HAIR EXTENSION AFTERCARE

Hair Extensions are amazing; however, they are a commitment and they do require additional time, and care. This is essential to ensure your natural hair also remains in healthy condition and that you maximise the longevity of your hair extensions.

To make the most of your extensions, and to ensure problem free wear, following our hair extension aftercare routine is essential.

Ensuring you follow our aftercare advice is just as important as us fitting your extensions correctly. Not using the correct products, or choosing to ignore our advice, can lead to dryness, and matting. We have tried and tested all the products we recommend, ensuring that your extensions get exactly the right balance of products, whilst also keeping your natural hair in lovely condition.

Aftercare is also essential also from a financial standpoint, for example our luxury Russian hair extensions range can last up to 3-5 years with correct aftercare. Obviously, this is the higher end of the bracket pricewise, but it is more of an investment long term as you can make them last such a long time, , rather than the shorter timescales that cheaper hair provides.

Whilst hair extensions do require a certain amount of maintenance, it really is worth it!

Before your fitting

Prior to your new hair extensions appointment, you should ensure that your hair has been thoroughly washed.

You should not use a conditioner of any kind on your hair before your extensions have been fitted. This ensures that your hair is squeaky clean of all residues. Build up on your hair including oil and products will then have been fully removed.

This is essential as these residues can cause slippage and loss of hair extensions after your fitting. Your hair must be fully dried with absolutely no styling products keeping your hair clean and clear for the best application.

Micro Ring/Nano Ring (Individual Extensions)

Whilst both Micro Rings and Nano Rings are attached to the hair using a lock / ring both have a keratin bond which hold the extension strands together and to create the tip.

Incorrect aftercare will cause the bonds to break down over time and the hair will shed from the tip.

Some of your tips may require retipping at your maintenance appointments, poor aftercare will result in more of the tips breaking down, meaning more re-tipping, which then leads to a longer appointment time which, of course, costs you more money.

To prevent the individual strands becoming tangled with the neighbouring strand it is important to separate the strands once a week to prevent matting.

Section hair row by row, starting with the bottom row.
Using your fingers run them between each strand to ensure they are separate from the neighbouring one.
Gently tease apart any that are wrapped around each or that have joined together.
Using your hair extension friendly brush, using the brushing technique we describe later in the aftercare, paying particular attention to the root area.
Repeat row by row.

Good daily brushing/combing will prevent root tangling & matting.

If an unmanageable matt has formed, please contact us book a maintenance appointment

Micro Ring Wefts/Invisible Weave/Braidless Weave

Weave / Wefts are the easiest method to look after in some respects:

There are less rows than individual hair extensions
There are larger gaps between each row than individual hair extensions.
The entire row can be lifted as one.
There are no adhesives to become sticky/melted.

This method is stitched in position on the base track by extra strong nylon or cotton thread. Each row is started & finished with a series of secure knots. It is very rare these knots come undone, however if this does occur, please do not worry, the entire row will not become unstitched as each stitch is locked before adjoining the next.

If this does occur, please contact us ASAP and we can restitch the affected area. This is a chargeable if you are outside the first 2.5 weeks of fitting/refit as this then would be due to general wear and tear.

The placement of the Weaves / Wefts naturally keeps the rows more separated due to the bigger space between each row, (depending on how many rows are fitted)

To prevent matting of your natural hair between the rows and to prevent each row from being tangled together it is important to separate the rows at least once a week by doing the following:

Section hair row by row, starting with the bottom row.
Run your fingers between each row underneath weft top.
Gently tease apart any natural hair that is matted or tangled.
Using your extension brush, brush your natural hair between each row ensuring you do this right up to the root area and that this area is free from tangles so that you can easily glide your fingers through it.
Bring down the remaining hair from the weft row brushing both the natural hair and extensions from above the weft top.
Repeat on each row of weft / weave

A good daily brushing routine will prevent root tangling & matting from occurring. If an unmanageable matt has formed contact the salon to book a maintenance appointment.

General post fitting advice

You should avoid washing your hair for at least 48 hours after hair extensions are fitted. Prolonging the time between having your hair extensions fitted and washing your hair allows the tips to fully harden, strengthening the bonds.

It is completely normal for your scalp to feel tender for a couple of days after hair extensions have been fitted. This is not cause for concern and is usually due to the added weight of the hair extensions. This will usually pass after week 1 however, if pain persists you should contact us as something may need a small adjustment.

Clients also occasionally find their report their scalp feels ‘itchy’. Again, this is perfectly normal and generally settles down after week 1.

There may also be a slight amount of shedding on micro ring hair extensions due to the brand-new tips that have been created in house just for you. This is just them settling so please do not worry.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Hair Extension Maintenance Appointments

You should never wear your extensions for longer than 2 months continuously or this will cause tangling and slippage. During this time, your natural hair will have grown by approximately 1-1 ¼ inches so the roots of your hair can start to tangle together if you have not separated the bonds correctly. Regular hair extension maintenance appointments help to prevent this, as your hair extensions will be completely re-fitted back to their original position with new clean and tidy rings.

You should always visit your hair extension salon for regular maintenance appointments to ensure the longevity of the hair extensions and to avoid stress/damage to your natural hair.

Maintenance appointments should be every 8-10 weeks on micro rings, 6-9 weeks on wefts or duo methods (where we have fitted a mixture of both)

Attending your hair extensions maintenance at the correct time is essential so that you can keep your extensions in longer. If you do not come for maintenance within the given period, we cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your natural hair as it is your responsibility to look after them and follow this aftercare guide.

Hair extensions should not be kept in without maintenance for longer than your recommended maintenance time. This is because when they grow out, it is easy for them to become excessively matted. Please bear in mind if your hair extensions maintenance is overdue, it will likely take longer than usual and as we charge by time, this will be a more expensive appointment for you.

In extremely overdue cases, we will only be able to fully remove the hair extensions.

Sleeping / Exercising with Hair Extensions

You should also tie your hair back in a loose ponytail or plait using a soft scrunchie for bed to help avoid tangling. You must also tie it up wen in the gym or playing sports.

This will minimize the risk of your hair extensions tangling and knotting.

Never go to bed with wet hair. Hair goes into an elasticated state when wet so you will wake up with it matted and tangled. If this ever happens accidently, please DO NOT put conditioner on hair. This will make it more wet and intensify the elasticity. Matts or tangles always need to be dealt with dry, not wet, or conditioned.

Shampoo for Hair Extensions

Authentic Locks have our own brand of shampoo and conditioner that has been specially formulated and assessed by us so that your hair stays under guarantee.

Therefore, we can only recommend our own branded shampoo and conditioners only. This is because most other brands contain silicone, sulphate, and paraben-based ingredients which will cause the tips to weaken/break down, hair to go dry and/or brittle, and it can also cause your extensions to slip out. We must make you aware that if shampoo and conditioner is not purchased from Authentic Locks regularly then we cannot be held responsible for any issues with your hair extensions.

Using our aftercare means your hair stays in warranty.

Unfortunately, if you do not adhere to this, we lose our warranty with our suppliers so therefore replacement cannot be offered in a rare case of any problems.

Our products are sulphate free, paraben free, sodium chloride (salt), and cruelty free. They have been formulated to restore the natural hair whilst conditioning your hair extensions and natural hair.

High street brands often contain high volumes of sodium chloride (salt) which will dry out your hair. Many of them also contain silicone-based ingredients which can cause the hair extension bonds to weaken and break down. This causing the extensions to slip or fall out, and increases the need for re-tipping causing you higher costs at your hair extensions maintenance appointment.

Washing your Hair Extensions

Please do not wash your hair for at least 48 hours after having extensions fitted, this is because they need time to settle to avoid hair shedding from the tips in future. When you do wash your hair, it is advisable to remove all tangles with a wide tooth comb before washing, then wash them using a shower. When washing your hair, do not tip your head over the bath as this could cause tangling.

Always wash with your head upright. Smooth the shampoo down the hair extension; do not rub vigorously or use a circular motion to massage shampoo at in at the roots. Just move your fingers up and down only when shampooing roots.

Allow the suds to flow over the lengths but don’t rub or massage in. The scalp is where the hair oils and dirt accumulate so that the area that requires washing.

Rinse thoroughly. The suds will lift surface dirt from the lengths during rinsing.

Repeat again. The second wash is the most effective and the deep cleanse.

At this point it is very important that you rinse thoroughly as shampoo not rinsed from the scalp can create build up and cause itching and build up around the micro rings causing paint to peel off them.

Your hair extensions should only be washed a maximum of 2-3 times per week to prevent hair drying out and to prevent the hair extension bonds breaking down. If you feel your roots become greasy, you can use a dry shampoo. However, this is only recommended for use in the top section of the natural hair and perimeter edges as dry shampoo is alcohol based and overuse can be drying on the scalp and block hair follicles. The powder can accumulate on the top of the micro rings causing paint to peel off them.

Dry Shampoo also sits in your naturally shedded hair and can bind it together taking longer to remove at maintenance appointments, which then causes increased costs.

Another good tip is you can also just wash your crown and parting area (T-section). This involves sectioning off and tying back your hair extensions and only washing the extension free top and fringe area to keep your hair looking and feeling clean.

Hair Extension Conditioner

When applying conditioner, you should be careful to only condition from the mid-lengths of your hair down to the ends. Ensure you never apply conditioner to the roots where the hair extensions are attached as this will weaken the bonds, and cause slippage.

A good thing to mention here is avoid washing your hair in the bath. Many bath products have conditioners in them which then you are effectively submerging your extension attachments in which will cause slippage.

Some conditioners contain heavy silicones which can cause heavy build up on the hair causing it to be lank and ‘clump’ together, so always use the recommended Authentic Locks Hair Extension conditioners.

To condition your hair extensions properly please follow this process:

Squeeze out excess water.
Part hair into two (or more for thicker hair) ponytail sections.
Begin on one ponytail applying conditioner to the ends and work up through the lengths no higher than chin to avoid the attachments.

Repeat process on 2nd ponytail.
On the first ponytail, go through it with a wide tooth comb then work the conditioner in and evenly distributing it throughout the lengths. Go no higher than the chin, avoiding the attachments. This technique will not only distribute conditioner evenly it will help it stay tangle free. once towel dried.
Repeat on 2nd ponytail.
Leave in hair whilst washing body.
Rinse thoroughly.
Squeeze out excess water.
Wrap in towel.

If the top of the natural hair requires conditioning, section this off and rinse by leaning this section forward to prevent conditioner seeping onto attachments.

Use a conditioning treatment once a week and follow the same do’s/don’ts we have mentioned above.

Correct brushing/combing techniques for Hair Extensions

Please remember that your extensions are attached to your own hair, pulling too hard or mistreating your extensions can result in your own hair being pulled out.

It is advisable to use a wide tooth comb to detangle to mid-eds of your hair extensions rather than a brush. Regular brushing causes breakage on your natural hair ends so to ensure the longevity of your hair extensions you shouldn’t brush the ends regularly. A wide tooth comb is much less damaging.

However, a hair extension friendly brush is the only thing you should use near to your extension bonds (not the wide tooth comb)

A hair extension friendly brush has soft nylon or boar bristles and no balls /pins on the ends, allowing it to gently glide over the bonds. Denman bristle brushes or tangle teaser / tangle tamer brushes are good examples of these. These are designed flexible bristles to allow brushing directly on the root area without damaging or snagging the hair extension attachments.

Section hair into 3-4 rows
Take 1st section from the bottom
Support the root area by holding in a ponytail with your hand.
Begin by combing through the ends in a downward motion with a wide tooth comb

Work your way up the ponytail, supporting the roots, until you reach the root/attachments.
Swap to your hair extension friendly brush, then brush over the root area in a downward motion the flexible bristles will reach into the scalp and brush the attachments without snagging/catching.
Take down next section and repeat.
Work through all sections until entire head is complete

By beginning at the ends this prevents pulling and dragging knots and tangles through the entire length preventing excessive strain on the hair and scalp.

The ends of your hair extensions should never be brushed when wet! It is essential that on wet hair only a wide tooth comb or fingers are used until the hair is at least 90% dry.

Once hair extensions are over 90% dry, the elasticity of the hair (caused by it being wet) has started to return to normal so the hair will not then knot and tangle. You can now go in and finish off your blow drying/styling with a brush to set in your required style.

As previously mentioned, separate the hair extension attachments regularly to avoid root matting.

Never pull your hair extensions even if one has slid.

Drying and Styling

Do not leave wrapped in towel for a prolonged period as this can lead to matting.
Never tie the hair up or go to bed when the hair is wet as this will cause matting.
Micro Rings will go soft inside the ring and begin to shed if the root area is not dried thoroughly.

The Keratin bond of the Micro Rings is still an adhesive so a medium heat setting only should be used on the root area. It should be then finished with a cool blast off to close the hair cuticle.

Gently blot excess moisture do not rub.
Separate into two ponytails.
Use a leave in conditioning spray/detangler and spray that is clear in colour, spray liberally through lengths, avoiding root area.
Using the wide tooth comb, comb through the lengths of each ponytail no higher than the chin to avoid the attachments.
Resection into two and apply a clear (non-coloured) hair oil beginning at the ends and work into the hair no higher than the chin. Please never apply styling products or hair oil on the roots/attachments.

The hair should be dried in 3-4 sections starting from the bottom. Begin by sectioning the rest away and leave bottom row free.
The heat of the dryer should be set to medium, not hot. Keep the hairdryer nozzle facing down the hair and dry the root and attachment.
Use the cold shot setting after.
Take down next section and repeat process throughout the head.

If you intend to leave the extensions to dry naturally you must dry the root area first. The Micro Rings are made from a powder coated aluminium and will form a green residue over time if left damp regularly. (This is caused by oxidisation). It can also transfer a visible green colour to your extensions. Paint can also begin to peel off the micro rings if the roots of your hair are constantly left damp.

When styling your hair, you may want to use straighteners, tongs, heated rollers or more. This is perfectly ok but please do not use excessive heat and please take our advice by using a heat protection spray.

Please never pick or twist your hair extension attachments.

Hair Extensions Styling Products

Serums, gels, hairsprays, and styling products etc. may also be used on the hair during styling. However, please do not apply these near your hair extension attachments.

Be sure to check the ingredient list for the sunscreen Avobenzone which is commonly used in products with UV filters and heat protection products. Avobenzone leads to discolouration, especially so in blonde shades.

Please refer to Holiday Aftercare for more info on Avobenzone and other names it is listed as.

Do not use products not specified for hair extension use.
Do not use products not recommended by us.
Do not allow hair to come into contact with products containing Avobenzone.
Do not allow the hair to come into contact with fake tan or tinted moisturisers.

We strongly advise against dying your hair extensions or removing them outside of our salon. We offer toning on hair extensions to refresh colour if required (please ask for prices for this), and we offer professional removal service if you wish to have a break from your extensions (charged at our usual hourly rate).

We cannot be held responsible for any damage caused to your hair if your hair extensions have not been removed by Authentic Locks. Neither will we be able to assess and/or deal with any other issues you may have regarding the extensions if we have not completed the removal service.

How to Tie up Hair Extensions Safely

As lovely as your hair extensions are, sometimes, you will have a need to tie them up.

This is of course, no problem. However, you do need to be aware that the most commonly used hair bobbles/clips can be an annoying cause of hair breakage. Ones that are made of rubbery materials and metal wraps are usually the worst. These can not only cause breakage, but even hair loss in extreme cases.

To tie hair extensions up safely you will need to use a bobble that is a hair loose and smooth. Invisi-bobbles or similar plastic spiral hair ties are great, or any other type of seamless hair bobble or scrunchie. With these types of extension friendly bobble there will be no danger of catching and breaking hair, catching ends, and causing split ends, and they also minimise kinks in your hair which is a great plus.

Never tie hair up tightly before bed or whilst wet. Naturally, we move around in our sleep. If the hair is tied up in a tight or non-hair extension friendly bobble, this can cause more breakage as the hair is more likely to be pulled this way. When hair is wet, it is in an elasticated state, so its extra prone to breakage when this is the case.

Another top tip if you just want your hair out of your face and you’re not particularly bothered to tie all of it back/up, how about a silk scarf, or a headband or clip instead? These can be lesser damaging alternatives you might like to try.

Hairstyles

Your extensions are 100% Human Hair and can be heat styled just as you would your natural hair.

However, hairstyles on hair extensions that require large amounts of heat from hair straighteners or curling wands will cause more damage than those styled without heat, this is exactly the same as with our natural hair. Heat can cause hair to become dry and brittle thus breaking more easily. You should always use a heat protection spray before applying heated tools but you must check the ingredients do not contain the sunscreen Avobenzone as this will lead to discolouration in blond extensions.

Using a leave in conditioner and hair oil will also function as heat protection and help to remoisturise the hair.

The bond that holds the top of the hair extension track/individual extension must not come into contact with heated styling tools as it will cause it to melt.

As touched on in the section above extremely tight hairstyles can cause hair breakage. Where possible try to wear looser hairstyles or simply leave your hair down. If you do need to wear tightly tied hairstyles then try to change the style of the hair frequently. That will mean the same strands of hair are not constantly affected, therefore helping to prevent any excessive breakage in one area.

Cutting and Split Ends

Hair extensions are cut using a completely different technique than natural hair, so it always wise to check whoever cuts them is experienced and confident in cutting hair extensions.

Having your extensions trimmed during wear will help keep them in pristine, healthy condition as they do also suffer from split ends just like our own natural hair. This is especially true on blonde shades.

In our experience many people shy away from trimming hair extensions (as people often do with their own hair). The truth is split ends will never make your hair or hair extensions look thick and full so trims are really recommended. A good bit of advice to battle split ends/length loss on your hair extensions is to have top ups (a small amount of fresh hair) every 6-8 months. This will make your sets last a lot longer.

We all want to get the longest amount of time possible out of our hair extensions. People who get regular top ups get a lot longer out of their hair extensions. People who ignore this advice over time loose too much length down to trimming/split ends then want a new set of hair sooner than would have been needed if top up advice had been followed. Prices for top ups can be found on our pricelists at the bottom of this page.

Pregnancy/Post Childbirth

We also do not advise getting hair extensions if you are pregnant, at least or for 6 months post childbirth. This is because you will still be experiencing a lot of hormonal hair shedding meaning you will lose above the average amount of hair extensions.

6 months is the recommended guideline for this however some people may experience this sort of accentuated hormonal shedding for up to 1 year and even sometimes 18 months after childbirth. Authentic Locks cannot give a guarantee on this and therefore cannot be held responsible for customers loosing over the average amount of hair extensions if they are within 18 months of childbirth.

Strand Loss and Weft Corners

If you find a few hair extensions are falling out do not worry, this isn’t abnormal. A small percentage of strand loss during wear is normal and expected.

In fact, the majority of people will lose 1-5 micro ring hair extensions in 8-10 weeks, where some people can lose up to 15-20, and some lose none at all.

Remember to keep any strands you lose as these can be reapplied at your refit appointment. Please ensure that you keep any of your hair extensions that come out as we re-tip and re-fit these at your maintenance appointment. Please do not throw hair away as new hair is not provided free of charge at maintenance. Any hair you have mis-placed or lost would have to ordered and replaced at our usual top up prices.

Poor aftercare & incorrect use of products is the main cause of higher strand loss and hair extension knots breaking/coming loose.

Hard Water has a higher pH level which can attribute to attachment breakdown on individual hair extensions. Isopropyl Alcohol is the ingredient of most removal solutions and has a similar pH value to hard water, although in a more dilute form, over time can lead to attachment deterioration. If there is hard water in your area, please see our hard water / holiday aftercare section for advice

Due to the above reasons Authentic Locks do not re-fit individual strands or re fit wefts that have come out/slipped/corners peeled free of charge after a 2.5-week period, as this is a normal part of wearing hair extensions and it must be fully understood by the wearer. We unfortunately cannot control how many hair extensions will be lost from person to person. This is affected greatly by the aftercare process but is also affected by natural hair shedding. Each person naturally sheds up to 100 hairs of their own head a day and this amount can fluctuate due to hormones, illness, diet etc.

This is a chargeable if you are outside the first 2.5 weeks of fitting/refit as this then would be due to general wear and tear.

Micro Rings changing colour/going gold

Micro rings are made from Aluminium. Oxidized aluminium can discolour light hair, producing a green tint, and causes dark hair to tint darker. It can weigh hair down. Our micro rings are made of aluminium coated in paint. When these are regularly left in a damp environment, due to poor aftercare, a green residue begins to form on or under the lock or ring. This is a perfect physical example of Oxidation as the aluminium is exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time, once in contact with the air oxidation begins to occur.

Oxidation produces ‘Verdigris’ which can be seen all over The Statue of Liberty for example.

Please ensure you are fully drying your hair and not leaving it damp at the roots.

Also, if you are finding rings are discoloured/gold only round your hairline and not through the middle of the hair this means you are brushing over the rings too hard/vigorously, too often, after hair has been left damp, or you need a softer hair extension brush.

Swimming

We often get asked if you are still able to swim whilst wearing your hair extensions/ hair system.

Whilst we do not advise that hair extensions are exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to prevent damage to your hair extensions / hair system when swimming.

If water contains chemicals such as chlorine, it is even more important to follow these tips, as this may cause bonds to become weak. It is also important to note that the chlorine in pools and salt in the sea combined with heat can cause the extension / system hair to discolour, deteriorate in condition, and can cause matting.

If you do choose to swim, we recommend you secure all hair inside a swim cap or ensure, take the following precautions:

Style your hair extensions / hair system into a braid or plait and tie it up in a bun with a covered band
Avoid getting the extension / system hair wet where possible

Immediately after swimming, rinse hair in fresh water thoroughly to remove the chlorine and salt residues which can cause damage to the hair.
Ensure the hair is tangle–free by combing it through with a wide tooth comb, separating and supporting the extension /system hair as you work through the sections.
Do not brush through the ends of long extension / system hair when wet as this can result in breakages.
Dry hair fully, using a heat protection or protein spray, ensuring that all the attachments are completely dry.

We do not recommend colouring, bleaching, tinting, or perming your hair extensions as these types of products contain elements that can damage both your extensions, and even your natural hair. Hair extensions are likely to be affected by this however as even though our extensions are 100% human hair, they are not receiving nutrients from the scalp like your natural hair is so any of these processes will equal dry and damaged hair extensions

Hot Tubs

For our clients that regularly use a hot tub this is still possible if you wear hair extensions.

Following our recommended guidelines (See swimming / holiday aftercare / and adhere to all on this main aftercare sheet) will ensure problem free wear and help maintain the lifespan of your hair extensions and protect & preserve your natural hair.

Your hair will be exposed to chemicals which will have an adverse effect on the hair, moisture on the attachments , heat & shampooing, drying & styling more regularly. All this can dry out the hair and break down bonds.

It is important to understand the pitfalls in order to protect your hair extensions, & take the necessary preventative measures.

FAQ’s

It looks like my own hair is coming out amongst the hair extension rings! Do I need to worry?

The answer to this is no! Please do not be alarmed if you see your own natural hair in a micro ring that has come out, this is completely normal and these hairs will have white bulbs on the end which indicates natural hair shedding.

It is not pulling your hair out or giving any bald patches so please do not worry. It is completely normal for there to be your own hair shedding in between the hair extension fitting and we would expect this to be a little knotty and there to be a need for combing this out at maintenance. This is part of the reason it is essential you attend your regular maintenance appointments as this need removing regularly to prevent damage to your natural hair.

Your natural hair will continue to grow whilst wearing your extensions. The rate of growth will vary client to client.

Natural hair loss is normal and part of the hair growth cycle.

On average you lose between 50 – 150 hairs a day, these are the hairs you find in your hairbrush, collecting in the plughole on your shoulders etc.

Your hair will go through different cycles continuously throughout the head.

Your cycle my change or be interrupted at any time caused by many factors such as stress, hormonal changes, diet, medication changes, illness, pregnancy, or menopause.

We monitor and document any changes during your extension wear. Should you experience any adverse will changes we will make you aware and make recommendations for medical referral we feel it is necessary. We will also not refit your extensions until these changes have settled or resolved.

The health of your natural hair & scalp is always our priority.

Can I colour my own hair/roots with hair extensions in?

Your extensions are fitted at least 1cm away from the root to allow free movement of your natural hair, they also grow down 1-1.5 inches in each maintenance period. They are also not fitted right up to your crown and parting line.

This means as your natural hair grows your hair extensions attachments will move further, you’re your scalp. This allows for a colour (no bleach) to be applied as long as the hair extension attachments are totally avoided. The reason this cannot be done with bleach as this swell and may seep into the attachment.

The only time we can advise that should have a colour service is at your maintenance appointment to allow the extensions to be fully removed and to ensure colour doesn’t seep under the micro ring and sit there for any prolonged period of time as, if this occurs it can rot your natural hair.

Please be aware Authentic Locks take no liability for your natural hair being damaged if you have ignored our advice and coloured your hair at home or anywhere else other than at your maintenance appointment.

Whilst we understand no one likes having their hair extensions out for a few days, if you have your colour service performed on the same day as your extensions fitted, please be aware that you may experience higher strand loss during wear, therefore we do recommend waiting 48 hours before your extensions are refitted. We cannot be held responsible for excessive loss of strands if you choose to have your hair extensions maintained on the same day as your colour appointment.

Colour Fade on your Extensions

Hair Extensions undergo colour processing during manufacture (except some dark shades or our Virgin Russian hair)

The hair when it is selected at source is Virgin Hair, meaning it has never undergone a chemical process. The hair begins at a very dark shade from black to dark brown. It is gently lifted to lighter shades (sometimes over weeks) and then coloured down to the required shade.

This is to ensure all batches are the same as the colour selected from the colour rings.

If you colour your natural hair, you will have regular root retouches and your hairdresser will often pull the colour through the lengths (sometimes at sink as a toner) to freshen the colour from fading and ensure the colour is the same throughout. All the hair we use is 100% human hair and therefore acts the same, therefore, the same applies with regards to the hair being susceptible to fading.

We would expect ALL hair with a long-expected lifespan (even virgin hair) to fade/change in colour over time depending on what it has been exposed to:

Sun / UV light
Incorrect products that can strip colour
Washing more than 3 times a week
Hard Water – Hard Water discolouration due to mineral deposits is different to colour fade (see Holiday Aftercare for Hard water Discolouration). Hard Water creates a pH imbalance causing the cuticle to raise, thus resulting in faster colour fade allowing the colour deposits to stripped from the hair faster. Also, the use of ‘”No Tears” formula children’s / baby shampoo will accelerate colour fade as these have a higher pH level as above.

All blonde extensions will need maintaining to prevent brassy tones appearing. Using a *DILUTED Purple/Silver or Pearlescent Shampoo once a week will help prevent this. . *Please ask for direction on how to dilute this so it is not too strong tone wise for your hair system. Some blondes may require toners to maintain the desired tone.

Ash/Flat shades (even in dark browns and jet-black hair) will gradually throw off warmer tones due to the underlying colour (remember extensions are coloured down in shade). Using BLUE Shampoo will help maintain tone (Fanola No Orange is great!), however, again as with blondes, a professional toner may be required over time.

Colouring of extensions is always done at own risk, even if performed by a professional.
The Locks are made of metal and should not come into contact with bleach, tint, or peroxide.
Colouring extensions invalidates any guarantees as these changes the structure of the original product.
It is only even possible that extensions can be coloured down in shade or toned but you cannot lift them unless it is virgin hair. Again, please be aware Authentic Locks do not accept responsibility if your hair extensions have been coloured elsewhere.

Hard Water and other Substances that affect Hair Extensions

Use the holiday aftercare procedure in addition to your regular aftercare routine if you live in a hard water area.

Is your hair being exposed to hard water and other elements causing issues with your hair?

You can also purchase water testing kits to use at home or if you are travelling abroad to determine what’s hidden in the water your hair will be exposed to. We will list the other things you need to watch out for separately below after we cover if your area is a hard water area or not in our next section.

Local Hard Water Areas

If the area you live in is not listed here you can check this with your local water authority. This was true at time of print.

York – Hard

Harrogate – Soft

Leeds – Soft/Hard

Doncaster – Hard

Halifax – Soft

Sheffield – Hard

Manchester – Soft

Hard water contains hidden natural minerals which can be absorbed into the hair through a chemical reaction known as ‘Oxidation’. Oxidation put simply is ‘the addition of oxygen’ Almost all elements (water, sun, or air) react with oxygen to form compounds called Oxides.

A typical example of oxidation is the rusting and corrosion of iron.

In moderate amounts oxidisers can cause discolouration or loss of hair colour. Excessive amounts will cause it damage and breakage.

Oxygen in air & water coupled with heat & light from sun exposure (UVA & UVB light) can accelerate oxidation.

Ground Water

Ground water comes from under the ground. Both domestic & community wells derive their water from rain passing through aquifers which are layers of minerals. These minerals can have the same adverse effects on our hair.

Surface Water

Surface water comes from rivers or lakes & usually contains fewer minerals because the water has not filtered down through mineral layers. Unfortunately increasing populations are polluting the water which causes additional bacterial growth. This growth is controlled at treatment facilities by adding Chlorine to kill bacteria & then adding Lime.

Chlorine

Chlorine is the main chemical additive which is added to water. Primarily these are designed to purify the water & kill bacteria.

Chlorine is an active bleach which is used to remove pigment in colour.
Chlorine will damage the hair cuticle & internal proteins creating an oxidising effect on elements in the hair.
Chlorine alters the electric charge on minerals causing them bond to the hair.
Chlorine can actually change the colour of certain minerals.
Highly charged minerals (Chlorine) damage & discolour the hair, a common example is a green tinge, particularly noticeable on blonde hair.
When Chlorine comes into contact with metal in the water it creates a chemical reaction called *Oxidation’ which causes the metal to bond to the hair. Depending on the level of metal colour change made be rapid or gradually build up over time. This meaning under your ring can turn green, or paint can peel off your rings.
Active chlorine will leave the hair feeling ‘gummy’ when wet & straw like when dry.
Regular exposure will leave the hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Bromine

Bromine is sometimes used as a substitute for Chlorine. This will react with the hair’s cuticle ( the natural layer protecting the internal proteins within the hair), leaving it exposed to mineral absorption

Iron

Iron is usually found in well water and in areas that have concentrations of iron in the ground.

Iron will slowly cause hair to tint darker, add weight to the hair & prevent proper chemical processing (hair colouring, perming & relaxing)

Heavy amounts of iron will tint light coloured hair orange and cause darker hair to become darker with red highlights.

When the hair is tied up it brushes the shoulders coming into contact with sunscreen on the shoulders and back of the neck. When exposed to hard water the chemical reaction occurs resulting in the iron deposits reflecting their colour (orange)

Copper

Copper bonds strongly to the hair and originates from either ground water, particles from copper pipes or most commonly copper sulphates added to pool & drinking water to control algae growth. Oxidised copper discolours light hair, producing a green tint and causes dark hair to tint darker.

Micro Rings (Your hair extensions attachments) are coated in paint.

When these are regularly left in a damp environment a green reside begins to form on the ring. This is a perfect physical example of oxidation. The constant moisture over a prolonged period of time, once in contact with the oxygen in the air causes oxidation to occur.

Oxidation of copper produces ‘Verdigris’ a natural patina that forms. This can be seen on the copper water pipes etc

Calcium

Calcium is the mineral in almost all water, but it is especially prominent in America.

Mineralised calcium is also naturally found in the ground, especially where limestone is present.

Calcium will build up on the hair leaving it feeling dry and weighted down.

Calcium salts build up on the scalp & cause flaking, often recognised as dandruff. These deposits are much like the ring that forms around the bath associated with hard water & soap.

Hard water makes shampoo less effective and leaves build up and residue on the scalp.

A build-up of calcium on the scalp can clog the hair follicle causing hair to break off. Heavy clogging can even inhibit hair growth.

Desalinated Water

Desalinated water is used in many places of the world but is most common in the Middle East & the Arabian Gulf. (Saudis Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar & Bahrain)

Desalination is the procedure of eliminating salt from seawater to produce drinking water.

Sea pollution causes contamination and additional bacterial growth.

The processing plants purify the water by adding higher levels of chlorine to kill the bacteria & then add lime (which is a calcium compound) to assist with controlling the chlorine levels.

So, if you are travelling to any location that uses desalinated water bear in mind the water you are washing your hair with will have higher levels of chlorine, then if you are also swimming in pool water this will also have additional chlorine.

Magnesium

Magnesium is abundant in soil. As water supplies have originally been in contact with soil at some point this means it is present in our water. Calcium and Magnesium are the two most common minerals that make water “hard”.

Water hardness becomes greater when the level of Calcium and Magnesium content increases. The effect on the hair is due to the concentration of positively charged ions allowing it to attach to the hair leaving it dry and weighted down.

Salt

Salt is highly present in sea water and, our sweat.

The most prominent salt is known as Sodium Chloride (which is table salt), then there is chlorine, sulphur, magnesium, potassium & calcium.

Salt (Sodium) is Osmotic & Hygroscopic, which means it will draw the moisture from your hair leaving it dry & brittle, and causing dehydration. This then makes the hair more fragile and prone to breakage.

The water content of your hair is what makes it stretchy and moisturised.

In hotter climates your body will sweat more naturally, or of course if you exercise regularly.

Salt can not only dehydrate your hair, but it can also lead to the breakdown of extension bonds if excessively exposed.

Silica

Silica is a sand like substance found in areas of volcanic or desert like areas and it is also known to be airborne from many construction sites, thus then getting into our soil. Silica binds to calcium & magnesium & forms very hard, virtually insoluble deposits on surfaces.

Small amounts if Silica can therefore be waterborne which means it can then build up on the hair causing the same effects as calcium which are dryness, stiffness, dandruff, and weighing the hair down.

PH Levels

The pH balance of the hair and the water it is exposed to will have a significant impact on the health of your hair.

4.5-5.5 is the healthy PH balance for hair.

If the products used or water is too alkaline this will cause the cuticle (the outer layer) to open. This will enable mineral deposits to easily penetrate and be absorbed.

If products used following mineral exposure are too acidic the cuticle will close, sealing the mineral deposits making them difficult to remove.

Hard water is high in pH alkaline.

The high pH imbalance causes the cuticle to raise, thus resulting in faster colour fade allowing the colour to stripped from the hair faster. This explains why using correct products is paramount, and not swapping and changing products all the time will help prevent what we have just talked about.

I have mentioned many times in the past to my clients that baby shampoos are a no go for hair extensions and, your natural hair.

‘No Tears’ or baby shampoo will accelerate colour fade as these have a higher pH level. This will accelerate colour fade as these have a high pH, so are alkaline.

A raised cuticle due to high pH/alkaline will be roughened and also prone to matting. This then makes the hair more fragile and prone to breakage.

Water Softeners

Water softeners remove calcium, magnesium, iron, and metals present in hard water. As well as removing positively charged ions.

There are many shower head filters on the market which are a great investment for very little cost. We recommend one that filters Chlorine & Heavy Metals.

These don’t just have health benefits for your hair, but many for things such as your reproductive health too!

Check out www.pureshowers.co.uk

HAIR EXTENSIONS TERMS/CONDITIONS

Before proceeding with an order for any of our hair extensions please ensure you have read and understood the following terms and conditions of sale:

You are aware that any hair extension warranty is only applicable if you take care of your extensions correctly and follow all of the aftercare advice.
You understand that You are fully responsible for paying for your booking fee and your remaining balance.
You understand that if your hair colour changes from the time of consultation to the time of fitting that Authentic Locks cannot be held responsible for this.
You understand that once you have had your hair fitted, you cannot get a refund or exchange the hair for a new colour.
You are aware and acknowledge that once the hair is installed, the colour, method, and length that is purchased and installed is your own choosing, regardless of the Stylist’s recommendations.
You understand that you need to attend regular maintenance appointments as directed in the aftercare and that these appointments are chargeable.
You understand that you need to return to Authentic Locks for any removal of your hair extensions and that these appointments are chargeable.
You understand that all issues with extension install past three weeks of wear is considered regular maintenance (wear and tear) and will not be covered by Authentic Locks.
You understand that your own hair may need some cutting/blending with your extension install. This is included in the price.
You understand that your scalp and head may be a little tender (especially when sleeping) for the first few nights after installation and that this may continue for up to a week or more.
You acknowledge this is complete normal and once your scalp adjusts to this new object against it, the tenderness should go away.
You understand the hair extensions may contain beads that contain metal aluminium and are lined with silicone and that the tapes contain latex.
You are responsible for alerting Stylist of any allergies before installation.
You understand you must arrive on time to ensure you receive your full service. If you are running late, we will do everything we can to accommodate you. If you are excessively late, please keep in mind that we may have to reschedule your appointment.
We regret that we cannot be responsible for loss or damage of personal articles. Please keep all valuables with you during your service.
You acknowledge the aftercare advice has been provided to you and you agree to adhere to it.
You acknowledge and explanation of our appointment bookings and cancellations policy has been provided to you.
We accept Visa and MasterCard, cash, or debit cards. No personal cheques, PayPal, or bank transfer.

Warranty:

Stylist warrants that all Services provided hereunder will be provided in a diligent manner that meets or exceeds generally acceptable industry standards. Clients have 14 days from date of service to reach out to the Stylist with any concerns.

Refund Policy:

I understand as my hair extensions (product) are made to order they are not refundable under any circumstances. Any form of replacement is only considered if the product is faulty. In the event you are not satisfied with the service provided by the stylist, Authentic Locks agrees to fix any issue regarding service 14 days from the installation of your hair extensions. After this grace period, you agree there shall be no free services/alterations and additional charges may apply for any additional services.

Timing:

You acknowledge and agree that the time required to install your hair extensions varies by method, hair extension, hair technique etc. and that Stylist makes no guarantees regarding the performance of services being completed with your timeframe. You are encouraged to schedule Your appointment on a day when you have no time restraints.