Hair Extensions FAQ

What kind of shampoo should I use with my new hair extensions to make them last? 

There is not a certain conditioner that we would say you have to use with hair extensions. It does matter on other factors such as heat, and if you are over washing your hair. Those are more important than what type of shampoo or conditioner you should use. If you are over washing your hair, or putting heat on it everyday, the type of shampoo you use won't matter. 

Insider tips:

  • Oribe is known for working really well with extensions
  • If you have blonde extensions, Moroccan Oil Serum can turn them a little yellow
  • Olaplex can be a little too strong, over proteinize, and break the hair
  • Do NOT wash your hair every day. 2 days a week is enough, 3 days max if necessary
  • Do NOT use too much heat on your hair. A 400 degree curling iron is way too hot for proper hair extension care
  • Do NOT use temperature above 300 degrees on any heat tools

How long will my hair extensions last?

All hair extensions have an expiration date. It's just a matter of how well you take care of them, and not overdo anything.  The less you do on hair extensions the longer they will last. We've seen clients have extensions from 9 months, to a year WHEN they have been properly maintained. If they are abused, the expiration date will arrive more quickly than if you are being gentle with your new hair.

How many times a week should I wash my hair once I have hair extensions put in?

We suggest if you have extensions in your hair, you wash them maybe twice a week. When you shampoo, do a very gentle shampoo where the extensions are installed. Condition natural hair at the top, and from the mid shaft to ends. You don't want too much conditioner around where extensions are installed because conditioner can tend to build up. If your hair tends to get greasy, pull your extensions back/tie them up, and just wash the top of your head where your natural hair is. Let your hair air dry as much as possible, and then you can go in with the blow dryer.  

Is dry shampoo safe for everyday use?

If you use dry shampoo every day it can cause build up on your hair. You do not want build up on your extensions.  Where the extensions are installed you can cause heavy build up and that can cause matting and make it knotty. Overuse of dry shampoo is the only time we've seen it with Swan Method hair extensions.

That being said, you don't need to use dry shampoo every day. Use it maybe once or twice, and then it's time for shampoo and conditioner. 

What's the best way to sleep on my hair?

Shampoo, condition and then let air dry, blow dry to make sure everything is nice and smoothed out and then tie into two loose braids/pigtails or tie it up in a very loose bun. If you aren't shampooing and conditioning that day, just put it up in a loose bun, or tie into two loose braids/pigtails. The main goal is that you don't want your hair going all over the place in the middle of the night.

Note: You NEVER want to go to bed with your hair wet or damp with your hair extensions. 

What kind of hair ties are best?

We suggest spiral coil hair bands, a silk scrunchie, the little ribbon hair ties. Do not use elastic (or GASP, rubber bands), they can get stuck in the hair. 

How can I avoid getting my hair tangled or knotted?

What we suggest is before shampoo or conditioning your hair brush through your hair before you get into the shower. Do a very gentle shampoo at the root only and then condition. When you get out of the shower, you can separate the hair and make sure everything is combed out from the root to the ends (not right where the hair is installed but very close to it) and get out any tangles or knots there.

Do not go to sleep with wet hair. Make sure it's tied up when you go to sleep.

Keep a brush in your pocketbook, during the day the back of your hair rubs against your back, this happens with natural hair and extension hair. You'll want to keep a comb or brush and brush out every once in awhile and that will keep from anything getting tangled or knotted.

Note: This is where its important to know where your extensions are coming from. With non-remy hair that has not been aligned at the cuticle, by day 3 you'll end up with knotty, tangled hair. Always make sure you know exactly where your extensions are coming from. There is nothing you can do with those types of extensions to keep them from knotting.

At Tone Hair Salon we EXCLUSIVELY use the highest quality premium hand tied hair extensions available on the market today. 

How long should I wait in between visits?

With the Swan Method a lot of our clients go 6-9 weeks, we've even had a client go 13 weeks. If your extensions are coming out before that, something is wrong with the installation, or the hair was pulled too hard. Typically it's 6-9 weeks with the Swan Method for extensions.

Can I color the extensions?

Extensions can be colored but only darker. Technically you could bleach your extensions and lighten them, but they will get destroyed. We suggest only darkening them when you get your extensions. 

Can I curl my hair extensions?

Absolutely you can curl them! One of our favorite things to do is curl them and then let them set. You could go for 3-4 days without doing anything after that - that's our favorite! Use a curling iron set at 300 degrees (no higher) - the rod will sit a little longer because the heat is not as strong.

You do want to use heat protectant before using any heat. One of our favorites is heatless curls. There are a lot of options on Amazon for heatless curlers you can wear at night and create beautiful curls without using any heat.

Another great option is to use rollers! Use some jumbo rollers you can wear at night, let them set after your hair is blowdried, after an hour take the rollers out, and you can have some gorgeous curls that way too.

Is hairspray okay to use?

Hairspray is totally fine, just try to avoid the hair extension install area. It could cause matting with an area that could have gotten lose and lead to a mess. Hairspray is fine as long as you avoid the extension install area. And as always with any product you don't want to use too much because it can cause build up. 

Why are there no refunds?

Can I have a custom color created?

Yes, The minimum requirement is 1000 g/10 packs.

Is the hair processed with an acidic wash to remove the cuticle?

Absolutely not, as that will shorten the durability of the hair extension. Most hair that is “processed” lasts about six months or less.

How many wefts are needed per person?

2-6 for Volume, depending on hair type, 5+ for length depending on hair type.

How do I care for the extensions?

Only use hair care that is safe on hair extensions Heat is the number 1 killer for any hair, less is more. I recommend air drying hair extensions at least 70% dry before adding any heat Heatless curls are highly recommended. Here’s a link to one of my favorites https://amzn.to/3HZT0ho
When flat ironing I recommend to use the “chase the comb” method. Using a comb and small sections you should be easily able to flatiron in one swipe. Let’s swipes equals healthier hair.