Have your once glistening, shiny, and beautiful hair extensions become a dried-out and frizzy mess? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’ve all fallen into the dry boat in our lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean your hair extensions have to stay that way.
There are many ways to make hair extensions soft again at home. The easiest way to revive them is to use a hot oil treatment, deep conditioner, or a DIY hair mask using your preferred oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Preventative measures are also necessary, though.
If you’re dreaming of having your smooth and supple hair extensions back, I can help. Below, I have outlined some of the best dry extension remedies, plus some super simple ways to avoid dried-out tresses in the first place.
Let’s fix those dried-out manes, babe!
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How to Make Hair Extensions Soft Again – Three Ways
If you want to run your fingers through your hair (and hair extensions) and enjoy lusciously soft and smooth locks, then you need to use one of these three simple remedies for dried-out extensions. These techniques will work regardless of the type of extension you’re wearing.
1. Hot Oil Treatment
Hot oil treatments are an easy way to reinstate moisture in your hair extensions. The best part is that hot oil treatments can be found at almost any local store or online, and they aren’t super expensive – that said, you have no excuse not to give it a try!
Using a hot oil treatment is a cinch. All you need to do is heat it (either using hot water or placing it directly in the microwave). Then, apply it to your hair extensions and leave it in for the suggested amount of time, then rinse.
Always follow the instructions on your purchased hot oil treatment, as directions will vary by brand. Be very careful not to apply the hot oil to the adhesives, as it can destroy the bond. Focus on the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair extensions.
Don’t know which hot oil treatment to purchase? This VO5 treatment is a top-notch product to consider. It contains five oils and five vitamins to ensure your hair is revived to peak condition by the end. Not only that, but it takes less than five minutes to use. So simple!
2. Deep Conditioner
Most gals know the importance of conditioners. It’s what makes our hair silky smooth! But if your day-to-day conditioner isn’t cutting it, you might have to pull out the big dogs – otherwise known as a deep conditioner.
Deep conditioners are designed to replenish moisture and hydration in seriously damaged and dried-out manes, and yes, that includes hair extensions, too.
Many deep conditioners on the market will work like magic to restore softness, but I recommend the Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Deep Conditioner. It’s sulfate and paraben-free and crafted with cosmetic-grade Argan oil, allowing it to transform your hair’s texture after a single use.
Again, regardless of the deep conditioner you use, keep it away from the hair extension bonds.
3. DIY Hair Mask
I love hair masks. With a single application, you can see and feel the difference. What’s my personal go-to? A simple coconut oil hair mask! Simply heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave, then apply it to your mane. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute it.
I leave my coconut oil mask on for around an hour before washing it with a sulfate-free shampoo. Then, I follow it up with a deep conditioner. After all, it’s impossible to “overdo it” when it comes to moisturizing. You might as well do both!
If you don’t want to use coconut oil, you can use just about any other type of other oil to accomplish this DIY hair mask. For instance, olive, argan, and jojoba oil work fabulously to restore moisture in dried-out tresses.
How to Prevent Dried-Out and Frizzy Hair Extensions
Replenishing hydration in dried-out and frizzy hair extensions can be a nuisance. Why deal with dry and frizzy locks to begin with? There are many things you can do to prevent your hair extensions from becoming dry and lackluster. Here are my top five tips.
1. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner
You need to wash your hair – no doubt about it. Over time, oil, dirt, grime, and other undesirables build up in your mane, and the only way to get rid of it is with a good wash in the shower. But is your shampoo and conditioner doing more harm than good?
You need to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners on your hair extensions. That’s because hair extensions don’t create their own sebum (natural oil) as your scalp and hair, which means it’s more prone to drying out. Using sulfate-free options can help.
This set is an awesome one to consider, as it’s free from sulfates and parabens that can wreak havoc on your tresses.
Oh, and by the way – try to avoid washing your hair daily. Your hair does not need to be washed as often as you think. Opt for two or three times a week and watch your hair retain its shine and nourishment for longer.
2. Always Use Heat Protectant
If you ask me whether or not I think you should use hot tools on your hair, I will tell you no. But I’m also a woman, and I know that sometimes you just need to get those lovely Victoria’s Secret curls for date night.
However, don’t use any hot tools willy-nilly. You need to be strategic. How? By consistently applying a heat protectant.
Heat protectant is exactly what it sounds like – a product that protects your hair from heat. And it’s 100% essential. After all, it goes without saying that extreme temperatures damage hair extensions and can fry them after one straightening sesh.
3. Consider a Filtered Shower Head
If you’re really trying to halt dryness in its tracks, consider investing in a filtered showerhead. These shower heads filter out the high mineral content found in hard water that plagues most homes in the United States, ensuring your hair doesn’t become a dried-out wreck.
4. Take Care Before Swimming
If you have hair extensions, you shouldn’t jump into the pool without caring for your locks first. Chlorine is tremendously drying, so skipping these crucial steps can lead to dry and frizzy hair extensions after your evening in the pool.
But what should you do?
It’s recommended to rinse your hair with water before diving in. This will block some of the chlorine from absorbing. You should also wash your locks immediately after swimming, if possible.
Ideally, you would want to refrain from getting your hair wet whatsoever, but I understand that isn’t always possible. (Trust me, I get it – I love pretending I’m Ariel from The Little Mermaid when I go for a swim!)
5. Purchase High-Quality Remy Human Hair Extensions
Low-quality and synthetic hair extensions may be cheap, which is excellent in this grueling economy. But going the budget-friendly route may equate to more trouble down the line, especially when it comes to dryness.
Cheap hair extensions are more prone to drying out and becoming frizzy than high-quality, expensive options. So, while you might have to apologize to your wallet at first, it will thank you down the line when you don’t have to worry about replacing them every few weeks.
FAQs
Who knew that getting your soft hair extensions back could be so easy? Before you dip your extensions into hot oil or a deep conditioner, check out these frequently asked questions.
Can I put oil on my hair extensions?
You can put oil on your hair extensions. In fact, it can be highly beneficial, especially if you warm it up beforehand. The only thing to remember is that you must keep it away from the adhesives, as oil can disturb the bond and cause slippage.
Can I put coconut oil on my hair extensions?
You can put coconut oil on your hair extensions. Actually, it’s my favorite type of natural oil to put on my hair and extensions! Warm it up beforehand and mix it with some honey, if desired, to give your extensions an extra boost of softness.
Why do my extensions feel like straw?
If your extensions feel like straw, there may be a few different issues taking place. For one, you may be using hot tools too often. You may be skipping the conditioner after shampooing or shampooing too often. Lastly, you might have reused them too many times, and it’s time for a new set.
Making Hair Extensions Soft Again At Home is Simple!
Nobody wants dried-out and frizzy hair extensions, but now you know how to combat it and revive your luscious, silky smooth mane. Use a hot oil treatment, a deep conditioner, or a DIY hair mask using your preferred natural oil, like coconut or olive oil!
Have you ever needed to make your hair extensions soft again? How did you do it? Share in the comment section below!
