by Jill Ezard

Created on: December 27, 2009   Last Updated: December 29, 2009

You finally got the hair extensions you have been dreaming about, and no doubt saving up for, for months! The only thing you need to worry about now is how to take care of those fabulous locks before all the money you just spent turns into one big knotty waste of money.

You don't have to be a hairdresser to apply extensions, so you can't rely on what your extensions artist tells you, if in fact they told you anything at all.

Caring for your extensions is hard work, but to make them last and really look great is to take all the correct steps in caring for them.

They don't require fancy shampoos and conditioner.... why? Well ask yourself this, if you don't already use high priced products on your own hair, why should you on your extensions?

If your extensions are 100% human hair, be that Pure Russian or budget Asian extensions they shouldn't require expensive products.

The very most important thing for hair extensions, and any hair in fact is "serum". This is the hair's natural oils, and it requires this all day long in order to stay healthy and prevent it from drying out, which leads to lack of shine and breakage......in other words... damaged brittle hair.

You MUST purchase a bottle of serum, and keep it in your handbag all day long, and reapply every few hours to your extensions, as hair extensions lack natural oils, being that the bonds that fuse them to your hair prevent the oils getting to the hair shafts.

It's wise not to wash your hair every day in general, and the same applies to extensions. Over-washing deprives your hair of its natural oils which results in the things I mentioned above. Try washing every second day, and treating your hair once per week.

A treatment doesn't have to cost a fortune, try leaving your normal conditioner in the ends of your hair overnight, wash out in the morning.

Extensions tend to knot up easily. It's wise to do a few loose plaits each night when sleeping to help make brushing easier in the morning. It's a hassle, but it definitely makes life so much easier for yourself, and the extra month or two that you get out of your hair extensions will make every bit of effort you have made, worth it.

That's basically it for caring for your extensions, the serum is the key, and applying it regularly.

Best of luck with your new locks!

Learn more about this author, Jill Ezard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.