Best Hair Color and Tools for Extensions & Weave

Best Hair Color and Tools for Extensions & Weave

Hair Color and Tools Analysis

One of the best parts about weave and the main reasons we get them is its versatility and ability to withstand even the most dangerous of manipulation. The things we wouldn't even dare to do or think about doing to our hair! But, this doesn't mean we shouldn't take care of our weave as well. We may have a little more leeway when it comes to experimenting with our extensions, but at the end of the day, we want our extensions to last us a long time! So, what does this mean? It's time we discuss the pros and cons, the ins and outs, and the do's and don'ts of what we should be doing when it comes to hair colors and the tools we use on our extensions.

Let's Talk Colo

Everyone loves hair color. Nowadays the more of what's considered to be an unnatural hair color is becoming more accepted in the workplace and society in general. Since this is becoming the norm; we need to be aware of the potential issues that can come with coloring extensions. The dye you choose matters. Everything from the dye you pick to the developer you use, matters in the process of coloring your extensions. Don't waste your valuable time! The first thing to think about is the developer.

The Developer

If you choose to do this at home, it's essential to utilize the right developer. To someone who doesn't have too much experience dying hair, how do you know which is the right one? The main ingredient in a developer is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide allows the color to deposit into the hair shaft by opening up the hair cuticle. The more hydrogen peroxide it contains, the more the hair cuticle opens up, which leads to those confusing numbers you see on the packaging, such as, "10 Volume Developer" or "40 Volume Developer". All these numbers do is tell you how much hydrogen peroxide is in the product. You may be asking what the use is for developers that contain lower hydrogen peroxide levels, but there are times where it's useful to achieve a particular look. For example, if you want a color that is darker than your original extension's hair color, then a 10 or 20 Volume Developer may be best to suit these needs since the color doesn't need to lift completely. It's best to avoid situations where you feel the need to use 40 Volume Developers and higher. If not used correctly, it can cause severe damage to the extensions. Leave these the professionals.

Ingredients and Chemical Exposure

Hair dyes come with an extensive amount of ingredients and chemicals, most of which to aid in dying the hair quickly, thoroughly and safely. Hair companies are becoming more aware of the types of components they insert into hair dyes, but you must still be cautious of specific ingredients and chemicals and their positive and negative effects on your extensions. Certain chemicals to watch out for, include:
  • Ammonia
  • P-phenylenediamine
  • Resorcinol
  • Peroxide
Be sure to watch out for these chemicals and more. If not used appropriately, it causes allergies, skin and eye irritation, chemical burns, or even hair breakage.

The Amount of Time

Time is extremely crucial when dying hair extensions. The amount of time you put into the process of dying your hair determines the outcome of the color, quality, and longevity of the hair extensions. When in doubt, follow the directions on the hair dye packaging. The hair color, the brand you choose and your personal preference all determine the length of time spent dying the extensions. Consider the type of curl you're coloring. Always keep in mind the type of extensions you're dying. Depending on the curl pattern, hair dye, company, or type of hair (Brazilian, Malaysian, etc.) the effect the color has on your extensions can vary. Pay attention to the condition of your extensions, how dark the hair is, how light or dark you want to go, and the hair texture.

Kinky-Coiled Hair

Kinky-coily extensions, or hair in general, absorb color easily and quickly because its cuticle opens with ease. Although it can take color, keep in mind that kinky hair is drier and more fragile than other textures, which means the coloring process will inevitably change the composition and cause some damage to the cuticle.

Hair Thickness

Thicker hair textures may have a harder time lifting color. In this case, you would need a stronger developer along with products which aid in minimizing the damage. The opposite is exact for thinner textured hair.

Processed Hair

When dealing with extensions that have been colored or treated chemically, this may be the time to schedule an appointment with a professional hair stylist. It's possible the hair is too damaged to take more color and may break in the process of doing so. Keep in mind that it's the developer which causes the damage to the cuticle and not the color itself. Color is merely just a thick coat. Make sure it's the color you desire. There is nothing more frustrating than trying for a particular color you've seen on Instagram or Pinterest and then ending up looking like the complete opposite of what you expected. The best way to avoid these situations is to go to a professional. But, if you prefer to do it on your own, here are some steps to make sure you do it in the safest way possible, while also getting the color you genuinely desire.

Quick Pointers for Dying your Weave:

  • Make sure you have all the materials you need before dying (developer, dye, aluminum foil, measuring bowls, etc.)
  • When making the developer, it should have a runny, almost yogurt-like look to it.
  • Leave the developer and hair dye on as instructed on the box they came in.
  • Don't forget the aftercare of your extensions! (Overnight deep conditioners, protein treatments, etc.)
Consider the best hair color for you! Keep in mind your skin tone, makeup, eye color, what you wear, etc. when choosing your color. It's important to pick colors that compliment your looks and bomb personality! We may not want to admit it, but our hair is where we obtain much of our pride and confidence. If you don't believe you can rock a color, then the world won't think you can either. Exuberate confidence and always make sure it's the color you want. If you aren't sure if a specific color is right for you, start with a soft hue of it first and gradually work your way towards the color you desire. This way you can ease into it and find out if the color works for you!

What are the Best Tools to Use?

Never underestimate the appliances we put on our weaves in the process of styling them. If we aren't careful, these tools can be just as harmful to our extensions as dying them is. It's important to pay attention to what tools we use and how we use them for our extensions to not only last us a long time but flourish!

Tools for Pre-Styling

Clips and Pins

People don't often realize the importance of hair clips and hairpins. Its function saves stylists countless hours of unnecessary hairs getting in the way that makes styling hair more difficult than it needs to be. There are many different types of clips, grippers, and pins, so the decision is really up to personal preference. Clips are used for sectioning off the hair to perform a styling task on the head. Styles include flat ironing, blow drying or even holding curls into place. Typically, it's easier to grip weaves and extensions with larger clips with metal clamps, since the length and softness of extensions can be too much for smaller clips to handle. Smaller bobby pins can be used to pin back the tiny hair within our extensions that won't cooperate during the styling process. Some styling purposes utilize clips as well. The arched clip is a great way to clip your extensions into a half up, half down style or a full ponytail. For those who have trouble creating high and low buns, pins are an efficient way to make sure the hairstyle stays in place. It's a good idea to own different size clips, so this way you are prepared to handle any hair-related situation.

Rollers of all Sizes

The size of the roller determines the size of the curl. The amount of time you spend with the rollers in your extensions, including other factors such as heat, also determines how the spiral ends up falling. When using rollers on extensions, it's important to remember to make the section of hair small enough to place into the roller, and not too big otherwise the hair could be too heavy for the roller.

Hair Dryers

When it comes to putting any heat on your head, be aware of how much you use, because it always has the potential to be damaging to extensions as much as your actual hair. Take your time when using a handheld dryer. Don't rush, because then you'll start tugging on the extensions causing damage to the strands. Use a brush to help you detangle the hair while drying it, this way it'll take less time for the hair to dry. Hooded dryers are a little different. Hooded dryers make the time to step away from your extensions for a moment and let the appliance do most of the work. The thing about hooded dryers is, it's a hold, which means whatever condition your hair is in under the dryer will most likely come out the way once it's finished. It's essential to prep the hair before going under the dryer.

Tools for Post-Styling

Hair Straighteners, Curling Wands, etc.

Always consider the thickness and texture of the hair you're styling. These factors often will decipher whether or not to use particular straighteners.

Thin to Thicker Textures

When dealing with thin hair and avoiding the possibility of frizz, consider using a ceramic straightener. These hold heat at high temperatures, while also encouraging even heat distribution throughout the hair. Titanium straighteners are better for thicker hair because they heat up faster than ceramic and at a consistent rate.

Size Matters

Smaller straighteners tend to be better for shorter hair, and it's perfect for quick, yet precise styles, such as creating bangs. Larger straighteners cover a more extensive range, so it's better for longer hair. Much like hair dryers, it's important to recognize what amount of pressure and time to place this tool on your extensions, while also keeping in mind the temperature.

Brushes, brushes, brushes

The type of brush and comb you use on your extensions is essential to maintaining your locks. Brushes determine whether or not your extensions look frizzy, put together or polished even, all depending on the brush you use.

Paddle brushes

Paddle brushes roughly dry long, straight hair the best while detangling.

Synthetic Bristle Brush

These brushes help to polish the hair, while also smoothing it out.

Teasing Brush

These brushes add volume to your extensions. These "tease" the hair.

Rattail Comb

When dealing with leave out, these combs are used to separate and section the leave out from the extensions to make styling easier on your hair.

Extensions have Feelings too!

To conclude, extensions react the same way they would if it was our hair. They get damaged, they become dry, and it's one of the forms of how we express ourselves. Take care of your weave, because we buy them with the purpose that they last us a long time to create new and beautiful styles. Never take that for granted! Have any tips you'd like to share? Leave a comment!
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