by Michelle Hicks

Created on: April 26, 2010   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

The before and after care for hair extensions depends on your hair type and what kind of extensions you are having put into your hair. The care you provide for your hair extensions will determine the quality and life of your desired style. Preparing and maintaining your hair properly for hair extensions will prevent dry scalp, hair breakage and stimulate hair growth. Following the tips below will show you how to care for hair extensions.

When selecting hair extensions you want to know if you desire human hair or Synthetic hair. Whatever type you choose, you definitely want to make sure it matches your natural hair color to avoid a tacky, cheap look. If you do not find an exact match, go with the next darkest color; never go lighter than your natural hair, unless you are using streaks of lighter hair. If you want an exact match to your extension, dye your natural hair; never dye the extension, because it can damage the extensions by making it frizzy, dull and difficult to manage. You can have your extension custom matched to your natural hair by a professional hair stylist.

Before applying extensions, you should shampoo your hair to rid your hair of all residues. Do not use any alcohol based products on your hair before applying extensions because it will dry your scalp significantly. You should give your hair a good shampooing, but do not condition. Allow your hair to air dry 48 hours or less prior to having hair extensions put in your hair. You can use a leave-in conditioner to keep your scalp moisturized during the application of the hair extensions.

If you are weaving or braiding in extensions on African American hair, it is recommended that you do not perm or relax hair soon before application of hair extensions. Doing so will make your natural hair too straight which will make your natural hair stick out through the braided extensions or cause extensions to slip out, especially if your hair is very short. The thicker and kinkier the hair, the more likely and longer the extensions will stay in place. Another reason why you should not apply a relaxer to your hair just prior to getting extensions is because your freshly chemically treated scalp and hair can cause your hair to break off with the application and weight of the hair extensions.

If you are using wefts, clamp on or glued in extensions, if needed, you should perm or relax your hair to get that cleanly blended natural look that matches the extension type. However, you need to be careful with

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