Alternative hair (hair extensions, wigs, hair pieces, hair units, hair systems) is one of the best investments you make in yourself. When purchasing alternative hair, you want to purchase the best quality hair. Quality hair can lasts up to one year or longer depending on the maintenance and care which I am going to share with you today.

In my opinion the best type of alternative hair is virgin or remy human hair. Why? It’s not easily damaged by friction and heat, the hair can be colored, and the hair has not undergone any chemical processing like some of the other hair extensions on the market. Human hair looks and feels like our own natural hair texture and lasts when cared for properly.  Synthetic hair is best when you are not looking to wear your alternative hair for a long length of time.  No matter what type of alternative hair you choose to purchase, alternative hair requires special care in order to obtain optimal longevity and usage out of the hair.

To maintain Human Hair Extensions

Use a wig brush or wide tooth comb to remove all tangles. Braid your hair into big braids then wash your hair. (Hair tangles when dirt and sweat build up. Wash your extensions after exercise, swimming etc.)

Use a good quality shampoo; I recommend using BASiC Haircare System Conditioning Shampoo in their Maintenance Products. Distribute evenly and wash your hair going in a downward motion. Press any products into the weave, but avoid scrubbing or rubbing.

Rinse in cool to lukewarm water. Repeat with BASiC Haircare System Celerity Conditioner in their Maintenance Products.

After washing and conditioning, wrap your hair in a towel and gently pat out excess water in a downward motion. Do not rub hair in opposite directions of the hair’s cuticle.

Human hair extensions can either be air dried or blow dried on low heat. If you use a blow dryer, thoroughly towel dry hair, then finish drying the hair starting from the ends and working your way up. Avoid pulling the hair while wet.

I recommend letting the hair air dry whenever possible. Care for your hair weave as you would your own hair by avoiding too much heat and processing. Never sleep with wet or damp hair.

To maintain Human Hair Wigs/Hair Units

Before washing, gently brush the wig thoroughly with a wig brush or wide tooth comb. For wigs with a tight curl, do not brush, use fingers and gently remove tangles.

Use a mild shampoo. I recommend using Jon Renau Argan Smooth Luxury Shampoo. In a sink or basin, add a small amount of shampoo to cold water. Turn wig inside out and immerse. Gently swirl and let soak for approximately 5 minutes.

Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all of the shampoo is removed. Rinse twice.

Gently apply conditioner Jon Renau Argan Smooth Luxury Conditioner through the wig and leave on for 2 minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair.

Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all of the conditioner is removed.

Wrap the wig in a towel and gently pat out excess water.

Optional: Apply conditioning spray very lightly over wig, spraying 10 – 12 inches from the wig.

Place the clean wig on a wire or plastic wig stand and allow to air dry thoroughly before brushing or combing. Do not allow the wig to dry in direct sunlight.

To maintain Synthetic Wigs

Before washing, gently brush the wig thoroughly with a wig brush. For wigs with a tight curl, do not brush, use fingers and gently remove tangles.

Use wig shampoo specially formulated for synthetic wigs. I recommend using Jon Renau Shampoo for Synthetic Fibers. Place your hand inside of the wig cap and hold the top of the wig under cool running water. Shampoo the hair gently while making sure the hair is traveling in the same direction. Do not rub the hair in opposite direction because this may cause tangling.

Rinse the wig gently in cold water until all shampoo is removed.

Wrap your wig in a towel and gently pat it dry to remove excess water. Remove any tangles from your wig using a wide tooth comb. Then spray 3 to 5 pumps of Jon Renau Conditioning Spray for Synthetic Fibers. (Do not spray the base of the wig or hair unit).

Place your clean wig on a plastic or wire wig stand and allow the wig to thoroughly air dry. To prevent fiber damage, do not use a hair dryer, curling iron or other drying aids and keep wigs away from all sources of excess heat or open flame (e.g. stoves, ovens, barbecue grills, cigarette lighters). Do not brush or comb the wig until completely dry. When dry, use a wig brush or hair pick to gently restore styling.

To give additional styling support and to add shine and body to your wig, spray entire hair surface with Jon Renau Holding Spray.

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