Care guide for Brazilian and Peruvian human hair extensions

 How to care for your virgin natural Brazilian and Peruvian Hair extensions should certainly, be an important subject because they are expensive and you expect them to last for a long time.

Installing the hair.

To ensure that your weft extensions do not shed after installing it, I recommend that you follow the instructions below:

Do not cut the wefts. This is because most of the extensions are either hand-tied or feature a very thin weft, which makes your weave virtually undetectable and easier to install. Because of this, when the delicate weft is cut, this loosens the hair in the weft causing what appears to be shedding.

However if you do cut the weft you need to seal it. 

 How to Seal the Weft

Step 1:
There are many sealants to choose from to bond the hair. As always do your research, some websites recommend using anything from clear nail polish, bonding glue to fabric sealant, so you’ll have to determine what’s best for you. *Always follow the instructions provided.
Step 2:
Once you have prepared the sealant to use, lay the wefts on a covered, flat surface. Apply the sealant directly to the weft of the hair as you would if you were going to “glue” or bond the hair but instead of installing the hair, simply allow the sealant to dry. DO NOT let sealant touch the actual hair. Wait 10 – 15 min to allow drying time or blow-dry for a quicker result. After the hair has dried, repeat on the other side.
Step 3:
When you or your hair professional is installing the hair, after cutting each weft, you can also seal the ENDS of each piece for added security.
If you don’t feel like sealing the wefts yourself, make sure that you let your hair professional know ahead of time that you are planning to have your wefts sealed so that he or she can be prepared!! (Cuddled from) vivicafoxhair's tips on how to prevent your hair extension from shedding.

· Do not put a needle through the wefts or pierce the wefts. If installing a sew-in weave, sew over and around the weft using a blanket stitch method. This method secures the weft without actually penetrating it.

· Do not split the wefts 

 Post Installation Maintenance

Once natural hair is cut from a donor's head, it stops receiving much-needed nutrients that nourish and keeps the hair soft, shiny & tangle-free. It's therefore vitally important to maintain and treat your natural hair extensions with the appropriate maintenance products that will restores/maintain softness, silky luster and keep it tangle-free.
Using the appropriate product range will ensure that your hair extensions keep its silky texture and last for a long time. I would recommend you use mild shampoos & conditioners; preferably sulfate-free and silicon free hair care products.

*Using the wrong maintenance products on your hair extensions will result in dry, dull, tangled, damaged and unmanageable hair extensions.

I currently use John Frieda Frizz ease range and Argan oil for my human hair extensions. However do research online especially on YouTube there are a lot of videos on how to maintain / restore Brazilian or Peruvian human hair.

Recommended Maintenance Regime 

Step 1:
Detangle your hair
This is a very important step prior to shampooing your hair.
Ensure that your hair is free of tangles or snares (especially at the back of the neck). Using a wide tooth or a detangling brush, gently comb out your hair extensions. Always comb or brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extensions the longer they will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair.
Step 2:
Wash
Shampoo your hair at least once a week Shampoo your hair more often if you have increased perspiration or have been in a dusty environment. Curly textures require frequent shampoos or co-washes to look its best hair.

Wet you hair slowly and apply shampoo generously. Do not massage or rub the hair against itself.

Gently comb hair with a wide tooth comb or your fingers to remove any tangles and wash in a downward motion. Rinse shampoo out thoroughly.

Apply a moisturizing conditioner or mask. Use a wide tooth comb or fingers to work the conditioner into your hair. Put on a shower cap and wait for at least 10 - 30 minutes, and then rinse out conditioner out thoroughly.

Air dry hair or set the hair, while wet, on rollers for curls

When hair is completely dry, apply more serum or light hair to hair if required

If you must use heat, to dry or style the hair, be sure you use a leave in conditioner first and heat protector

Co-Wash: Substitute conditioner for shampoo Wash your hair in a downward motion, working conditioner from the top down in one motion. Rinse well and then style. This is great for curly styles. it also moisturizes the hair and prevents it from being dry and frizzy.

Step 3:
Deep Condition
To keep you hair in tip- top shape, use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment in your hair twice a month. More or less, depending on the hair's need. This is very important if you have colored the hair or use hair straighteners.

Step 4:
Styling
As mentioned in step 1, always keep your hair extensions tangle free. Brush or comb gently and avoid any excess tension. Always comb or brush hair from the bottom up, small sections at a time. The more careful you treat your extensions the longer they will last. Support your attachment when brushing or combing your hair. We also strongly recommend the use of a de-tangling brush to comb your hair extensions every day so that it does not develop tangles especially in the nape area.
Our Natural Hair Extensions can be styled as you would your own hair. You can blow dry, curl with curling iron, straighten with a flat iron, dye with a hair dye, and style it as you would your own hair.
Heat is your hair biggest enemy. The more you use it, the shorter the life span of your hair. Use heat in moderation. Do not use high temperatures. High temperatures can damage the hair and permanently alter the hair texture. Get a heat protector to spray on your hair before using a wand or straighteners. Use styling products that are alcohol free.

Put your hair "up" at night. Plait, pin or roll (using bendy rollers) your hair before going to sleep. This is important in preventing tangles. Never sleep with loose wet hair, for it may tangle while you sleep. Sleep with a satin cap or on a satin covered pillow.

Note: this guide has being written based on my 5 years experience of using Brazilian & Peruvian human hair extensions and my research online. Thus I would happy to learn more tips on how to care for my extension.