The Complete Care Guide for Raw Hair Extensions: How to Keep Them Looking Fresh
Raw hair extensions are the ultimate choice for anyone seeking premium, natural-looking hair that lasts. Because raw hair is sourced from a single donor and is unprocessed, it mimics your natural hair’s behavior, making it more versatile and durable than other types of extensions. But with great quality comes great responsibility—caring for your raw hair extensions properly is key to keeping them looking fresh and luxurious. Here’s your complete guide to maintaining your raw hair extensions and ensuring they stay gorgeous for the long haul.
1. Washing Your Raw Hair Extensions
Washing raw hair extensions is crucial for keeping them soft, shiny, and healthy. Unlike synthetic hair or even premium virgin hair, raw hair needs a little more TLC, but the results are worth it.
How Often Should You Wash?
Raw hair extensions don’t require as frequent washing as your natural hair. Generally, aim to wash your extensions every 2-3 weeks or after several wears. Overwashing can strip the hair of its natural oils, so it’s important to find a balance.
Co-washing, or conditioner only washing is recommended 1-2 times per week.
Step-by-Step Washing Process:
- Detangle First: Before getting your extensions wet, gently detangle them using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Start from the tips and work your way up to avoid breakage.
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your extensions without stripping them of moisture. Apply a small amount to lukewarm water and work it through the hair in a downward motion. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the hair, as this can cause tangling.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your extensions thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water, ensuring that all shampoo is removed.
- Deep Condition: After shampooing, apply a moisturizing, sulfate-free conditioner or deep conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Raw hair thrives on moisture, so don’t skip this step!
2. Drying Your Raw Hair Extensions
Once your extensions are clean, the next step is drying them correctly. Improper drying techniques can lead to tangling, frizz, or even damage.
Air Drying is Best
- Pat Dry Gently: After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt. Avoid rubbing the hair with the towel, as this can cause friction and tangles.
- Lay Flat to Air Dry: For the best results, lay your extensions flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area and allow them to air dry. Air drying is the gentlest method, helping to preserve the hair’s natural texture and shine.
Avoid Excessive Heat
If you’re in a hurry and need to blow-dry your extensions, use the cool setting or low heat. Hold the blow dryer about 6-8 inches away and direct the airflow downward to smooth the cuticles. Too much heat can cause the hair to become dry and brittle over time.
3. Styling Raw Hair Extensions
One of the biggest perks of raw hair extensions is how versatile they are! You can curl, straighten, and style them just like your natural hair. However, it’s important to follow these tips to avoid damaging your extensions during styling.
Heat Styling
Raw hair can handle heat styling better than processed hair, but overuse of heat can still lead to dryness and damage.
- Use a Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum before using any hot tools on your extensions. This forms a protective barrier that shields the hair from heat damage.
- Keep the Temperature Low: If you’re straightening or curling your raw hair extensions, keep your heat tools at a medium temperature (around 300°F). High heat can cause the hair to lose its natural moisture, resulting in frizz and split ends.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Whenever possible, limit heat styling to preserve the health and longevity of your raw hair extensions.
Non-Heat Styling Methods
Want to keep your raw hair extensions looking fresh without relying on heat? Try these non-heat styling techniques:
- Flexi Rods or Perm Rods: Create bouncy curls by setting your extensions overnight with flexi rods or perm rods. Simply dampen the hair, wrap sections around the rods, and let it air dry.
- Braid Outs or Twist Outs: Achieve defined waves or curls by braiding or twisting your extensions while damp. Once dry, gently unravel the braids or twists for a natural, voluminous look.
4. Maintaining Moisture
Raw hair extensions are unprocessed, so they rely on external moisture to stay hydrated and healthy. Keeping them moisturized will prevent them from becoming dry or brittle.
Hydration Tips:
- Use Leave-In Conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight moisturizer to keep your extensions soft and manageable. Opt for a product that’s free from silicones and alcohols, as these can dry out the hair.
- Oil for Shine and Moisture: Natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil can be applied sparingly to the ends of your extensions to lock in moisture and add shine. Be careful not to overuse oil, as too much can weigh down the hair.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Treat your raw hair extensions to a deep conditioning mask or treatment every few weeks. This is especially important if you frequently use heat or style the hair often.
5. Storage Matters
When your raw hair extensions aren’t in use, how you store them can make a huge difference in their longevity.
Proper Storage Techniques:
- Detangle Before Storing: Always brush or comb through your extensions before putting them away. This prevents knots and tangles from forming while they’re stored.
- Use a Satin or Silk Bag: Store your extensions in a satin or silk bag to reduce friction and keep them soft. Satin and silk fabrics help minimize tangling and prevent the hair from drying out.
- Avoid Storing in Tight Spaces: Don’t stuff your extensions into a tight space where they can get tangled or creased. Instead, store them loosely to maintain their natural shape and texture.
Conclusion: Keep Your Raw Hair Extensions Looking Fresh
Raw hair extensions are an incredible investment, but to keep them looking fresh and luxurious, proper care is essential. By following these washing, drying, and styling tips, you’ll not only extend the lifespan of your extensions but also keep them looking as stunning as the day you got them. Remember, raw hair loves moisture and gentle care—so treat your extensions like the premium product they are.
Looking for premium raw hair extensions? Explore Her Love Hair Co.’s Amour Raw Hair collection and find your perfect match for a flawless, natural look!