Caring for Keratin Hair Extensions

Congratulations on your new keratin hair extensions!

Here are some tips to help keep them looking beautiful:

• Wash your hair no more than every other day.
• When washing your hair, use warm, NOT HOT, water. Use your fingertips to wash gently in between the keratin bonding. Wash your hair using a downward motion – DO NOT pile all the hair on top of your head and scrub!
• Use conditioner on the ends of your hair and leave on for about 5 minutes.
• Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair. Always comb starting at the ends and work your way up until the tangles are out.
• Allow your hair to air dry for a few minutes, and then DRY COMPLETELY with your hair dryer. Even after drying a section of hair, you may feel some dampness, so go back and make sure all sections are totally dry.
• Do not sleep with wet hair! (I learned this one the hard way!)
• When styling and after drying your hair, use a repairing or anti-frizz serum on the ends of your hair to keep them looking healthy.
• When using curling and flat irons, do not let the hot metal touch the keratin bonding – it will melt.
• If the keratin bonding becomes sticky (even though it is dry), apply some baby powder on them. This also helps absorb excess scalp oils.
• Try not to play with the keratin bonding. It will loosen and cause the extensions to fall out.
• If any of your extensions do fall out, save them and ask your stylist to reapply them. (See your stylist for pricing.)

By following these tips, your extensions will last for 3-6 months.

If you decide to take the extensions out, revive your natural hair with a deep conditioning or hot oil treatment. Try a scalp treatment too – you’ll feel amazing!

Questions or comments? Leave a message!

Top 5 All-Time Beauty Budget Favorites

Some day I’ll be able to blow $500 at the M∙A∙C counter, but right now I can’t. Even when that day comes, I’ll still be using my top 5 all-time beauty budget favorites!

1. Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Washable Mascara – My “if-you-were-stranded-on-a-desert-island-and-you-could-only-have-one-makeup-item-the-rest-of-your-life-what-would-it-be” item. I know everyone harps about Great Lash mascara – I mean, it’s great too – but Full ‘N Soft is where it’s at!
2. Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid – It never feels greasy, it penetrates and dries fast, and it doesn’t burn your eyes! I use it all over my face and neck after showering. I use the sensitive skin one, but you gotta love the original pink lotion!
3. TRESemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray – I use a lot of hair spray and I always buy this one! I only use aerosols and this one sprays so light and evenly. “TRESemme! TRESemme! Ooh la la!”
4. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow – These eyeshadows provide the smooth coverage and color pigmentation of more expensive brands. They don’t create a lot of dust like some less expensive brands can. I also love the applicators. My favorite 3-Kit shade is 110 Shimmering Sands – I even wore it on my wedding day!
5. Clearsil StayClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream – I’ve battled acne my whole life and I’ve tried all kinds of OTCs and prescriptions (sulfurs, tretinoin, antibiotics, salycic acid) and none worked! Everyone is different when it comes to acne, but Clearasil is the only topical acne product that works for me.

What are your top all-time beauty budget items?

Questions or comments? Leave a message!