Matted hair extensions? Here's how to avoid it
Are you tired of working through knots in your hair extensions every day? Is this impacting the quality of your extensions? Even the most luxurious extensions can become matted if you aren’t caring for them properly.
Luckily, our team at I’m So Pretty is here to save the day and revitalise your hair. In this guide, we'll share insider tips for keeping your human hair extensions looking flawless so they remain silky and tangle-free.
Don’t worry; this will require little effort, so it’s perfect for the busy woman who wants something that’ll easily fit into her daily schedule.
Quick lesson: What do we mean by matted extensions?
If you’re a frequent hair extension wearer, you may have run into this problem countless times.
When we say matted hair extensions, we mean when the extension bonds and your natural hair becomes knotted and tangled together at the root of your scalp. Loose hairs can also fall out and add to the matted section, creating a catastrophe.
Matting is more common around the nape of the neck and the crown, as these areas produce the most body heat, encouraging more knots.
What causes extensions to become matted?
- Incorrect installation of hair extensions
- Poor-quality hair extensions
- Neglect of your hair care
- Excessive friction, heat, or wind.
But don’t worry, girls; all hope isn’t lost just yet.
Gentle brushing
This goes without saying, but the longer you leave your hair without brushing, the harder it will be to get rid of the tangles that have formed throughout the day.
Aim to brush your extensions at least twice daily—once in the morning and once before bedtime. But we suggest throwing your old hard-bristled brush away for a soft brush or wide-toothed comb; you’ll thank us later.
A looped bristle brush is also a great choice for hair extensions, as it’s designed to glide through the hair without pulling on the bonds or causing knots. When brushing, always start from the tips and work your way up to the root.
Washing with care
It’s time to invest in your hair-washing routine and stop ignoring all of the tips from the hair experts.
To start, you can throw away all of your shampoo and conditioners containing harmful ingredients and invest in our Pretty Aftercare sulphate-free hair care products. Why, you ask? Sulphates actually strip your hair of natural oil without you realising it, coating your hair in damaging chemicals.
Sometimes, less is more. Your natural oils can handle things on their own; all they need is a little booster from natural ingredients to keep your hair looking healthy and smooth. Limit washing to 2-3 times per week to prevent drying out the hair, and always detangle before washing.
When applying shampoo, focus on the scalp and move in a downward motion. When conditioning, apply from mid-length to the ends, avoiding the roots to prevent slippage.
Keeping extensions hydrated
Like anything else, hair extensions need to stay hydrated so they don’t turn into a mess of straw and dead-looking hair.
Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t get the oils from your scalp to keep them looking glossy and protected from dryness—this is all down to you to reproduce. Applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair can help to retain moisture. Opt for a lightweight product so it doesn’t weigh down the hair.
Natural oils are also your best friend. Think argan or coconut oil— these add shine and reduce tangling. Apply these to the mid-lengths and ends for a buttery smooth look, and avoid your scalp to prevent a greasy residue.
Minimising damage with heat styling
We know you’ll have heard time and time again to limit the amount of heat you use on your hair, but it really does work, girls.
Reaching for your hair dryer and straighteners too often can cause dryness and frizz, ruining the luxurious appearance of your hair extensions. Why spend so much money on something to go and ruin it with heat styling?
Instead, opt for heatless hairstyles, like overnight curls, rollers, and air drying. If you can’t part with your favourite hair curlers, use a lower heat setting and ALWAYS (we can’t stress this enough) use our Pretty Aftercare heat protectant spray.
Protecting while you sleep
Your extensions aren’t free from damage during the night. In fact, avoiding nighttime hair care can make all of the hard work that goes into caring for your hair during the day pointless.
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair before bed is by braiding or twisting it back. This helps to minimise friction during the night and creates a loose, controlled wave that can help maintain its shape and texture— a win-win!
We also suggest swapping out your old cotton pillow for a silk or satin case and tying your hair back with a silk scrunchie. The secret? The smooth surface allows your hair to glide across it as you move, reducing frizz and tangles. These naturally hypoallergenic materials also help to lock in moisture while you sleep.
It’s tempting to hop into bed right after washing your hair, but always make sure your hair is completely dry before shutting off for the night. Wet hair is more prone to damage, so either let it air dry plenty in advance or dry it on a low heat setting.
Pro tip: For those with tape-in extensions, wearing a satin sleep cap to bed can protect the bonds and keep them in place during the night.
Maintaining daily extension health
With busy schedules and plenty to think about throughout the day, it’s easy to neglect daily extension care.
While we’ve already discussed daily brushing, separating your bonds every day should also be at the top of your priority list. To do this, gently run your fingers or a comb through the root area where the extensions are attached. Avoid tugging too hard on the bonds, as this can cause them to loosen or break.
Use a small amount of extension-friendly detangler to prevent the bonds from sticking together. However, once you’ve separated the bonds, resist the urge to touch your hair too often. Doing this can transfer excessive oils and dirt from your hands to your hair, leading to buildup and tangling. Securing your hair back is a good way to refrain from over-touching.
Say goodbye to tangles: unlock the secret to gorgeous extensions
At I’m So Pretty, we believe our customers deserve the best. That’s why we sell luxurious hair extensions in a wide range of shades and lengths for any occasion.
Explore our collection today and experience the beauty of premium 100% human hair extensions. You’ll have voluminous and shiny hair in no time!