Care and Upkeep
Care and Upkeep & FAQ's
We cannot emphasize enough that lengthened hair needs special care.
Before going to bed, it is recommended if you have long Great Lengths strands that you pull it back with a scrunchy or a side low loose braid to prevent the hair from getting tangled.
In the morning, gently unravel the braid or the ponytail with your fingers. BRUSH with the recommended brush from the nape up row by row. A paddle brush or wide tooth comb may be used to remove tangles from the mid shaft to ends of the hair however, do not comb from scalp to bonds.
When brushing ALWAYS section the hair from nape up. Hold hair firmly from mid shaft, start to brush out all tangles with paddle brush, after the tangles are out hold the hair under the bonds and continue to brush the mid shaft to the ends, holding the hair firmly creates less to no tension on the bonds. Only brush the bonded area with the special brush.
Do not shampoo for the first 2 days, unless your hair produces oil within a day.
NEVER wash your hair with head face down. Always tilt your head back and foam hair from top to bottom.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO WASH THE NAPE OF YOUR HEAD VERY WELL. The nape tends to produce the most oil, sweat, and we tend to not focus as much in the back nape area, this is "VERY IMPORTANT". Extensions slip out more around that area, unlike the top and sides where more of the focus is. Never dry with a scrubbing action; wrap with a towel to absorb the water.
You must use recommended products, as problems do occur with other products.
Do not use products that contain sulfur such as dandruff shampoos, or glycerin, silicone etc... NEVER use shampoo from a drug store. Never put conditioner on the roots, it may cause extensions to start slipping out. Avoid product on bonds especially wax, silicone, oily, conditioner products. Hair sprays and dry shampoos are allowed. Always call and consult before using any new products to make sure they are compatible with the great lengths.
NEVER USE HOT TOOLS ON BONDS. Heat is how great lengths are applied, heat is how they will release, and can damage your hair if you are not careful, especially in the back where it is hard to see. This in time can create hair extensions to start falling out and slowly start shedding. AVOID BONDS AT ALL TIME EXCEPT WHEN BRUSHING AND DETANGLING
TWO WEEKS AFTER APPLYING GREAT LENGTHS, RETURN TO THE SALON TO HAVE A CHECK-UP.
Some bonds may get tangled if you do not brush your hair daily. The natural fallout of your own hair may cause a little tangle between the bonds, if this happens, make an appointment to have it removed
It is natural to lose a few strands due to natural fallout. You can return and have a few strands added, if necessary. Removal can be done at the salon.
ALWAYS ALWAYS
BRUSH BRUSH BRUSH
AT LEAST TWICE A DAY
NO TANGLE, NO MATTES, MEANS NO FUSS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will hair extensions ruin/damage my hair?
A: No, definitely not, as long as Great Lengths hair extensions are treated properly. How to treat and take care of your hair will be discussed at the time your extensions are put in. It is up to the client to take care of their extensions.
Q: How long do hair extensions last?
A: 3-5 months, depends on the thickness. Please know that one naturally loses 3 to 4 extensions per month, in general.
Q: Can I reuse the hair again?
A: No!
Q: Can I go swimming with my extensions?
A: Not everyday, if you happen to be in a pool, and have your head under water, that will be fine. However, avoid having the extensions in a pool regularly, chlorine is bad for your hair in general. Have your hair up in a bun to avoid the water. If you will be swimming, have your hair in a very tight braid with conditioner in order to avoid tangles later.
Q: Can I wear my hair in a ponytail wet?
A: No, please dry the bonds first before putting in a ponytail. The moisture may create slipping of the bonds. Exercising is okay in a ponytail, however immediately shampoo your hair after your workout, or at least dry the bonds
Q: Can I use my regular hair styling products?
A: On your own hair, yes! But not on the extension BONDS. avoid almost all products on the bonds, especially wax, silicone, or glycerin etc... You may however use those products on the mid shaft to the ends of the hair, just not the bonds.
Q: Can I wash my hair everyday?
A: Yes, especially if you hair is on the oily to silky smooth side. Then you MUST, ESPECIALLY IN THE BACK NAPE AREA WASH TWICE and avoid conditioner on the roots and bonded area
Q: I will be travelling somewhere very hot, will it ruin my hair?
A: That's a tricky one! You HAVE TO WEAR A HAT! Ideally, avoid putting in extensions before you go. There is no guarantee, depending on how hot the weather is, avoid the sun as much as possible, heat can start loosening the bonds which can create shedding. Each case is different, however many of my clients have had no problems.
Q: Can I use flat irons, curling irons, hot rollers?
A: Yes, just not on the BONDS! Remember heat is how I applied the extensions, and heat will definitely release them. Be very careful with hot tools, especially in the back where you can not see well. Even if you touch the bonds ever so slightly, in time, they will loosen, release, or start shedding, so be extra careful in the back.
Q: Can I take out hair extensions myself
A: No, you must have them taken out professionally otherwise you can damage your hair. Great Lengths are not taken out with heat. We use a special gel remover and instrument.
