At MANESTORY, our commitment to quality is reflected in our Remy extensions, designed for lasting durability. By combining regular salon visits with our proven care routine, your natural hair and Remy extensions will maintain their fresh look and feel, even months after installation.
Establishing a consistent washing routine is key. Avoid over washing, as it can strip natural oils and lead to dryness. Depending on your lifestyle and hair type, washing your extensions every 2-3 days or less may be suitable. At MANESTORY, we value the rejuvenating power of wash day. We wash our installed Remy extensions at least once every week to ensure your hair retains its vibrancy. Always follow the care instructions, professional advice from your stylist and use the right products for Remy hair.
Our comprehensive wash day kit includes the following essentials:
Detangling Brush, Wide Tooth Comb, Alligator Clips—For Sectioning, Cotton Towel
Shampoo, Bond Repair, Conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner, Hair Mask, Hair Serum, Hair Oil, Hair Sheen
Round Brush Blow Dryer, Filtered Water Showerhead Attachment, At Home Counter Top Hair Steamer
Follow these simple steps in your at-home care routine. 1. Detangle
Before washing, detangle your hair using a detangling brush to prevent additional tangles and knots that can occur when your hair is wet and saturated with water and shampoo.
Start with dry hair and use a detangling brush.
Gently work from the tips of your hair toward the roots, removing any knots and tangles.
Once your hair is thoroughly detangled, you can proceed with your regular shampoo and conditioning routine.
You may want to also consider detangling your hair while it is coated with conditioner, using a wide tooth comb or your fingers. Start at the tips and work your way up to the roots. The slippery texture of the conditioner can make detangling easier and less painful. 2. Shampoo
How Often: It's important to note that shampooing frequency should be tailored to your specific hair type and needs. Some people may need to shampoo daily, while others may benefit from less frequent washing to avoid over-drying their hair. At MANESTORY, we advocate washing our extensions at least once every week or two. Wash day holds special significance for us, serving as a vital opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate our hair, ensuring it stays vibrant and healthy.
Type: The type of shampoo you choose should align with your hair type, concerns, and specific needs. Selecting a shampoo that suits your hair and scalp conditions is essential for the best results. At MANESTORY, we alternate between using sulphate-free and clarifying shampoos in our hair care routine. Sulfate-free shampoos are devoid of harsh sulphates like sodium lauryl sulphate and are a staple product for us. These shampoos are the preferred choice for individuals seeking a milder and more delicate cleansing experience, less likely to strip the hair of its natural oils or cause irritation. We recommend the occasional use of clarifying shampoos if you want to infuse additional nourishment or a special touch into your cleansing routine. Clarifying shampoos are engineered for deep cleansing, with the primary goal of eliminating product buildup, excess oils, and impurities from the hair. These shampoos are typically used intermittently to prevent the accumulation of residues, ensuring your hair remains fresh and free from buildup.
Viral Tip: Once you have finished washing the shampoo from your hair, gently wring out your hair to remove as much water as you can before moving on to the next step in your wash routine. This step will ensure more of the product used in your next step gets absorbed into the hair rather than slip off with the excess water.
Colour Correcting + Purple Shampoos
Colour-correcting shampoos, like purple shampoo, act as superheroes for coloured hair, mainly benefiting blondes or those with highlights. They neutralize and counteract unwanted yellow or brassy tones that may develop over time.
The purple pigments in the shampoo cancel out yellow undertones, maintaining a cool and balanced hue. For brunettes, purple shampoo helps neutralize warm hues, providing a more neutral look. Shampoos with blue or violet pigments counteract warmer tones for a cooler and more neutral result.
How Often: Use purple shampoo as needed, depending on how quickly unwanted tones reappear. At MANESTORY, we recommend using it once or every other week to keep your colour looking fresh.
Viral Tip: If your selected MANESTORY colour doesn't quite match your current or desired shade, consider using colour-correcting shampoo on your extensions first! It can be a helpful ally for subtle colour correction and might spare you a trip to the salon for a colour treatment.
3. Bond Repair
If your hair is healthy, you can skip this step. However, you might still want to consider it as a preventive measure—at MANESTORY we certainly do. A bond repair product is designed to restore and strengthen hair that's been damaged by factors like hard water, heat styling, colouring, chemical treatments, or other numerous stressors. Bond repair products contain ingredients that rebuild the hair's structure, making it stronger and healthier. Follow the product manufacturer's instructions, usually applying the bond repair to clean, damp hair for a specified time before rinsing.
How often you use it depends on your hair's condition and the product. Using a bond repair product can be valuable to your hair care routine. It helps maintain and enhance the overall health of your natural hair and our high-quality Remy extensions, improving its appearance and texture.
It's important to be realistic about the limitations of bond repair products. Bond repairs are most effective for addressing minor damage, dryness, general wear and tear, and preventative measures. In rare situations where natural hair is severely damaged, or the hair extensions have been stripped of their cuticle—maybe due to extreme over-bleaching—the effectiveness of bond repair products may be limited. In such cases, seeking professional guidance from a hairstylist or trichologist specializing in hair and scalp health is a wise decision.
MANE Insight: When using a bond repair, avoid applying it to the roots or extension attachment points to prevent slippage, product buildup and to preserve the integrity of your installation.
4. Conditioner
On wash days when you've incorporated a bond repair treatment, the need for additional conditioning may vary, depending on the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the product you've selected. The decision to condition your hair after using a bond repair treatment should consider the product's specific guidelines and the current condition of your hair.
Conditioning, as a fundamental step in any hair care routine, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, appearance, and manageability of both natural hair and Remy extensions. Selecting the right conditioner tailored to your unique needs can enhance the longevity and beauty of your hair.
How Often: It's a good practice to regularly condition Remy hair extensions, just like your natural hair. As for the frequency of conditioning, it's important to note that the ideal frequency varies based on your hair type, specific requirements, and personal preferences. Keep in mind that hair care routines are highly individualized, and you might need to experiment to find the perfect balance for your hair. Observe how your hair responds to different conditioning frequencies and adjust as necessary to keep it looking and feeling its best. At MANESTORY since we use a bond repair regularly as a preventative measure, we generally agree that conditioning at least once a month is an excellent minimum guideline for maintaining natural hair health and the health of our Remy extensions. If your hair needs more moisture or feels dry and brittle, you can increase the frequency of conditioning. Less frequent conditioning may be suitable if your hair is healthy and doesn't require as much moisture.
Type: The best conditioner can differ from person to person, depending on their unique hair needs and preferences. Our preference at MANESTORY is to alternate between Keratin-based conditioners, which strengthen our hair, and deep conditioning masks that provide treatment hydration and restore our hair's health, shine, and softness.
MANE Insight: When using a conditioner, avoid applying it to the roots or extension attachment points to prevent slippage, product buildup and to preserve the integrity of your installation.
5. Hair Mask
Hair masks serve as occasional deep-treatment products designed to address specific hair concerns. Depending on your hair's needs, incorporating both conditioners and hair masks into your routine can help maintain the health and appearance of your hair. It's possible to use hair masks on your MANESTORY extensions, but careful application is essential to preserve the quality of your Remy extensions.
For different types of extensions:
Clip-Ins: We advise removing your Remy clip-in extensions to treat your natural hair fully. With the clip-ins out, you can apply the mask to your natural hair liberally. A mask can help maintain your natural hair's overall health while accommodating the extensions.
Tape-In Extensions: To maintain the integrity of your tape-in extensions, it's important to avoid applying hair masks directly to the tape adhesive or the extension attachment points. Instead, concentrate on the natural hair around the extensions to prevent any interference with the adhesive. Consider using alligator clips to section the hair, ensuring that none of the hair mask touches the application point. This precaution is vital to preserve the quality and longevity of your installation.
Keratin-Tip Extensions: If you have keratin-tip extensions, you can apply hair mask to your natural hair and Remy Extensions. However we recommend focusing the product on your natural hair. This can help preserve the health of your natural hair while your extensions are in place. It's important to avoid applying hair masks directly to the attachment points to preserve the integrity of your installation.
Hand or Machine Weft Extensions: If you have weft extensions, avoid applying the mask directly to the weft to prevent product buildup, potentially affecting the weft's integrity.
To sum things up, when using a hair mask with installed extensions, focus your application to hair natural for effective results. Avoid applying the mask directly on extension wefts, clip-ins, keratin bonds, or tape-ins. Doing so could damage the extensions and shorten their lifespan. Exercise extra caution to preserve the integrity of your extensions.
For our diligent MANE Beauties who prioritize thorough care, you may still choose to include this occasional step in your wash day routine, especially if your natural hair possesses the following characteristics:
It has low porosity.
It is prone to breakage.
It has been damaged from heat styling or colouring.
It is fine or thin.
It tends to be frizzy.
It is curly, and you desire to define and enhance your curls.
At MANESTORY, we deeply appreciate and understand the significance of maintaining your natural hair while enjoying the benefits of our Remy hair extensions. Your commitment to your hair's well-being is something we hold in high regard.
MANE Insight: When using a hair mask, avoid applying it to the roots or extension attachment points to prevent slippage, product buildup and to preserve the integrity of your installation.
Hair Mask + Steam:
Hair masks or treatments can be enhanced with the use of steam after the mask has been applied. The combination of a hair mask and steam can provide several benefits for your hair.
Deeper Penetration: When you apply a hair mask to your hair and then introduce steam, the warmth and moisture from the steam help the mask penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. This allows the product to work more effectively in moisturizing, repairing, and nourishing your hair.
Improved Absorption: Steam can help open the hair cuticles—the outer protective layers of the hair—for both your natural hair and your Remy extensions. When the cuticles are open, the hair can better absorb the beneficial ingredients in the mask, resulting in improved hydration and conditioning.
Enhanced Softness and Shine: Combining a hair masks and steam can leave your hair feeling exceptionally soft, smooth, and shiny. It can help reduce frizz and increase the overall manageability of your hair. It can be used to revitalize and refresh your Remy extensions, making them softer and more manageable.
Reduced Hair Breakage: Deep conditioning with the aid of steam can make your hair more elastic and less prone to breakage, especially if you have dry or damaged hair.
To use steam with a hair mask, you can follow these general steps:
Apply the Hair Mask: Apply your chosen mask to clean, damp hair. Ensure you distribute the mask evenly from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
Use Steam: There are a few ways to introduce steam into your routine. You can use a shower cap to trap the natural steam from your shower or invest in a hair steamer designed for at-home use.
Rinse and Style: After the designated time, rinse the hair mask out of your hair thoroughly and proceed with your regular styling routine.
When to Avoid Steam:
While steam can be beneficial for both natural hair and Remy hair extensions, exercising caution is vital when using steam on extensions, especially those attached using adhesive methods like tape-ins or keratin bonds. Excessive moisture or heat can compromise the bonds or adhesive, resulting in premature slippage or potential damage.
When considering steam treatments, it's essential to proceed with care, taking into account the type of extensions and their attachment method. Consultation with an experienced professional stylist, particularly one well-versed in working with extensions, is a recommended practice to ensure the best outcomes.
Steam can be incorporated into professional maintenance appointments before installing a new set of adhesive bonded extensions—Keratin Bonds or Tape-Ins.
Adhesive Attachment Methods: It's important to note that this step is not advisable for Tape-In and Keratin Bond installations.
6. Final Rinse
Use cool water for the final rinse to help seal the hair cuticles and enhance shine. After washing, gently wring out excess water from your hair and Remy extensions. Avoid twisting or pulling your hair too tightly, as this can damage the hair and lead to breakage.
7. Towel Dry
Gently pat your hair and Remy extensions with a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt to remove any further excess water. Do not use a cotton towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can lead to tangling. Let your hair air dry or move onto the next step to prepare your hair for blow drying with a heated hairdryer.
8. Leave in Conditioner
The order in which you apply your favourite styling products after washing your hair and Remy extensions can depend on the specific products you use and your desired hairstyle. However, at MANESTORY, we recommend the following order, starting with our favourite leave-in conditioner.
A leave-in conditioner helps hydrate and prepare your hair for styling. These conditioners come in differing ingredients and various formulations, such as sprays, creams, oils, mists, etc. Choose one that suits the needs of your natural hair. Sprays are lightweight and easy to distribute, making them suitable for most hair types, especially fine or thin hair. In contrast, creams have a richer texture for added moisture and control and are more suitable for hair that needs extra hydration.
How To Use: Apply your chosen conditioner evenly to damp, towel-dried hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. A detangle brush or wide-tooth comb ensures the product is distributed evenly throughout the hair.
This step can be especially beneficial if you have dry or damaged hair. The leave-in conditioner provides essential moisture, making it easier to manage and style your hair.
9. Heat Protectant
If you plan to use heat-styling tools like a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron, liberally apply a heat protectant from top to bottom. This product forms a barrier to shield your hair from the heat and prevent damage. Spray or distribute the heat protectant evenly through your hair.
Viral Tip: Always use a heat protectant generously before you add heat to your hair and Remy extensions.
10. Smoothing Cream, Serum or Both
Next, apply a small amount of smoothing cream or serum to control frizz and add shine. When applying, concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where these products are typically most effective. Remember your MANESTORY Remy hair extensions are high-quality and do not require excessive product.
Some smoothing creams are formulated to include leave-in conditioner properties. These creams often contain moisturizing ingredients to hydrate the hair, making it more manageable while also offering smoothing agents to reduce frizz and enhance shine.
Viral Tip: If your smoothing cream has leave-in conditioner properties, it can simplify your hair care routine, and you may not necessarily need to use a separate leave-in conditioner. Smoothing creams with conditioning properties are designed to provide moisture and hydration to your hair while helping smooth and manage frizz. However, it ultimately depends on your hair type, specific needs, and personal preferences.
11. Blow Dry
At MANESTORY, we love to use a round hot air brush to dry our hair. Blow dry brushes combine the functions of a brush and a hair dryer in one tool. This makes drying your hair faster and more convenient, as you can style it while drying.
Hot air brushes are designed to create a smooth and sleek finish, reducing frizz and leaving your hair and Remy extensions looking polished. These brushes can add volume and body, helping you achieve a more voluminous and bouncy style.
To use a hot air brush effectively after applying your favourite styling cream, follow these steps:
Select the Right Brush: Choose the appropriate size and type of brush for your desired style. Different sizes will work better for different hair lengths and achieve different looks. Round blow-dry brushes are excellent for creating curls and waves, while paddle blow-dry brushes are great for straightening.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections for more manageable styling. Use alligator hair clips or ties to keep the sections separated.
Begin Styling: Plug in your hot air brush and select your desired heat and speed settings. Starting with one section of hair, hold the brush at the roots and gently pull it through your hair while using the blow-drying function. You can roll the brush inward to create curls or outward for waves, depending on your brush, hair length and preference.
Repeat: Work on each section of your hair, continuing to dry and style it with the brush. It's essential to move slowly and maintain a little bit of tension. Be careful not to tug too hard at your installed extensions.
Cool Shot: If your hot air brush has a cool shot button, use it to set your style in place. A blast of cool air can help lock in your hairstyle.
Viral Tip: Using a hot air brush on the hair at the front of your head can create more volume, particularly if you have bangs or front layers. Achieve this by dividing the front section of your hair, including your bangs or the layers framing your face, from the rest of your hair. Secure the remaining hair to keep it out of the way. Use the hot air brush on the front section of your hair. Start at the roots and gently pull the brush through the hair while simultaneously drying. For volume, direct the brush in an upward or outward motion to lift the roots and create a fuller appearance.
12. Hair Oil or Sheen Spray or Both
Hair oils and sheen sprays can be valuable tools in your hair care and styling routine, providing a finishing touch to achieve your desired shine, smoothness, and an overall polished look.
Your MANESTORY full cuticle Remy hair extensions are high quality and require low maintenance. Using additional products, like oils and sprays—sparingly—can help maintain the health and appearance of your natural hair and the longevity of your Remy extensions.
Whether you've chosen yaki, kinky straight, or our European straight hair, your MANESTORY Remy extensions are less prone to dryness and may require less oil. The amount of hair oil needed for extensions depends more on your natural hair's specific needs and your preference for a desired look rather than the texture or origin of the hair itself.
It's important to be mindful of how you apply these products to ensure they do not negatively impact your extensions. Here are some considerations:
Benefits:
Maintains Natural Hair: Hair oil or sheen spray can help keep your natural hair, especially your leave-out portion, well-moisturized, preventing dryness and damage.
Adds Shine: These products can enhance the shine of your natural hair and Remy extensions, creating a more polished and cohesive look.
Reduces Frizz: Hair oil or sheen spray can help control frizz and flyaways, creating a sleek appearance.
Considerations:
Avoid Extension Attachment Points: Be cautious not to apply oil directly to the attachment points of your extensions, such as tape-in or keratin bonds. Oil can weaken the adhesive or bonds, potentially leading to extension detachment.
Use Lightweight Products: Choose lightweight hair oils or sheen sprays to avoid weighing down your hair or Remy extensions. Heavy oils may make your extensions appear greasy.
Apply Sparingly: Use these products sparingly and primarily on the parts of your hair that require them. Do not over-saturate your hair or Remy extensions with oil.
Consult with Your Stylist: If you have concerns about how to care for your extensions, consult with the stylist who installed them. They can provide specific guidance on maintenance and product use.
At MANESTORY, we deeply appreciate and understand the significance of maintaining your natural hair while enjoying the benefits of our Remy hair extensions. Your commitment to your hair's well-being is something we hold in high regard.
MANE Insight: When using hair oils, avoid applying product to the roots or extension attachment points to prevent slippage and product buildup and to preserve the integrity of your installation.
Filtered Water Showerhead
Filtering water can benefit your hair health, especially if you live in areas plagued with hard water. You can get a filter attachment for your showerhead for less than $25, and it only takes about 5 minutes to install.
Here's why filtered water can help your hair:
Removes Impurities: Tap water can contain things like chlorine and minerals that can dry and damage your hair. A filter can get rid of or reduce these things.
Less Dryness: Chlorine in tap water can take away your hair's natural oils, making it dry. Filtered water with less chlorine can help your hair stay moisturized and stop it from breaking.
Stops Buildup: Hard water with lots of minerals can leave deposits on your hair, making it look dull. A filter can make hard water softer and prevent mineral buildup.
Healthier Scalp: Getting rid of impurities and making tap water gentler can make your scalp healthier. A healthier scalp can lead to better hair growth and less irritation.
Keeps Hair Color: If you've dyed your hair, using filtered water can help your colour last longer. Unfiltered water can make the colour fade faster.
Disregard this step if your home has an installed water softener or filtration system.
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