Did you know that you should co-wash your hair extensions, regularly?

When it comes to hair extensions, the biggest misconception a lot of people have is how important it is to cleanse them. Some believe that wearing hair extensions exempts them from all hair maintenance. But that couldn't be further from the truth. With that mindset, you will find yourself wasting a lot of money. Most people keep their hair extensions until they are raggedy looking, not realizing that if they cleanse them, they will last longer. Co-washing hair extensions are one of the best and easiest things you can do. If you don’t, you can find yourself with tangled, knotty hair. It’s important to remember when using human hair that it’s real human hair! Meaning that $300 pack of bundles you purchased, came from someone else’s scalp. So, that alone should make you get on a co-washing schedule. You want to ensure you’re washing away any bacteria, chemicals or even smells, that may linger in your extensions. Doing so will keep your bundles looking flawless. Continue reading below to find out some techniques you can use to co-wash your hair extensions.

Top 5 Co-washing Benefits for your Hair

Co-washing has become the go-to method for proper maintenance of hair, especially for hair extensions. Including this cleansing technique in your hair care regimen allows for the ease of care when wearing hair extensions. The following are the main co-washing benefits and why people should start co-washing their hair.

1. Co-Washing Benefits the Scalp

As natural oils and sweat produce, the removal of these from the hair is very essential. If not regularly washed away, salt from the frequent sweat will immediately dry out the textured hair extensions and inflame the scalp. There is also a heaviness from excessive oils that can cause issues. One of the co-washing benefits, it can remove the dust, salt, and dirt from the hair while at the same time avoiding stripping the hair off its natural oils.

2. Co-Washing is Fast

With co-washing, another great benefit is it can be done within a short period of time. In contrast with regular shampooing and conditioning, rinse the hair thoroughly and then lather up with a conditioner and rinse versus multiple steps.

3. Co-Washing Benefits Hair Health

Given that co-washing eliminates shampoo which can strip the hair, your hair extensions can retain moisture and continue to maintain shine. It will be very easy to comb, style and will eventually dry a lot smoother and sleeker. You also skip persistently exposing the hair to hot water which can cause unwanted dryness and reverse the softness. The hair and the body will get healthier in the long run.

4. It gives your hair a great smell

One of the most excellent co-washing benefits on a daily basis is that the hair will have a good smell every day. The scalp and hair will feel clean, fragrant, and fresh.

5. Co-washing defines waves and curls

In view of the fact that you’re no longer exposing the hair to the stripping detergents contained in the shampoo, you’ll note that, on transitioning, the natural waves and curls will start to emerge more and well defined. When the human hair is well conditioned and lubricated, the curls will automatically and naturally appear supple, healthier, and moist.

Soaking Method

The soaking method is a technique that most people use after they have purchased their extensions before the installation process begins. Now, some may skip this method, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s important to cleanse the hair to remove any bacteria or buildup, etc. Also, sometimes there’s a film on the hair that is slightly invisible to the human eye. But when certain hair products are applied, it can ruin the style. So to be on the safe side, always co-wash your hair extensions. To begin, you need to fill a sink with cool water and pour in your favorite shampoo. The importance of cool water is so the cuticles can open, so the strands are getting cleaned properly. Once the sink is full, begin placing bundles into the sink. When you’re taking the bundles out of its package, keep the entire bundle intact at the weft area, also known as the track sectioned. If you happen to unravel it, you may have severe detangling to do later.

Fully saturate the extensions into the water and let soak for about, 15-20 minutes. Remember that it’s still important to use the best shampoo and conditioner, as you would for your natural hair. It also wouldn't hurt if you purchased some pricey products, to ensure your extensions are well taken care of since they cost a pretty penny. Once the time is up, rinse the hair under cool running water until the water runs clear. Make sure you rinse properly. Otherwise, you risk stripping effects later. After you rinse the hair, continue your normal drying process. Tip: Do not use warm or hot water during the rinsing techniques because cool water keeps curly extensions intact longer and gives a natural shine.

Rinsing Method

The running water method is another technique used when co-washing hair extensions. With this method, you’re going to gather your bundles and run cool water over them in a sink. Place the bundles underneath the facet and begin stroking in a downward motion, with one hand. Be sure not to stroke in an up/down motion since that can cause tangles and knots. Begin to saturate the hair with your favorite shampoo and continue stroking in that downward motion. Rinse the hair until the water runs clear.

Deep Condition Co-Wash Method

Just like natural hair, extensions always need to be deep conditioned, so hair remains soft and flawless. Some may even rinse the hair with cool water and then apply a deep condition; there aren’t any rules! An interesting deep condition method involves the microwave! That’s crazy, right? Well, these are the things we do for beauty purposes! Now, stay with me! Once you have rinsed the hair, grab your favorite deep conditioner and saturate the extensions and let soak for 10 minutes. Then gather a safe microwave bowl and place the bundles inside of it and cover with a lid. You’re then going to put the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. It’s very important that your hair extensions stay hydrated and the microwave step will ensure that. Remove the bowl from the microwave when it’s time and let it sit for another 15 minutes while keeping it covered. Lastly, rinse like normal and prepare for your drying step.

Sew-in Co-wash Method

Now, you may be asking yourself, “what if I have a sew-in and still want to co-wash?” well there’s a method for you as well. This co-wash method for hair extensions is similar to the running water method, but without the sink. You’re going to start by detangling the hair from the bottom on up. The process is much smoother if the hair is prepped and tangled free. Apply your favorite conditioner in the downward method as mentioned earlier. If you would like, get yourself a paddle brush to ensure conditioner gets evenly distributed throughout the hair strands. You can let the conditioner sit for a few minutes and then rinse until all water runs clear.

New and Improved Look

Now that you have learned how to co-wash your hair extensions, you’re on your way to having soft, flawless hair! Adding co-washing to your hair regimen is not only going to improve your look, but you’ll be able to save tons of money. You won’t have to toss out your hair extensions once they begin looking old. Co-washing will bring that shine and softness right back to your bundles. Remember, before your next install appointment, you can now wash away any bacteria or smells that might have been lingering in your bundles. Co-washing is the fastest and easiest way to ensure you maintain proper maintenance with your hair extensions. Do you co-wash your hair extensions regularly? If so, what are some of the benefits you have experienced? Let me know in the comment section below!