7 Common Hair Extension Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

No matter what, it's time for you to try some hair extensions!

Many people across the globe are rediscovering the benefits of hair extensions. This is shown in the ever-increasing hair extension market, with revenue in the market increasing over 13% since the start of the pandemic.

Once you get your hands on your hair extensions, you might fall victim to some common mistakes. No matter how innocent, these mistakes can be costly. You might just ruin your new extensions if you don't know how to properly care for them.

Keep reading to learn the most common hair extension mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Not Investing in Quality Extensions

One of the biggest hair extension mistakes is purchasing low-quality extensions. Before purchasing extensions, do your research into the types of hair extensions, and the different terms used to describe different hair processes.

Types of Hair Extensions

Not all hair extensions are created the same. Moreover, not all hair extensions are real human hair. Here's what you need to know:

Remy hair extensions are made from unprocessed human hair. Remy hair extensions are always human hair but human hair extensions aren't always Remy hair extensions.

Human hair extensions are still real hair but might have been processed with chemicals. A telltale sign that hair has been processed is if it's not a natural colour. Additionally, these strains are most likely dipped in silicone to help give them a shiny coating and to hold their style.

Synthetic hair extensions are made to look like human hair, but they aren't made from human hair. These extensions are great for short-term hairstyles as they are less expensive than Remy or human hair extensions.

You also have a choice between how you want to attach the extensions to your head. One common way is through clip-in hair extensions. Clip-in extensions, also known as weft extensions, are bands of hair that attach to your existing hair via a clip.

If you don't want to go through parting your hair and clipping them in, a ponytail wrap might be for you. Ponytail hair extensions are great for girls with short hair who want longer hair for the sake of a ponytail moment.

2. Bad Colour Match

You can have the best quality extensions but your hair will look unnatural if they are a bad colour match.

Avoid this by using our colour matching tool. Send us a picture of your natural hair and we will match you to the right colour hair extensions.

3. Improper Washing Method

Beautiful hair extensions can easily be ruined with improper washing methods. To wash your extensions, use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner.

Don't brush them while they are wet. Wait for them to dry and then brush them out with a wide-toothed comb. From there you can style them to match the style and texture of your hair.

4. Not Treating and Maintaining Extensions

While you can wash your hair extensions too much (once a month should be enough for most extensions), another mistake is not washing and caring for them enough. Just like the hair on your head, you need to take care of your extensions.

To prevent knots, you will need to carefully brush out your hair extensions with a special hairbrush. If you ever style them with hot tools, make sure to use a heat protectant.

To maintain your hair extensions for long-term use, you will need to have regular appointments at the salon. Regular appointments will help expand the lifespan of your hair extensions. Make sure you have an extensionist that you like spending time with so you don't dread going to your appointments.

5. Placing the Extensions Too High

Hair extensions are all fun and games until someone points out that they can see your tracks. This happens when extensions are placed too high on the scalp and not enough hair is left out to cover the tracks.

To avoid this, always section out enough hair at the top of your scalp to cover the "roots" of your extensions. Additionally, think about the hairstyles you are going to want to put your hair in with your extensions. If your go-to style is a half up half down look, make sure your extensions are still covered when your hair is pulled up.

6. Wearing Too Many Extensions

Though you might want to add lots of volume to your hair, adding in too many extensions is not the way to do it. Adding an excessive amount of hair extensions will result in a slew of problems.

Too many hair extensions will weigh down on your natural hair and cause pain, and no one wants a headache from their hair extensions! More so, that's more hair that you need to take care of and treat.

Besides the pain and maintenance, adding in too many hair extensions will cost you more money than you need to spend.

7. Sleeping in Your Extensions

Bedhead, it gets the best of us. For those opting for clip-in extensions, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is sleeping in them. Don't make your bedhead worse by waking up with knotty extensions.

Sleeping with them not only can cause them to get tangled and matted but it's also uncomfortable. Instead, take out your extensions and carefully lay them out so they are ready for you the next day. This will expand the life of your extensions and your scalp will thank you.

Avoid These Hair Extension Mistakes

Don't let a small mistake ruin your extensions! Follow these tips and your RiRi hair extensions will last for a long time.