An experts guide to hair extensions, minus the damage.

That little confidence boost when someone compliments your long, voluminous hair—it never gets old, does it? For many of us, hair extensions offer that transformative confidence boost we crave, yet behind that perfect Instagram-worthy hair often lies a silent worry: "What is this doing to my natural hair?" The thinning edges, the tender scalp, the unexpected shedding—these are the unspoken realities that can turn your beauty enhancement into a costly setback.

But achieving that head-turning look shouldn't mean sacrificing your hair's long-term health. This delicate balance between immediate beauty and lasting wellness is exactly what we need to master when venturing into the world of extensions, ensuring that your journey to stunning hair enhances rather than undermines your natural beauty foundation.

The good, bad and ugly of hair extensions.

Hair extensions offer an incredible transformation possibility, allowing you to achieve your dream hair almost instantly.

Mane Makeover - the benefits of extensions

• Instant results: No need to wait months or years for natural growth; extensions provide immediate length, volume, and fullness

• Versatility: From subtle enhancement to dramatic transformation, extensions can be customised to match your specific goals and lifestyle. Extensions can allow you to experiment with different looks, lengths and even colour without committing to permanent changes.

• Confidence boost:  Get a hit of confidence with your fresh, thick mane.

• Styling for special occasions: Achieve dreamy updos and styles for events without months or even years of pre-planning.

• Cover up a hair disaster: Conceal the work of a scissor-happy stylist, box colour or extreme damage while your hair naturally recovers.

How to choose the best type of extensions for your needs.

Different types of extensions offer varying degrees of permanence, maintenance, and suitability for different hair types. The ideal choice depends on your hair texture, lifestyle, budget, and goals. We always recommend working with a stylist specialising in hair extensions so that you can be sure that they will select the most appropriate extension type for your specific hair, and properly install them to minimise damage to your natural hair. A professional stylist will also provide crucial aftercare advice to maintain both the extensions and the health of your own hair, ensuring you get the most value and enjoyment from your investment.

Possible snags - the downside of hair extensions

Due to the extra weight of the extensions, pressure and friction on the scalp from the bonding system, and/ or incorrect application, the initial benefits of having hair extensions can be quickly eroded by damage to your scalp and natural hair. Look out for these symptoms and address them early on to prevent further damage to your hair and scalp.

• Scalp irritation or itchiness 

• Pressure sores, pain or discomfort 

• Allergic reactions or dermatitis

• Increased hair shedding or breakage

• Increased occurrence of application-related tension headaches

It's essential to be aware of these potential challenges and speak with your stylist so that you can avoid them. 

Prevention is better than cure

The key to avoiding these issues lies in selection of the best bond technique for your specific needs, proper application and careful maintenance. Your stylist should provide education and advice to keep your hair healthy while wearing extensions. They should provide you with detailed instructions on how to wash, dry, style, sleep, and care for your gorgeous extensions. Always work with a specialist extension stylist, who prioritises the health of your natural hair.  If there’s anything you’re not sure about, having a list of questions for your stylist will really help. 

Healthy habits for happy extensions

Your investment in good quality extensions deserves proper care, but this doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.  Follow these instructions as best you can so you protect your investment, your scalp and your natural hair

Brushing:

• Use a specialised extension brush (natural bristle paddle brush or loop brush)

• Start from the tips and work your way up gradually, gently removing knots and tangles as you go

• Take extra around attachment points

Cleansing:

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses without stripping moisture.

• Massage gently between bonds with fingertips

• Avoid circular motions that could tangle the hair

Conditioning:

• Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only. 

• Avoid conditioning near attachment points

• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

Styling:

• Always use heat protectant products to shield against thermal damage. You need more than you think, so go heavy on the application!

• Avoid hairspray near attachment points

• Style with moderate heat settings

• Never go to bed with wet extensions

Reinforce your hair & scalp wellness from within

There’s a good chance you’ve opted for extensions to enhance the look and feel of your natural hair. This is the perfect time to work on the growth, thickness and length of your natural hair so when the time comes to remove your extensions, your natural hair will be thriving! 

Expertly formulated supplements can help nourish your scalp, fortify your strands, supercharge your hair growth and create the perfect foundation for long-lasting, beautiful extensions.  Look for bioactive supplements with a range of ingredients in therapeutic doses for maximum impact.

Fueling fabulous hair with science-backed nutrition

• For Growth: Look for supplements containing activated B vitamins and biotin that support hair health while encouraging hair growth. Similarly, amino acids such as cysteine and methionine support protein synthesis and act as building blocks for your locks. Our team of experts designed Mane Event as an injection of premium plant-based herbs, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to stimulate new growth and significantly reduce breakage and loss.

• For Scalp Comfort:  Choose products with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with Vitamin D, Zinc and Hyaluronic acid to support scalp health and hydration. Crowning Glory is formulated to support hair and scalp hydration and is bursting with anti-inflammatory compounds which can reduce the irritation, pain and itch associated with extensions.

• For Strength: Seek out formulations with protein and amino acids to boost strength, antioxidants to encourage healthy follicles and vitamin C which supports collagen production. Hair Atelier is packed with all these ingredients to support your hair’s strength while on your extension journey. 

The Bottom Line

Your natural hair's health must come first. Schedule consistent check-ins with your extension specialist, follow a personalised home care routine, and fuel your hair from within using Apotecari’s premium hair wellness supplements. This powerful combination ensures your extensions not only look stunning but contribute to a transformative, sustainable hair journey that enhances your natural beauty for years to come.