is that this isn’t a question of quality, especially if you have spent a decent amount of money on them, but it’s more about knowing how hair extensions are made. Because this is such a hot topic in the hair extension industry, we decided to clear up the common myth about shedding and will share with you our top tips for dealing with it, so you can continue to enjoy your natural hair extensions for months to come.
Common myth: Hair extensions are not supposed to shed
Now let us start by addressing the elephant in the room, do hair extensions shed? The honest answer is yes! Now I know that’s probably not what you want to hear but hear us out. It’s normal to experience some shedding over time and it’s unrealistic not to. Why? Because of the way hair extensions are constructed. Let’s take clip-ins for example as they are one of the most delicate hair extensions. They are made by securing hundreds of strands of hair using thread and an industrial sewing machine. Because it is the thread that attaches the hair to the weft whenever you wash, detangle and style your natural hair clip-ins, some hair will slip loose. This is why hair extensions are classed as a consumable product with a limited lifespan.
Curly & Wild natural hair extensions typically last 3-12+ months with good care. Our natural hair clip-in extensions are designed to reduce shedding as they are double-wefted. This means each clip-in weft has two wefts that were placed on top of each other and sewn together. Each double weft also has a lace protective band on top to ensure they last longer providing they are looked after. There are extensions which shed less such as a drawstring ponytail because they do not require as much styling and manipulation as clip-ins.
Ok, so you might be thinking if shedding is normal then what is an abnormal amount of shedding?
A normal amount is minimal shedding that occurs over time as you manipulate the extensions (i.e., washing, detangling, etc). Curly & Wild extensions are of the highest quality, therefore you won't get excessive shedding, however, with longer use your extensions will eventually need to be replaced.
Abnormal shedding is hair that is continuously falling out and getting thinner and thinner especially when you are not manipulating it (i.e., when it is stored in a box or while wearing it). Be aware that if you cut your hair extensions this may increase shedding, so take care.
If shedding is excessive because your hair extensions are tangled, and you are heavily manipulating it to get rid of the knots then excessive shedding is inevitable. If you are having tangling issues, be sure to check out our blog post below with our top tips on how to resolve it.
How to reduce hair extensions from shedding
At this point you may be thinking, this is all good to know, but how do you stop your hair extensions from shedding? Well like we said, some shedding is naturally going to happen over time, but there are ways to reduce shedding, which will help increase the longevity of your hair extensions.
1. Keep your extensions detangled
Keeping your hair extensions detangled is crucial when looking after natural hair extensions. As long as you have a regular detangling regimen this will stop your hair extensions from tangling and then shedding in an attempt to get rid of the tangles. It’s important to deal with tangled hair extensions as soon as possible because tangled hair becomes matted hair which is even harder to resolve. Remember to detangle on moisturised or damp hair only, as detangling dry hair will only increase shedding.
2. Keep your extensions moisturised
As mentioned above, moisturising your hair extensions is important to keep the integrity of the hair. Moisturising your extensions doesn’t have to be complicated; you can simply use a spray water bottle and a bit of leave-in conditioner. Now and again, remember to take the time to deep condition your extensions, as this will increase the hair’s capacity to retain moisture.
3. Use weave glue
Weave glues have been specifically designed to reduce shedding in weaves by bonding the hair together along the top of the weft. You can use weave glue on your natural clip-in extensions to slow down and reduce shedding, so it’s worth incorporating it as part of your extension care regimen. Pro tip: use black weave glue for darker hair.
4. Incorporate protective styling
With natural hair when you wear protective styles it helps you retain length. The same is true with your natural hair extensions because leave-out hairstyles are more exposed to the elements and will need more styling. The less you are styling your hair extensions the less hair you will lose over time.
If you have bought natural hair extensions from a reputable, knowledgeable and experienced company, minimal shedding is commonplace, but it need not be the end of the world. Thankfully, these tips above are simple to incorporate and don’t take a lot of time. When it comes to looking after your natural hair extensions a little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure your extensions are long-lasting to allow you to enjoy your beautiful hairstyles.
We hope this helps clarify the common myth about hair extensions shedding and ways you can reduce it in the future.
If you have any more questions, please get in touch with us, we are always happy to help.
I'm sure you've seen natural hair extensions a lot of times and wondered what they are, where to buy them and how to apply them at home. With the growth of the natural hair movement, it's no surprise that the use of these extensions has increased too.
Natural hair extensions are great because they’re created to blend seamlessly with your real hair so no one can tell you are wearing extensions. Whether you want a big voluminous fro’, fluffy natural blow out or bouncy washing go, you can achieve all these looks.
There are many factors like your own curl pattern, thickness, length and lifestyle that play an important role in choosing the right natural hair extensions for you. This post is all about natural hair extensions and will give you a rundown on the different types out there and commonly asked questions, so you can make the best choice to suit your needs.
What are natural hair extensions?
Natural hair extensions are extensions that have been designed for natural hair. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions are 100% virgin human hair that has been steam processed to replicate curly, coily and afro-textured hair.
What’s the difference between human and synthetic hair extensions?
Human hair extensions are made from real human hair. The hair is collected from a donor and is treated and processed to create a specific texture and/or colour. Human hair extensions can range in price depending on the quality. In most cases, with human hair extensions, you get what you pay for, so if you want long-lasting extensions, it’s worth paying for high-quality extensions.
Synthetic hair extensions have no human hair and are made from synthetic fibres, usually plastic. They can be manufactured to match human hair; however, they do not last as long, usually less than six months. If you have a smaller budget, synthetic hair extensions could be a good choice, although be mindful that you will have to replace them more often.
What types of natural hair extensions can you get?
There is a range of different natural hair extensions available, however, for the sake of time, we will cover the most popular types that are commonly worn in the natural hair community.
Weave/sew-ins
Weaves/sew-ins are installed by sewing them into your real hair, usually cornrows. They can be worn for weeks or months, which can make them a convenient choice if you are looking for a long-term and low maintenance protective style. The downside is that they can be expensive as they require a professional to install.
Clip-in extensions
Natural hair clip-ins are essentially removable hair extensions. Their application is similar to weave as they are installed directly into your hair, however, this is done using clips making them quick and easy to install on your own. If you are new to clip-ins there can be a learning curve so they may not be suitable if you are looking for an easy low maintenance protective style.
If you are unsure whether weaves or clip-ins are for you, check out this blog post to weigh up the pros and cons of both extensions.
A hairpiece is a unit you attach to your hair to create an on the go hairstyle. Hairpieces can come in the form of ponytails, bangs or buns that are installed into the hair. To find out more about our drawstring ponytails go here.
Wig/lace front
A wig is a full hair unit made out of real or synthetic hair to cover your entire head. There is a range of different wigs so they can be a fantastic way to switch up your look while allowing your natural hair to be protected. They can also be worn for medical reasons such as alopecia or hair loss.
Lace front wigs have an invisible hairline, so it looks like the hair is growing from your scalp giving you a natural look. The hairs are placed individually into the lace front one by one to mimic hair growing out of the scalp. This is a labour-intensive process that comes with a higher price tag. The lace front is delicate so it’s important to be careful when wearing this unit.
Microlinks
Microlinks are growing in popularity in the natural hair community and are being used as an alternative to weaves and wigs. They are hair extensions that are attached to silicone or metal beads which are clamped around small sections of your natural hair to secure them in place. There are two main types of microlinks; I-tips and wefts.
Because of how they are installed they look and feel very natural and give the wearer a lot of versatility. The downside to microlinks is that installation can be pricey, and they generally last for 2 to 3 months when they are looked after properly. If you are looking for a low maintenance style, then microlinks are probably not for you.
Braiding hair
Braiding hair is a long-time favourite in the black hair community. There is a range of different braiding hair available on the market in a variety of textures and colours. Popular styles include faux locs, crochet braids, box braids and Marley twists. Braiding hair has been used as a protective style for decades and can be worn in a multitude of ways.
How long do natural hair extensions last?
The longevity of natural hair extensions depends on two things: whether they are human hair or synthetic hair and how well you care for them. Human hair extensions have a longer lifespan and tend to last 6 to 12 months when looked after properly. Synthetic hair extensions generally last a few months, normally no longer than 6 months.
Will natural hair extensions blend with my hair?
Yes, natural hair extensions will blend with your natural hair as they have been designed to blend with textured hair. There are certain tips and techniques to help with blending your extensions. Check out this video to see our favourite blending methods.
Can I style natural hair extensions?
What’s great about natural hair extensions is that they can be styled, dyed and cut just like your natural hair so you can twist, braid and Bantu knot to your heart's content. It’s best to use a limited amount of heat because like your real hair your natural hair extensions can suffer from heat damage. Just make sure if you are using heat to use a heat protectant.
Can I wash natural hair extensions?
Of course! You can wash natural hair extensions just like your natural hair. It’s always a good idea to use a sulphate-free shampoo to prevent them from drying out and to follow up with a deep conditioner.How often you wash your hair extensions will depend on the number of times you wear them. If they start to look dull and show signs of product build-up it’s time to wash them. You can also wash them with a moisture-rich conditioner in-between shampoo washes. It’s important to bear in mind that the more you manipulate your hair extensions it shortens their longevity so do not over wash them.
Can I dye natural hair extensions?
If the hair extensions are human hair, they can be dyed. Curly & Wild natural hair extensions can be dyed up to #27 or Strawberry Honey Blonde, lighter colours may cause the curls to drop. We always recommend doing a test dye using our texture sample or on a small section of the extensions to ensure you are happy with the results. You can dye your extensions at home however we recommend getting them dyed by a professional colourist for a professional finish. For tips on how to dye your extensions at home, watch this video.
How to care for natural hair extensions?
When wearing natural hair extensions, you also have to consider the maintenance process that goes with them as they need to be cared for just like your natural hair. Hair extensions are a consumable product so they will eventually need replacing so keeping them clean, detangled and moisturised will make them last longer. You can find more detailed extension hair care advice here and here.
How often can I wear natural hair extensions?
You can wear natural hair extensions as often as you want. With daily wear, you must moisturise and detangle them to ensure you minimise tangling. There are some circumstances where we don’t recommend you wear your natural hair extensions for instance when swimming or sleeping.
What length of natural hair extensions should I get?
Deciding on what length to get will depend on what look you want to achieve. Curly & Wild hair extensions range from 12 to 24 inches depending on the extensions. If you are new to wearing natural hair extensions, try a shorter length while you get used to styling them. If you want to do a range of styles, a longer length would be better, so you have more hair to work with.
How long does my natural hair have to be to wear natural hair extensions?
We recommend that your hair is at least 4 inches long to wear our natural hair clip-in extensions and drawstring ponytails.
Do natural hair extensions look natural?
Yes, they do. When it comes to making your hair extensions look natural and seamless choose a texture that is closest to your curl pattern and find blending techniques that work for you. Choosing a length based on the length of your real hair can also make your extensions look natural. For more tips on how to make your extensions look natural head over to this blog post.
What products can you use on natural hair extensions?
Any products that you use on your natural hair can be used on your natural hair extensions. What is more important, however, is knowing which ingredients to avoid or minimise usage. Sulphates and alcohols can dry out the hair extensions and lead to tangling and eventually matting, so limiting the use of these products is essential.
That’s not to say these products should be avoided at all costs, however, you want to be mindful of the combination of ingredients and the order in which they appear in a product. The first 5 ingredients usually make up the bulk of any hair product. Therefore, if 3 out of the first 5 ingredients are alcohols this is likely to contribute to your hair extensions tangling. You would be surprised how many hidden alcohols are in hair products. Even glycerin is a derivative of alcohol!
Here is a list of ingredients you may want to avoid:
Sodium laureth sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Ammonium lauryl sulfate
Ethanol
Alcohol denat
Propanol
Isopropyl alcohol
SD alcohol
Also, limit conditioners that are protein-based because too much protein can make your hair extensions stiff. The same rules will apply to your leave-in conditioner or daily moisturiser.
Here is a list of products we find that work well with Curly & Wild natural hair extensions:
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean – Moisturizing & Softening Shampoo
Remember finding products comes down to trial and error. We will keep updating this list as we discover more products.
What accessories can you use with natural hair extensions?
Hair accessories are a great way to add personality and flair to your hairstyles. You can use any accessories with your natural hair extensions so don’t be afraid to jazz up your hairstyle with a colourful hairband, a satin scrunchie and hair clips.
Should I wear natural hair extensions?
Yes! Natural hair extensions are a fun way to add volume and length while protecting your natural hair. They are comfortable and convenient and a great compliment to any natural hair routine.
Hopefully, this post has set you on the right path to finding the perfect extensions for you and your lifestyle. We take pride in everything we do here at Curly & Wild so we want to ensure you have all you need to be confident when choosing your natural hair extensions. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and we would be happy to help.
Interested in our collection of natural hair extensions?
When you have natural hair extensions there are a few in-expensive tools and products which can be vital in aiding you during your natural hair clip-in journey.
Check out our short but sweet blog post, where we fill you in on our top 5 must-have tools and products for rocking your clip-ins.
1. Leave-in Conditioner
We all know that one girl with perfect hair, not a strand out of place, regardless of the weather or humidity.
Spoiler alert: Behind that perfect hair-do is a lot of leave-in conditioner. We already know that natural hair requires great hydration to look it’s best and our natural hair clip-ins are no different.
Leave-in conditioners will help to mitigate any shedding of your clip-ins, help to tame flyaway hairs and fend off tangling all whilst keeping your clip-ins moisturised and bouncy! The good news is whatever conditioner you use for your natural hair will likely be suitable for our clip-ins too, so there’s no need for you to fork out extra cash on several different leave-in conditioners.
2. Headscarves and Hair Wraps
Incredibly versatile the headscarf can be used day or night to help keep your locks looking fresh. Not only can headscarves and hair wraps be used to protect your hairstyle and prevent tangling when you sleep but they’re also great for styling in the day. They can help diversify your style, add a splash of colour or disguise clips in the wefts if necessary.
*We advise slippery, smooth material such as silk for your headscarf and wraps as this will help to reduce friction and damage, and will be the safest choice for your tresses.
3. Spray Bottle
Easily overlooked, the spray bottle is perfect for those finger detangling sessions. You can buy spray bottles cheaply online or simply reuse one you have lying around the house already!
To detangle your clip-ins:
Fill your spray bottle with water.
Pour in a few teaspoons of your favourite conditioner or oil.
Shake the spray bottle to mix well and spritz hair as required.
Rake your fingers through and gently work through any tough knots.
4. Satin Hair Extension Storage Bag
To preserve your clip-ins and keep them in tip-top shape for longer you’ll want to invest in a secure place to store them.
A satin hair extension bag is the perfect accessory to store and protect your clip-ins after usage. The bag can also double as a perfect travel companion helping you keep your extensions pristine even on the longest, most arduous journeys.
It also helps to:
Reduces knots and tangles
Preserves the quality of your extensions
Are perfect for travelling
5. Natural Oil
Natural oils form an important part of many women’s hair care regimens and usage needn’t stop when it comes to caring for your clip-ins.
Oils keep our hair healthy and fabulous looking and this doubles for our clip-ins too. Natural oils are great for adding shine and lustre to your clip-ins and as mentioned before can be used to help with detangling hair due to their amazing lubrication.
Hopefully, armed with our top product picks caring for your clip-ins will be easy as pie, no matter where you are in your natural hair journey. If you have any tips or great products that have been working for you and your clip-ins be sure to let us know in the comments below and help spread the word!
Hair extensions whether it is clips-in, weaves, micro-links, fusion or tape-ins can be a great way to add volume, colour and length to your hair. Depending on the hair extensions you use they will require different care requirements to ensure they stay in good condition for as long as possible. Extensions are either made up of real human hair or synthetic fibres that are manufactured out of plastic to imitate human hair. What you decide to buy will depend on the look you want to achieve, your budget, your lifestyle and the time you want to invest in maintenance.
This blog post will give you eight tips we have found that help to prolong the longevity of 100% human hair extensions. Most high-quality human hair extensions can have a lifespan of up to a year but this depends on how well you care for them. By following these tips you will get more life out of your hair extensions and more bang for your buck, pound or euro. These are tips we recommend to our customers that purchase our range of curly and textured clip-in extensions. They have worked for them and we hope they will work for you.
Choose your hair tools wisely
Be gentle when manipulating your hair extensions and stick to a limited set of tools like a soft bristle brush, cushioned brush, wide tooth comb or even your fingers. Avoid using brushes and combs with fine close spaced teeth as this will only increase the likelihood of the hair getting caught and matted. Combing or brushing vigorously through your extensions will only increase shedding and tangling. Treat your hair extensions like it is your real hair. A good rule of thumb is if it is not good for your real hair it is probably not good for your hair extensions.
Detangle your hair extensions
It is always good practice to detangle your extensions at the end of the day, as they are more likely to tangle throughout the day. We always recommend finger detangling with our clip-in extensions because it reduces over manipulation, which is important with curly or textured hair. Whatever your preferred method, whether it be your fingers, a comb or a brush, do not be tempted to rush. All hair extensions will shed and tangle to a certain extent but you can minimise this by having a consistent detangling routine.
Moisturise your hair extensions
It is good practice to moisturise your hair extensions to keep them hydrated and looking healthy. Hair extensions do not benefit from the natural sebum that your hair produces to keep your hair moisturise; therefore, you have to add it by using products. Depending on the type of extensions you have (e.g. clip-ins, weave, tape-in, etc.) it will determine how often you will need to moisturise it. If you wear clip-ins you may only have to moisturise them with every use whereas if you have a weave you may want to moisturise the hair more often.
You can moisturise your hair extensions by using a daily moisturiser or leave in conditioner. You can also use a spray bottle mixed with water and a bit of conditioner to add moisture. If you choose you can apply oil (e.g. olive, jojoba, coconut) to seal in the moisture and add shine. It is not necessary to use a lot of product when moisturising your extensions, so play around with the quantities and see what works for you.
Shampooing and co-washing
Depending on how often you use products on your hair extensions and how long you wear them for eventually you will have to deal with product build-up and dirt. If this happens you can wash your hair extensions to keep them clean. When you are washing your hair extensions it is better to use sulphate-free shampoos as sulphate shampoos can cause them to dry out. However, if you have a lot of product build-up sulphate shampoos can be more effective at cleaning the extensions. Whatever you choose will ultimately depend on the state of the hair. You can also co-wash (i.e. conditioner washing) your hair extensions as conditioners are better at keeping hair moisturised but also have gentle cleaning agents.
Customers that buy our clip-in extensions commonly ask how often they should wash their extensions. We always say it depends on how often you wear them and the number of hair products you use. If the hair is starting to look very dull and has a residue of product and/or dirt, it is a sign it may need a wash. It is a good idea to assess the hair after each wash to see how it has held up. With curly or textured hair extensions the curl pattern can lessen or alter after every wash that is why we suggest it is better to wash the hair less than to risk over washing it. The less you wash the hair the longer it will last. Remember when you are washing your hair extensions to be gentle and to not ruffle or pile the hair on top of each other as it will only create more tangles.
Deep conditioning
After washing your hair extensions you should always follow up with a deep conditioner to help moisturise and soften the hair. It is good practice to leave the deep conditioner on with a plastic cap for 30 minutes before rinsing it out. If you have removable hair extensions like clips-in or tape-ins you may decide to deep condition the hair for a few hours or even overnight. After you have rinsed out the conditioner and removed any excess water it is best to let the hair air dry rather than using a blow dryer.
Minimise the use of products
This might sound contradictory to tip number three but you do not want to use too many products on a regular basis. Sticking to a few hair staples is better than using a concoction of 15 products and overloading the hair. This will only lead to over manipulation, product build-up and more frequent washes, which is a recipe for reducing the lifespan of your hair extensions and not getting your money’s worth. You may also want to avoid or reduce the use of products with alcohol such as gels, hairsprays and mousses. If you want to use these products use them minimally or opt for more natural products like aloe vera gel.
Reduce the use of heat styling tools
Depending on the type and texture of your hair extensions it may be fine to curl and straighten the hair with heat styling tools. However, if you choose to do so use a heat protectant and use these tools sparingly as excessive heat will dry out and damage the hair. Remember hair extensions are not your real hair so if they are damaged it is irreparable! We suggest avoiding the use of heat on curly and textured extensions because it can change the curl pattern. If you want to curl your hair consider using heat-free techniques such as braid-outs, twist-outs, rollers, bantu knots, flexible rods, etc., to obtain your desired look.
Protective styling
Like with your real hair protective styling is a great way to prevent your hair extensions from knots and tangles because they are protected from rubbing against your clothes. High buns, braids and ponytails are good examples of protective styles. Protective styling is also a good practice for when you are doing moderate to intense exercise to keep the hair from getting matted and tangled, especially while you sweat.
As a final point, it is easy to forget that human hair extensions need to be treated as if it is your hair. The same as with your real hair, less is more with hair extensions; avoid over-manipulating, washing and styling to keep it in better condition. By following the tips and tricks explained above you should be able to extend the lifespan of your hair extensions and enjoy them for much longer.
If you have any tips that worked for you please share them below, we’d love to hear from you!
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