How to Strengthen Your Natural Hair While Wearing Extensions

Hair extensions are an amazing way to add length, volume, and style to your hair, but what about your natural hair underneath? While extensions can enhance your look, it's important to ensure that your real hair remains healthy and strong. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to strengthen your natural hair while enjoying the beauty of hair extensions. 

 

1. Choose the Right Extensions 

Choosing the right hair extension method for your hair involves considering factors such as your hair type, lifestyle, and desired look. Different methods, like tape-ins, micro-links, or sew-ins, cater to varying hair textures and lengths, so it’s crucial to select one that complements your natural hair. Additionally, having your hair extensions applied by a multi-method hair extension specialist is essential. These trained professionals understand the intricacies of each technique and can tailor their approach to ensure the best results, minimizing damage and maximizing the natural look and feel of your extensions. This expertise not only enhances the longevity of your extensions but also ensures a seamless blend with your natural hair. 

2. Don’t Skip on Regular Cleansing 

One common misconception is that you don’t need to wash your natural hair as often when wearing extensions. While it’s true that you don’t need to wash as frequently, neglecting your scalp can lead to product buildup, which clogs your hair follicles and weakens your natural strands. 

How to clean your hair properly with extensions: 

• Use a sulfate-free, lightweight shampoo. 

• Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation, promoting stronger hair growth. 

• Focus on the roots and scalp rather than scrubbing the extensions to avoid tangling.

 

3. Moisturize Regularly 

Keeping your natural hair hydrated is essential to maintaining its strength. Extensions can block moisture from reaching your natural strands, especially when your hair is braided or tied down underneath. 

Moisturizing Tips: 

• Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner to hydrate your scalp and natural hair regularly. 

• Use a moisturizing conditioner, but be sure to apply it only to the ends of the hair extensions. This technique helps prevent any slipping at the bonds, ensuring a secure and long-lasting hold. 

 

4. Gentle Detangling 

Always be gentle when detangling your hair to avoid breakage. 

Steps for safe detangling: 

• Use a brush designed specifically for hair extensions. We recommend a loop brush. 

• Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. 

• Apply a detangling spray or conditioner to make the process smoother. 

 

5. Scalp Massages

Massaging your scalp regularly helps improve blood circulation, which promotes hair growth and strengthens your hair follicles.  

 

6. Eat a Hair-Healthy Diet 

Your hair’s health also depends on what you put into your body. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key to strengthening your natural hair. 

Hair-strengthening foods include: 

• Protein-rich foods: Lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts (hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein). 

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish like salmon and in walnuts. 

• Vitamins A, C, D, and E: Important for hair growth and health, found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts. 

• Biotin and Zinc: Found in foods like eggs, seeds, and leafy greens.