How to Care for Curly Hair Extensions

When it comes to spicing up your mane, nothing quite gets the job done like curly hair extensions. Perfect for those who love to flaunt their natural texture but want to add a bit more length, this hairstyle trend never disappoints. Whether you’re partial to curly clip-in extensions or curly tape-ins, you can make your hair look fuller and longer, upgrading your ‘do in the process.

Of course, just like the straight hair extensions you know and love, curly extensions require the right dose of TLC to continue to look and feel their very best. If you’re in the market for curly hair extensions—or have already taken the plunge—we think now is an excellent time for a hair care lesson that’s relevant to curly extensions. Follow along to learn everything you need to know about how to care for your extension hair.

TIP #1: USE A MOISTURIZING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

First things first, it’s important to shower your curly extensions with love. The easiest way to do just that is to use a moisturizing hair care system that’s gentle on your strands. For curly hair extensions made from human hair, the L’Oréal Paris EvePure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner is a great option. Featuring a sulfate-free formula, this duo gently cleanses your curly extensions to leave them soft and moisturized with a luminous shine.

TIP #2: DON’T SHY AWAY FROM LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

It’s no secret that curly hair needs all the nourishment it can get. Since your curly hair extensions won’t get the natural oils and nutrients that the hair on your head does, you’ll need to take your curly extensions routine up a notch. This is where a leave-in conditioner picks up the slack. Leave-in conditioner goes the extra mile to provide lasting hydration to your curly extensions and make the detangling process that much easier. Give the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion a go if you have human hair extensions. This leave-in conditioner has a lightweight formula that moisturizes and helps revive the look of shine.

TIP #3: DETANGLE YOUR EXTENSIONS THE RIGHT WAY

Should you find that your curly hair extensions have a few tangles and knots, it’s best to start the detangling process on wet hair. Tugging at dry curls can lead to unnecessary shedding, so opting to detangle your curly strands when wet is the best way to go. All you need to do is use a wide-tooth comb and gently glide it through your extensions, starting at the bottom and working your way upward. Repeat until your curly extensions are tangle-free. 

TIP #4: WASH YOUR HAIR REGULARLY

As we mentioned above, curly hair is a bit high maintenance compared to straight extensions. So, you’ll need to wash your hair consistently. If you have sewn-in extensions, washing your hair once a week is enough to keep your curls nice and fresh. If you’ve opted for curly ponytail extensions or curly clip-in extensions and wear them every day, you should also add a weekly wash session to your regimen.

TIP #5: LET YOUR EXTENSIONS AIR DRY

One of the best things you can do for your curly extensions is to avoid heat. Simply put, excessive heat usage can give your extensions a dry and dull appearance. So, after you wash your hair, it’s best to let your curls air dry. After all, you don’t want to be left with flat or frizz-filled curls. Not to mention, allowing your curly extensions to air dry will help to maintain the quality of your extensions.

To keep things simple, lay your curly clip-in extensions flat on a towel to let them air dry. You can also hang your extensions on a hanger with a clothes clip to help your curls maintain their shape. If you have sewn-in extensions, allow your extensions to hang free while drying. You can also speed things up with a hair diffuser.

TIP #6: PASS ON HEAT-STYLING TOOLS

Much like naturally curly hair, it’s wise to avoid any heat tools since it’s easy for curly extensions to become dry. Instead, opt for heatless curl options like flexi-rods and perm rods to maintain your existing curly texture.

TIP #7: STORE YOUR EXTENSIONS ACCORDINGLY

If you’re working with curly clip-in extensions or a curly ponytail extension, it’s essential that you store them properly to prevent any tangles, dust, or moisture-reducing elements from ruining your investment. Store your extensions in an air-tight container or their original packaging to stay in the clear.

TIP #8: PROTECT HAIR EXTENSIONS AT NIGHT

When dealing with sewn-in extensions, you need to make sure that you cover your hair at night to keep knots and tangles at bay. Wrap your curly extensions in a silk scarf or pineapple your curls at night to keep your curls defined. You can also cover your curly extensions with a silk bonnet.

Now that you know how to care for curly hair extensions, why not learn how to style them perfectly, too? If you’re opting for clip-ins, head on over to our article, How to Clip in and Style Hair Extensions for some pointers.