How to Maintain Healthy Hair with Extensions and Toppers
Hair extensions and hair toppers are fantastic ways to add length, volume, or coverage to your hair. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or a subtle boost, these tools can enhance your style. However, keeping your natural hair healthy while using them requires some care. With the right habits, you can enjoy the benefits of hair extensions and hair toppers while protecting your scalp and strands. Here’s a simple guide to maintaining healthy hair when using these popular hair solutions.
Understanding Extensions and Toppers
Hair extensions come in many forms, like clip-ins, tape-ins, or sewn-in wefts, and are used to add length or fullness. Hair toppers, on the other hand, are designed to cover thinning areas, especially at the crown, blending seamlessly with your natural hair. Both can be made from human hair or synthetic fibers, and each type needs specific care to look great and avoid damaging your natural hair.
Washing with Care
Washing hair extensions and hair toppers properly is crucial to keep them looking fresh and to protect your scalp. Since neither gets natural oils from your scalp, they can dry out if washed too often. Wash them every 10-15 wears or when you notice buildup from products. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping moisture, and gently lather from top to bottom to prevent tangling. For hair toppers, focus on the base and strands, avoiding excessive rubbing.
Conditioning is just as important. Apply a lightweight conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of hair extensions, steering clear of the attachment points to prevent loosening. For hair toppers, use conditioner sparingly on the base to keep it secure. Rinse with cool water to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. If you’re using synthetic hair extensions or toppers, check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some require special products.
Brushing and Detangling
Tangles can ruin the look of hair extensions and hair toppers, so regular brushing is a must. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush made for extensions and toppers. Start at the ends and gently work your way up to avoid pulling on your natural hair or the attachment points. For hair toppers, be extra careful around the base to avoid stressing the clips or mesh.
Brush at least twice daily, (morning and evening) to keep both hair extensions and toppers smooth. If you notice knots, apply a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner and work through them with your fingers. For clip-in hair extensions or removable hair toppers, take them off before brushing to reduce strain on your scalp.
Styling Safely
You can style hair extensions and hair toppers with heat tools, but moderation is key. Human hair extensions and toppers can handle low heat, but always use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage. Synthetic versions may not be heat-friendly, so check the label first. Avoid applying heat near the bonds, clips, or base of hair toppers to keep them secure.
Try heat-free styling to extend the life of your extensions and toppers. For example, braid damp hair extensions overnight for loose waves, or pin hair toppers into a soft updo for a polished look. Limit heat styling to a few times a week to keep both your natural hair and added pieces in good shape.
Protecting Your Hair at Night
How you sleep affects the health of your hair extensions, hair toppers, and natural hair. Before bed, loosely braid extensions or put them in a low ponytail to prevent tangling. For hair toppers, remove them if they’re clip-in, or secure them with a soft scrunchie if they’re semi-permanent. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
If you remove your hair extensions or hair toppers at night, store them carefully. Lay clip-in extensions flat in a box, and place hair toppers on a stand to maintain their shape. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading.
Extra Tips for Healthy Hair
- Avoid swimming with hair extensions or hair toppers, as chlorine and saltwater can dry them out. If you swim, wear a cap or rinse immediately after.
- Use a weekly hair oil or leave-in treatment on your natural hair to keep it hydrated, especially under extensions or toppers.
- Visit a stylist regularly to check that semi-permanent extensions or toppers aren’t causing tension or damage to your scalp.
Final Thoughts
Hair extensions and hair toppers can make you feel confident and stylish, but they need proper care to keep your natural hair healthy. Wash gently, brush daily, style carefully, and protect them at night. With these simple steps, you can enjoy the versatility of extensions and toppers while keeping your hair strong and beautiful. If you’re new to these products, ask a stylist for tips tailored to your hair type and lifestyle.
