Keep Your Scalp Fresh Without Loosening Your Bonds. When you wear keratin extensions, your scalp can become a magnet for oil buildup and product residue. Since you can’t scrub your head as freely as before, many people struggle with itchiness or “greasy roots.” The challenge is to clean the skin thoroughly without disturbing the delicate bond attachments.
The Pre-Wash Ritual: Ensuring a Tangle-Free Foundation
The Importance of Dry Detangling
Before your scalp comes into contact with water, thorough brushing is crucial. Using a specialized loop brush, start brushing from the ends of your hair and gradually work your way up to the attachment area. This step not only prevents severe tangling during shampooing but also loosens dandruff and residual styling products from the scalp surface.
Protecting the “Bond Zone”
Ensure there are no small knots between the rows of extensions. If you wash your hair with knots in it, the tension from the water and shampoo will tighten the knots, making them difficult to rinse out and increasing the risk of breakage when removing the extensions.
The “Horizontal Slide” Technique: Professional Cleansing
Avoid Circular Motion to Prevent Matting
Traditional circular rubbing motions are the “enemy” of keratin bond hair extensions. Rubbing in circles can cause adjacent bonds to become tangled. The correct method is to lather the shampoo in your palms and then gently press it into the gaps between the bonds.
Mastering the Precision Fingertip Glide
Insert your fingertips into the gaps between the hair extensions and gently slide and massage horizontally. This “horizontal sliding method” thoroughly cleanses the hair follicles while ensuring that each keratin bond remains in place, avoiding unnecessary pulling.
Formula Selection: Balancing Scalp Health and Bond Integrity
Choosing Sulfate-Free & Oil-Free Shampoos
We recommend choosing a pH-balanced, sulfate-free shampoo. For clients wearing bright-colored hair extensions such as #330 Copper Brown or #350 Ginger, a professional color-protecting shampoo will effectively extend color vibrancy and prevent the keratin bonds from softening due to harsh chemical ingredients.
Why You Must Avoid Heavy Conditioners at the Roots
Conditioner or hair masks should only be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Any oil-based ingredients that come into contact with the hair extensions’ attachment points can cause the extensions to slip.
The Deep Rinse: Eliminating Every Trace of Residue
Utilizing Low-Pressure Water Streams
Adjust the water pressure to a medium-low setting. Excessively strong water flow can impact the hair follicles and put stress on the scalp. Allow the water to flow naturally in the direction the hair hangs (vertical flow), ensuring that all the shampoo lather is completely rinsed out.
Checking the “Density Zones” (The Nape and Behind Ears)
The back of the head and behind the ears are the areas where hair extensions are most densely applied. Please make sure to part the hair in these areas and rinse them a second time, as shampoo residue is the most common cause of post-procedure scalp itching.
*Technical Terms at a Glance
- Italian Keratin: A high-grade thermoplastic polymer used to fuse extensions to natural hair.
- Sebum Buildup: Natural scalp oils that, if not removed, can soften the bonds and cause Slippage.
- Matting: The tangling of natural hair shed during the wear cycle, often caused by improper washing techniques.
- Tension Points: Areas where the extension weight meets the natural hair follicle; requires gentle horizontal cleansing.
Expert FAQ: Solving Common Scalp Post-Wash Issues
Why does my scalp still feel itchy?
This is often related to residue buildup or fungal growth. Ensure thorough rinsing and keep the roots of the hair dry. If the itching persists, consult a professional hairstylist about using a water-based scalp conditioner.
How often should I perform this deep cleanse?
It is recommended to clean your hair 2-3 times a week. Over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, while insufficient washing can lead to oil buildup, affecting the lifespan of the hair extensions.
CONTACT US
A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful extensions. By using the right technique, you can enjoy a fresh, itch-free feeling while keeping your keratin bonds strong. Ready for your next look? Explore our salon-grade care collection today.
Written by Skyee, Senior Stylist at Full Shine Hair with 10+ years of extension experience. With over 12 years of hands-on experience in the professional hair industry, Lily specializes in the application and maintenance of seamless hair systems. As a lead educator at Full Shine, she bridges the gap between salon-grade expertise and at-home care. Her “Support & Stroke” method has helped thousands of clients extend the lifespan of their ultra-thin PU wefts.
About Full Shine
At Full Shine, our content is crafted and reviewed by hair extension professionals. We combine decades of salon experience with rigorous product testing to provide you with safe, effective maintenance strategies for your Butterfly Wefts.
