Caring for Your Hand-Tied Extensions: Tips for Longevity

Hand-tied hair extensions have become a popular choice for individuals seeking a natural, seamless, and voluminous look. Whether you’ve opted for Natural Beaded Rows (NBR®), Coveted by Covet and Mane, or The Luna Method, caring for your hand-tied hair extensions properly is essential to ensure they remain looking fabulous and last as long as possible. While these extensions provide an impressive transformation, they also require diligent care and maintenance. In this blog, we’ll explore the top tips for ensuring your hand-tied hair extensions stay healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting.
1. Brush Gently and Regularly
One of the primary rules of caring for hand-tied hair extensions is regular, gentle brushing. Since hand-tied extensions are sewn into your natural hair, there’s a possibility of tangling, particularly at the roots where your natural hair meets the extensions. To prevent matting and tangles, brush your extensions at least twice a day, especially before bed and after waking up. Use a brush specifically designed for extensions, like a loop or soft bristle brush, which will be gentle on both your extensions and natural hair.
How to Brush Properly
To avoid damage:
- Start from the bottom of your extensions and work your way up to the roots.
- Hold the wefts of your extensions with one hand to prevent unnecessary pulling on the attachment points.
- Brush in small sections and avoid aggressive or rough brushing, as this can cause tension on the extension’s bond and may lead to shedding or breakage.
2. Washing Your Extensions
Washing your hand-tied hair extensions is critical for keeping them clean and healthy, but over-washing can shorten their lifespan. Since extensions don’t receive the natural oils from your scalp, they tend to be drier than your natural hair. Washing too often can strip away essential moisture, leaving the extensions dry and prone to breakage.
Washing Frequency
Most professionals recommend washing your hair extensions every 1-2 weeks, depending on how much product you use and how oily your scalp gets. If your scalp tends to be oilier or if you work out regularly, you may need to wash more often, but always aim to wash only when necessary.
Shampoo and Conditioner Choices
When washing your hand-tied extensions, opt for sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free shampoos and conditioners. These products are gentler on your extensions and help maintain their integrity. Avoid shampoos designed for volumizing or clarifying, as they can strip away the moisture that your extensions need to stay soft and healthy.
Washing Technique
- Detangle first: Brush your extensions before getting into the shower to remove any tangles.
- Wash in a downward motion: Lather the shampoo in your hands and apply it from the roots to the ends, using a downward motion. Avoid vigorously scrubbing your extensions, as this can cause tangling or damage to the wefts.
- Condition carefully: Focus on conditioning the mid-lengths to the ends of your extensions, as applying conditioner too close to the roots can loosen the bonds. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
3. Drying Your Extensions
After washing, it’s crucial to dry your hand-tied hair extensions properly to prevent damage. Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, so take extra care when drying.
Towel Drying
Avoid rubbing your extensions with a towel. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and pat the hair dry using a soft microfiber towel. This helps reduce friction and the risk of tangling.
Air Dry or Blow Dry?
While air drying is the safest method, it’s not always practical. If you choose to blow-dry your extensions, use a heat protectant spray beforehand and set your dryer to a low or medium heat setting. Always direct the airflow downward to keep the hair cuticle smooth and shiny. Focus on drying the roots and attachment points first to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to matting.
4. Avoid Heat Damage
Hand-tied hair extensions can tolerate heat styling, but excessive use of heat tools can cause the hair to become dry and brittle, reducing the lifespan of your extensions. If you love styling your hair with curling irons or straighteners, always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools.
Heat Styling Tips
- Use low heat settings: Keep your styling tools at a low to medium temperature (ideally below 350°F) to prevent damage.
- Limit usage: Try to limit the use of hot tools to a few times a week, opting for heatless styling methods, such as braids or rollers, whenever possible.
- Focus on the ends: The ends of your hair extensions are more prone to damage, so avoid applying too much heat in those areas.
5. Sleep on Silk or Satin
The way you treat your hair while you sleep can greatly impact the longevity of your hand-tied hair extensions. Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase creates friction between your hair and the fabric, leading to tangling, frizz, and dryness. To prevent this, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps keep your extensions smooth and tangle-free.
Nighttime Routine
Before going to bed, brush your extensions gently and loosely braid or tie your hair in a low ponytail. This keeps your extensions in place and prevents them from becoming tangled overnight.
6. Use Leave-In Treatments
Since hand-tied hair extensions don’t receive natural oils, it’s essential to provide them with extra moisture and nourishment. A lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum can work wonders in maintaining the softness and shine of your extensions.
Recommended Products
Opt for products that are specifically formulated for extensions and avoid anything containing harsh chemicals or oils that could loosen the bonds. Apply the treatment to the mid-lengths and ends of your extensions, avoiding the roots.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments
While you can do a lot at home to care for your hand-tied extensions, professional maintenance is crucial for ensuring they last as long as possible. Most hand-tied extensions need to be moved up every 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair growth. Skipping these appointments can lead to matting or even damage to your natural hair.
What to Expect During Maintenance
Your stylist will assess the condition of your extensions, move up the wefts closer to your scalp as your natural hair grows out, and ensure the bonds are secure. Regular maintenance appointments are key to keeping your extensions looking natural and feeling comfortable.
8. Protect Your Extensions from Chlorine and Saltwater
Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or spending the day at the beach, chlorine and saltwater can wreak havoc on hand-tied hair extensions. These elements can strip the hair of moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to tangling.
How to Protect Your Extensions
- Pre-saturate with fresh water: Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner. This helps minimize the amount of chlorine or saltwater your hair absorbs.
- Wear a swim cap: While not the most fashionable option, a swim cap is a surefire way to protect your extensions from water damage.
- Rinse immediately: After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible and apply a hydrating conditioner to restore moisture.
9. Keep Products and Tools Away from the Bonds
One of the most important things to remember when caring for hand-tied hair extensions is to avoid applying products or tools directly to the bonds. Using heavy conditioners, oils, or heated styling tools near the attachment points can weaken the bonds and cause the extensions to slip or loosen prematurely.
Product Placement Tips
When applying any products, focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid saturating the roots, as this can cause the bonds to break down over time.
10. Be Mindful of Your Hairstyle Choices
While hand-tied extensions are versatile and allow for various hairstyles, be mindful of the tension you’re placing on the bonds. Avoid hairstyles that pull too tightly on your scalp, such as high ponytails or buns, as this can lead to stress on both your natural hair and the extensions.
Low-Tension Hairstyles
Opt for low-tension styles like loose braids, low ponytails, or wearing your hair down. These styles reduce strain on the bonds and help prolong the life of your extensions.
Conclusion
Hand-tied hair extensions can give you the hair of your dreams, but maintaining their beauty and longevity requires proper care and attention. By brushing regularly, washing with care, avoiding excessive heat, and keeping up with maintenance appointments, you can ensure that your extensions stay soft, shiny, and full for months. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine will not only keep your hand-tied hair extensions looking flawless but will also protect your natural hair, making the investment well worth it.
Whether you’re new to hand-tied hair extensions or a seasoned pro, following these care tips will help you get the most out of your extensions, allowing you to enjoy gorgeous, voluminous hair every day.