Long hair is considered particularly beautiful by an array of cultures, with scientists believing that the reason for its powers of attraction lies in natural selection. It is said that long hair evokes feelings of youth and fertility, meaning the lucky ones with manes of long, thick locks are more likely to be considered attractive by the opposite sex.
There was a day when only a lucky few of us could grow healthy-looking hair past our shoulders, and this could take months of determined dedication. Now, thanks to the development of hair extensions, everyone can sport a luscious set of lengthy tresses in just a matter of hours. There is also a wide variety of selection, like the array of choices at humanhairextensionsonline.com.au offers.
Hair extensions require specific care and attention to keep them looking healthy and to help them stand the test of time. Princess-style long locks need the royal touch, so follow our effective tips and you can make the most of you beautiful extensions.
Washing
Once you’ve left the salon with your dazzling new look, be sure not to wash them for at least 48 hours. This allows whichever bond was used to set, and will help keep them firmly positioned in the long run. Of course, if you’re looking for versatility and you choose clip-in extensions, you won’t need to worry so much about this.
Once you come to washing your hair, Olivia Virden, from the Prive Salon in Los Angeles recommends you stay away from the lengthy ends and the try to focus on your natural hair when lathering with shampoo. As you rinse the shampoo out it will wash the extensions as it goes, and will help prevent them from drying out. For conditioning, both leave-in and rinse-out products will do the job. Try a natural conditioner with as few chemicals as possible to prevent stripping of the hair.
Brushing
One of the most important maintenance tools for hair extensions is a good brush. The age old myth of brushing your hair 100 times a day might just be back in fashion when it comes to hair extensions. Try a brush with nylon bristles, and always gently detangle from the bottom, slowly working your way up towards the head. Rather than tugging and pulling them, separate any bonds with your fingers to avoid matting before your use the brush to perfect them.
Styling
One of the best aspects of having lovely long hair is the endless style options you have to choose from. When it comes to curling and straightening, make sure you use a thermal styling spray to protect the hair, and avoid letting them come into contact with the bond area.
Sleeping
You should get into the practise of tying your hair up each time you go to bed, either in a loose ponytail or a plait, to keep it from tangling whilst you are in the land of nod. Never head to bed with your hair wet, as you run the risk of breaking the extensions.
Swimming
If you want to flaunt your new style by the pool or on the beach on holiday, there are certain measures you can take to ensure it stays looking lovely in the sun. If you’d rather not commit to the fashion faux pas of a swimming cap, you can pull your hair into a tight ponytail, and then plait the pony securing it again at the ends. After a dip in the water make sure you rinse the chlorine or salt from the plait, shampooing the ponytail and then detangling the hair with your fingers: perfect for an alluring beach tousled look!
Although hair extensions can take a lot of maintenance, once you have developed a few good habits, it becomes second nature to look after your longer locks. With good practice, you can enjoy having a cascading mane for up to six months at a time.