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SAGE
Hair Studios

EXTENSION MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Keeping your hand-tied extensions looking stunning
is all about the right care routine.
Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining their
health, shine, and longevity. Let’s dive in!

​GENERAL Care tips

 

Moisture Matters

  • If your extensions feel dry, apply a small amount of a lightweight oil or serum, like Davines OI Oil, before bed to keep them soft and shiny.

  • Avoid products with sulfates or alcohols, as these can dry out both your natural hair and extensions.

  • Use a shower filter like Vitaclean to reduce hard water minerals that can dull and damage extensions.

Night-Time Routine

  • Slip on a silk or satin bonnet before bed to keep your extensions fully protected while you sleep. Alternatively, use a silk or satin pillowcase.

  • Gentle Brushing, use an extension-friendly brush 2-3 times daily, starting from the ends and working up to the roots to prevent tangles.

  • Sleeping smart, braid your hair loosely or secure it in a bun before sleeping and opt for silk or satin materials to minimize friction.

  • Swim Smarter: Before swimming, wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner to prevent salt or chlorine from drying out your extensions. Wash your hair immediately afterward.

Handle with Care When Wet

  •  Gently squeeze out excess water and blot with a microfiber towel. Avoid harsh brushing to keep your extensions intact.

  • Use Extension-Friendly products, stick to high-quality products like Davines OI, and avoid anything with alcohol, sulfates, parabens, or silicones.

  • Keep Roots Dry! Ensure the base of your extensions is dry after washing to prevent matting and mildew. Focus on drying the roots first.

Shower Routine
Hair Extension Wefts hanging on rod to showcase different hair colors such as brunette, dark blonde, golden blonde, sandy blonde

Daily + weekly ROUTINE

  • Daily Brushing: Brush extensions multiple times a day, especially after being outdoors or in windy conditions.

  • Weekly Deep Conditioning: Treat your extensions to a deep conditioning mask once a week. Focus on hydrating the ends and mid-lengths.

  • Regular Moves-Ups: Schedule move-up appointments every 6-8 weeks to maintain the integrity of your extensions. You can also opt for a mini move at the 4-week mark to keep everything feeling extra comfortable.

 

Brushing tips

  • Brush your hair a few times a day to prevent tangles but be gentle to protect your extensions.

  • Hold your extensions at the base while brushing to avoid tugging.

  • Avoid brushing directly at your scalp to prevent snagging.

  • Always use a leave-in conditioner and light oil or serum before blow-drying for that smooth finish.

  • The Davines Oi line is perfect for extensions and gives your hair that extra love it needs!

the Wash Routine

 

Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week with the shampoo and conditioner recommended by your stylist. 

​​​​​​

Pre-Shower Prep:

  • Detangle First - Before stepping into the shower, gently brush out your extensions with a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up, holding the extensions at the base to avoid tugging on the wefts.

​

Shampooing:

  • Use a sulfate-free, extension-friendly shampoo like the Davines OI Shampoo. Sulfates can strip moisture from both your natural hair and extensions, leading to dryness and tangling.

  • Avoid rubbing your extensions together; keep conditioner from the ears down and around face-framing pieces only.

  • Use a wide-tooth comb or wet brush to gently comb through while conditioning.

  Clean Between Rows

  • If you have multiple rows of extensions, lift each row and gently cleanse in between to ensure you reach all areas of your scalp. 

  • Consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove product build-up and minerals.

Wash Routine
Oi Line Products displayed in metal shower tray, large bottle od shampoo, mask and leave in conditioner

Conditioning:

  • Apply a sulfate-free, moisturizing conditioner, like Davines OI Conditioner, from the mid-lengths to the ends of your extensions. Avoid applying conditioner directly at the roots or the base of your extensions to prevent slipping and weakening of the wefts.

Focus on the Ends​

  • Gently Comb Through using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently comb through your hair while the conditioner is in. This helps distribute the conditioner evenly and detangles your hair.

Let It Sit

  • Allow the conditioner to sit for 3-5 minutes to deeply moisturize and soften your extensions. This step is crucial for keeping them looking fresh and healthy.

  • Thoroughly Rinse out the conditioner with cool to lukewarm water. Cooler water helps seal the hair cuticle and locks in moisture, keeping your extensions shiny and smooth.

Deep Conditioning (Weekly):

  • Treat Your Extensions: Once a week, treat your extensions to a deep conditioning or hydrating mask, like the Davines OI Hair Butter. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the base, and leave it in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This helps maintain the softness and longevity of your extensions.

AFTER Shower

routine

 
Gently Towel Dry

  • After showering, gently squeeze out excess water from your extensions. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel—this can cause friction and tangling. Instead, use a microfiber towel or a Turbie Twist to blot and absorb water.

Detangle Carefully

  • Use a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to detangle your extensions, starting from the ends and working your way up. Hold the base of the extensions to avoid pulling on them. Never brush the scalp directly, as it can snag the extensions.

  • Spray a leave-in conditioner like Davines OI All In One Milk to keep your hair hydrated, soft, and manageable. Follow up with a light oil or serum, like Davines OI Oil, to lock in moisture and add shine.

Dry the Base

  • Air drying is okay, but make sure to blow-dry the roots and the base of your extensions to prevent matting and molding. Use a high-quality hair dryer and dry one row at a time, clipping up sections to ensure you reach the roots.

  • While blow-drying, use a wet brush to gently smooth out your extensions. Once they're mostly dry, switch to a round brush to finish smoothing and add volume.

  • Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools to style your extensions. This keeps them looking fresh and extends their life.

After Wash
Bedtime Routine

the Nightly

ROUTINE

 

Keeping your extensions in top shape overnight is all about the right prep and protection. Here’s your ultimate guide for taking care of your hair while you sleep!

​

Before Bed Steps:

 
Brush Before Bed

  • Gently brush your hair with a wet brush or wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles from the day. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling on the extensions.

Protective Styling

  • Braid It Up: Create a loose braid, two pig-tail braids, or a low bun. This reduces friction, prevents tangling, and keeps the hair smooth and manageable.

  • Use a Silk/Satin Bonnet: Slip on a silk or satin bonnet to protect your hair and extensions fully while you sleep. This is perfect for added protection, especially if you tend to toss and turn at night.

  • Sleep on Silk or Satin: Use a silk or satin pillowcase if you don’t want to wear a bonnet. These materials reduce friction and are gentler on both your natural hair and extensions, minimizing breakage and frizz.

  • Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair: Always ensure your hair is completely dry before going to bed. Sleeping with damp extensions can lead to matting, tangling, and even mold at the base.

Extra Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep with Extensions:

 
Secure Your Extensions

  • Consider loosely clipping up the wefts at the back to minimize any movement while you sleep.

Check for Tangles

  • In the morning, give your extensions a quick brush to check for any tangles that may have formed overnight.

  •  Stick to this routine every night to maintain the integrity, softness, and longevity of your extensions.

Moisturize Your Extensions

  • If your extensions feel dry, apply a small amount of lightweight oil or serum, like Davines Oi Oil, to the mid-lengths and ends before bed. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the hair soft and shiny.

Weekly Scalp Care

  • Give your scalp some love with a weekly scalp oiling. This not only helps nourish and grow stronger hair from the roots but also soothes any irritation and promotes overall scalp health. Massage the oil gently into your scalp and let it work its magic—your hair will thank you!

Davines Oi Products displayed on gray linen for retail marketing there is shampoo, conditioner, hair butter and leave in conditioner
Our Favorites

OUR FAVORITES

 
PRODUCTS

  • Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Keeps extensions soft and hydrated. (Davines Oi Shampoo or NOUNOU Shampoo are our go-tos!)

  • Lightweight Conditioner: Moisturizes without weighing down. (Davines Oi Conditioner or MELU Shampoo)

  • Leave-In Conditioner: Adds shine, detangles, and protects. (Davines Oi Milk is a favorite!)

  • Heat Protectant Spray: Shields your hair from hot tools. (Davines MELU Hair Shield is a winner!)

  • Dry Shampoo: Keeps hair feeling fresh without overwashing. (Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo is a must!)

  • Serum or Hair Oil: Adds shine and tames frizz. (Davines Oi Oil or Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil are amazing!)

HOT TOOLS

  • Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer: Fast drying with controlled heat to protect your locks.

  • Dyson Airwrap: Styles with air, not extreme heat — perfect for curls, waves, and smooth blowouts.

  • Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron: Extra-long barrel for effortless curls, even with extensions.

  • Triple Barrel Deep Waver: Create beachy waves with ease; great for adding texture.

EXTRAS TOOLS

  • Extension-Friendly Brush: Gentle brushing is key! (The UnBrush or Wet Brush, all the way.)

  • Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush: Ideal for blowouts; adds volume and smooths hair without snagging.

  • Silk Bonnet or Pillowcase: Keeps hair smooth and tangle-free while you sleep. (We love the Slip silk bonnet and pillowcases!)

  • Shower Cap: Protects extensions from getting wet and frizzy in the shower. (Look for a waterproof, oversized cap, like the Kitsch Luxe Shower Cap.)

Things to Avoid

 

  • Missing salon visits – Keep up with your 6-8 week check-ins!

  • Using products with sulfates or parabens – Keep it gentle.

  • Washing too often – Less is more, don’t overdo it.

  • Brushing wet hair roughly – Go easy, start from the ends and work up.

  • Conditioning to close to the roots – Only condition from mid-length to ends.

  • Sleeping with wet hair – Dry before bed to avoid tangles.

  • Skipping heat protectant – Hot tools need a barrier; protect your hair.

  • Being too rough or pulling on extensions – Be gentle, always.

  • Swimming without protection – Chlorine and saltwater don’t play nice; use a leave-in conditioner.

  • Hey blondes, heads up!  Some sunscreens can mess with your extensions and leave them looking a little… “extra” in the color department!  Stick to hair-friendly formulas to keep locks looking golden, not green. 

  • Let tangles slide – Brush regularly to keep it smooth.

  • Chlorine and Salt Water: Chlorinated pools and saltwater can damage or discolor extensions. If swimming is unavoidable, wear a protective swim cap or rinse hair immediately after exposure.

  • Mineral-Rich Water: Protect your hair from mineral build-up by installing a shower filter, like Vitaclean, to minimize hard water deposits.

 

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