We spoke to Alice Dawkins, Hair Expert at Milk + Blush, to find out how you can ensure clients are well-informed and prepared to take care of their extensions…
Completing all the necessary steps to protecting and caring for hair extensions can make weeks or even months’ worth of difference. Reminding clients of the long-term benefits of proper care can help them make sure their extensions last.
This will also maintain the health and appearance of the extensions, helping to preserve the natural hair underneath and prolonging the time between extension replacements, which can become expensive if done frequently.
Spending time iterating this to a client will demonstrate that you truly care about their hair health, in turn boosting customer satisfaction and increasing client retention.
As well as stating the importance of correctly caring for hair extensions, hair professionals can further encourage clients by providing a detailed care plan. Everyone’s hair is different, so plans should be customised to the individual and consider their unique hair texture, colour, thickness and styling habits.
For example, wavy hair types should take extra care when detangling to avoid harsh pulling and tugging, as well as minimising heat styling to avoid damaging their natural hair pattern and hair extensions.
Provide clear instructions about how to wash, style and handle hair extensions and offer some recommendations for the best products to use. Hair extension-infused hair should be washed up to twice per week using sulphate-free products, as sulphates can break down the bond over time and won’t last as long.
Be sure to advise that hair should be gently detangled when wet and blow-dried at a maximum temperature of 185 degrees Celsius. A silicone leave-in conditioner is ideal for keeping hair extensions soft while providing a protective barrier, and extensions should be protected overnight with a satin hair bonnet.
Styling can make or break the health of extensions, and talking clients through the styling process can help them to better understand the right techniques to protect their hair. Once you have installed the extensions, ask the client how they typically style their hair and demonstrate how to recreate the look with the newly lengthened locks. All styling tools should be no warmer than 185 degrees Celsius. Make sure to explain that no heat should be applied to the bond to avoid damaging it.
Protective styles should also be demonstrated, as this is another great way to keep extensions looking and feeling healthy while relaxing at home. Recommend clients put their hair into a loose braid or bun which can minimise friction with clothes, bedding and furniture to prevent frizz and damage.
Maintenance appointments are essential to check the condition of the extensions and address any issues. Explain to clients that coming back for regular trims and maintenance can prevent tangling, matting, bonds becoming loose and other problems that can arise with extensions.
Offering to see your client every 6-8 weeks can demonstrate your commitment to keeping their extensions looking good, and it can encourage them to maintain a line of communication to address any concerns or answer any questions when they come up.
Providing ongoing support and guidance to clients throughout their hair extension lifespan can lead to better outcomes, as clients will feel supported and more likely to revisit for further services.
