Human hair extensions and wigs can be a considerable financial investment. Each unit should be cared for in order for them to last for several years without losing their luster or becoming seriously tangled.

Rotate Your Units

Ideally, you should have multiple extensions and wigs so you are not wearing the same unit for weeks on end. To help cut costs, try alternating your human hair units with premium synthetic hair or wearing your natural hair. When a unit is not in use, make sure it is stored properly. Do not store the hair in a box or other environment where air cannot circulate and it may be affected by humidity or direct sunlight. For wigs, you can allow them to rest on foam mannequin heads, which will also help them retain their shape. Use hair clips or even clothespins to attach wefts of extensions to a clothes hanger and place them in the closet. Make sure your units are clean and dry before storing them for an extended period.

Keep Your Hair Conditioned

Human hair units should be washed periodically with an appropriate shampoo. Since they do not collect scalp oils like your natural hair, you may only need to wash the hair each month. If your unit has been bleached or colored, be sure to use a shampoo that is made to protect color-treated hair to reduce dryness. Each wash should be followed with conditioner. Periodically do a deep conditioning treatment, especially if the hair has been chemically processed or you use heat-styling appliances on the hair. Regular deep conditioning treatments can prevent the hair from becoming brittle and breaking off. Much like your natural hair, try to limit the number of chemical processes to prevent irreversible damage.

Minimize Heat Damage

You should avoid frequent use of heat on your human hair units. After washing and conditioning the hair, allow it to air dry overnight. Many people use curling wands and flat irons on their human hair units. The best way to prevent heat damage is to spray the hair with a heat protectant before using styling tools. Depending on the hair's texture, you can use less heat and achieve the same style. For example, hair textures that are straight or with loose curls typically do not require high heat when styling.

If the hair has tight curls, make sure your heat protectant will work on higher heat settings, such as 425F, which might be necessary to achieve the desired look on tightly curled hair. You may also want to purchase an anti-humectant product if the weather is humid. This can prevent the hair from reverting to its natural state when the weather is humid and reduce the number of times you need to use heat to restyle the hair.

Investing in human hair units will give you the most versatility of styling and a natural look. Taking care of your units will allow them to last for several years without noticeable damage. Check with companies like Hair Faux You for more information.