Your Guide to Kinky Curly Hair Extensions
Kinky Curly extensions are great for switching up your look!
Kinky hair is very versatile and unique. There is a range of curl patterns to consider. You can have curls that are loose, coily, or tightly curled. These curl patterns fall under the term "kinky curly."
Pick a texture that is close to your own if you plan on leaving some of your natural hair out.
Now that you have your kinky curly extensions installed, you may think "What can I do to maintain this hair?"
Blending your natural or relaxed hair with kinky curly hair is easy- but the trick is to maintain it.
Avoiding heat styling on kinky curly extensions will help them last longer. You will want to keep the hair nourished as if it were your own.
Taking care of kinky curly hair takes time and patience.
It is important to have the right styling products, tools, and techniques.
Kinky Curly Styling Products
Kinky curly hair thrives when infused with moisture.
Try to avoid styling products that are alcohol-based- especially on human hair extensions. If you are natural and already have products targeted towards curly hair, use the same products for your extensions.
Using a styling mousse is very popular to style curly hair extensions- but may not help if the curls are kinky.
Cantu, Crème of Nature, Carol's Daughter, and Shea Moisture are great products to use on kinky curly hair.
Focus on curl defining and enhancing products.
Co-washing (which means to rinse the hair with conditioner) can greatly benefit kinky extensions.
For daily moisture, combine water and conditioner in a spray bottle and distribute it evenly.
Spraying the hair can be done in the morning or throughout the day. Be sure to choose moisturizing conditioners and styling products to use for your extensions.
Tools For Managing Kinky Curly Extensions
You may want to style your extensions in a blowout or twist out from time to time.
Having the right tools to do this will help you achieve unique styles.
A wide-tooth comb, blow dryer, a hooded dryer and a Denman brush are useful tools to have when styling. Although, you should only use a brush sparingly, such as for blow-drying the hair.
You can use the tension method to blow dry the extensions for a blow-out look. The tension method is lightly stretching a small section of hair while using the blow dryer.
Remember, since this hair is fragile, using a blow dryer to stretch the hair should be at a minimum. To detangle the hair, use your fingers or a Denman brush while the hair is wet.
Finger detangling takes time, but it will help to prevent frizz.
Techniques For Curly Hair
Kinky curly hair naturally craves moisture, so developing a washing regimen will that fit your lifestyle will help with maintaining your extensions.
Co-washing one to two times a week, and shampooing the hair once every two weeks to get rid of any build-up.
Always remember to deep condition whenever you shampoo the extensions; shampoo can be drying to the hair. Deep conditioning every two weeks will also provide extra moisture.
As we discussed detangling and finger detangling above, I want to emphasize doing it while the hair is wet or saturated with the product.
Detangling on dry hair may cause breakage and shedding. (Tip: to prevent excess shedding, seal your wefts).
More Kinky Curly Hair Care Tips
If you have the extensions sewn in, finger detangling while in the shower can help ease this process. While you are in the shower, go ahead, and apply your styling products.
Gently squeeze the hair to remove excess water and product. Pat dry your extensions or wrap them using a microfiber towel; using a microfiber towel will help reduce frizz.
Either air dry, sit under a hooded dryer, or use a diffuser. Make sure not to touch or rub curls together while air drying; this produces frizz and unwanted tangles.
Even if you've done a unit or a wig, following these steps will help you get more longevity from the wig. Do not forget to care for your hair underneath as well.
At night time, make sure your hair is dry before going to bed. Depending on the length of your hair, you can pineapple it, put it in a loose braid, or put a few twists in.
Cover your hair with a scarf or bonnet. In the morning, take down your hair and spritz with water if needed.
Fluff and go! Wearing clip-in extensions can be a breeze, but do not leave them in overnight. Take out the clip-ins and style as desired; apply product and twist or braid them.
Coloring Kinky Curly Extensions
Kinky curly extensions that are human hair can be colored and bleached.
Be wary that once you color them, it is a chemical treatment, and the hair may lose some of its moisture. Make sure to double up on moisturizing the extensions, avoid heat styling if you choose to color them.
The lighter you go, the drier your weave will be.
If you receive a batch of brown hair, and you want to color them darker, then the color process will not be as drying.
Using a developer and bleach to lift the color of your extensions, will cause the hair to be drier.
If you are not sure how to color them, always seek a professional.
Maintaining Kinky Curly Hair Extensions
Kinky curly hair extensions are considered high maintenance.
While wearing these extensions, treat the hair as if it were your own.
Wearing them can be a challenge if you have relaxed hair or have only worn straight extensions. How you care for your extensions is the difference between luscious curls and matted extensions that do not last. This is especially the case if you have a full sew-in with a Kinky Curly Frontal or Kinky Curly Closure.
Once you learn how to care for kinky curly hair extensions correctly, you will see just how wonderful it can be!
Wearing them does great practice if you are considering cutting your relaxed hair.
Curl patterns can vary, but you will get a taste of how to style your natural hair while wearing kinky curly extensions.
Top 5 Tips for Kinky Curly Extensions
Here is a quick recap to make sure you are on the right track with your hair!1. Choosing the Right Color
Match Your Natural Hair: Aim for hair extensions that closely match your natural hair color. If you're between shades, go for the lighter option, as it's easier to darken extensions than lighten them.
Custom Coloring: If you can't find an exact match, consider purchasing high-quality virgin hair extensions and having them professionally dyed to match your natural hair. Always perform a strand test first to ensure the color processes correctly.
Avoid Frequent Coloring: Repeatedly coloring extensions can lead to damage. If you want to experiment with color, consider using temporary hair colors or sprays that can wash out easily.
2. Proper Washing and Conditioning
Gentle Cleansing: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to clean the extensions without stripping their natural moisture. Wash them gently in a downward motion to avoid tangling.
Deep Conditioning: After washing, apply a deep conditioner and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. This restores moisture and keeps the curls vibrant and bouncy.
Detangling: Always detangle the extensions when wet and conditioned, using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for curly hair.
3. Moisturizing & Hydration
Leave-In Conditioners: Invest in a good-quality leave-in conditioner to keep your curly hair extensions moisturized. Curly hair extensions tend to dry out faster than natural hair.
Hydrating Sprays: A daily spritz with a water-based hydrating spray can help refresh the curls and maintain moisture levels without frequently washing the extensions.
4. Styling and Maintenance
Avoid Heat: Avoid using heat-styling tools whenever possible. If you must use them, apply a heat protectant first. Instead, opt for air drying to preserve the integrity of the curls.
Night Care: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. Before bed, consider braiding or twisting your extensions to maintain the curl pattern.
5. Selecting the Right Products
Curly-Specific Products: Use products specifically designed for curly hair. These products will cater to the needs of your extensions, helping to define the curls and control frizz.
Natural Oils: Lightweight oils like argan or coconut can help add shine and reduce frizz without weighing down the curls. Apply sparingly to the ends of the extensions.
Now that we have gone over everything related to kinky textures we have one last question for you.
How do you maintain your kinky curly extensions?
