Aftercare Hair Extension Guide
Your complete guide to protecting your investment and keeping your Leggera Wefts looking flawless for up to 12 months.
Welcome to Your Extension Journey
Congratulations on your new Sorelle of Hair extensions! You've invested in premium single donor European hair and expert installation, now let's make sure they stay beautiful for as long as possible.
The truth about extension longevity: Quality hair + proper installation + consistent aftercare = extensions that last up to 12 months.
You've got the first two covered. This guide handles the third.
Your First 48 Hours: Critical Care Period
Do NOT Wash Your Hair for 48 Hours
This is the most important rule for new extensions.
Why?
The first 48 hours allow:
- Thread tension to settle and stabilize
- Beads to secure properly
- Your natural oils to coat and protect the bonds
- Everything to "set" into place
What happens if you wash too early? Premature washing can cause slipping, loosening, or premature shedding.
Set a timer. Mark your calendar. Wait the full 48 hours.
Avoid These During the First 48 Hours:
❌ Washing or wetting your hair
❌ Swimming (chlorine or saltwater)
❌ Excessive sweating (intense workouts, saunas)
❌ Tying hair up tightly
❌ Sleeping with wet hair
❌ Applying heavy products near the bonds
✅ You CAN: Gently brush, style with low heat, wear hair down or in a loose braid
Daily Care: Your New Routine
Brushing: The Foundation of Extension Care
Brush 2-3 times daily minimum:
- Morning (before styling)
- Evening (before bed)
- After washing
Proper brushing technique:
1. Start at the ends - Never brush from roots down
2. Work in sections - Hold hair above where you're brushing to avoid tension on bonds
3. Brush gently through the mid-lengths
4. Carefully brush from roots - Use your hand to support the weft area
5. Brush the wefts themselves - Gently brush along the weft line to prevent tangling at the bonds
Tools you need:
- Boar bristle brush (for daily brushing and styling)
- Wide tooth comb (for detangling when wet)
Available at: [Sorelle of Hair Care & Styling Tools](/collections/care-styling-tools)
Why Brushing Matters:
✓ Prevents matting and tangling at the bonds
✓ Distributes natural oils from roots to ends
✓ Removes daily buildup (dust, products, shed hairs)
✓ Keeps extensions smooth and manageable
✓ Extends lifespan significantly
The #1 cause of matted extensions? Inadequate brushing.
Washing: Less Is More
Wash Frequency
Recommended: 2-3 times per week maximum
Why less is better:
- Reduces tension and stress on bonds
- Preserves natural oils that protect hair
- Minimises tangling opportunities
- Extends colour and texture longevity
- Less manipulation = longer-lasting extensions
Between washes: Use dry shampoo at roots only (avoid the weft area)
The Proper Washing Technique
STEP 1: Pre-Wash Brush
Thoroughly brush your hair before getting it wet. Remove all tangles.
STEP 2: Wet Hair Properly
- Stand under the shower with water flowing DOWN your hair (never upside down)
- Use lukewarm water (hot water dries out extensions)
- Ensure hair is completely saturated
STEP 3: Apply Shampoo
- Use a sulphate-free, extension-safe shampoo
- Apply to scalp and roots only
- Gently massage scalp with fingertips (not nails)
- Do NOT scrub the weft area - let shampoo rinse through naturally
- Do NOT pile hair on top of your head - keep it flowing downward
STEP 4: Rinse Thoroughly
- Rinse with water flowing DOWN from roots to ends
- Ensure all shampoo is removed (buildup causes matting)
- Take your time—incomplete rinsing is a common mistake
STEP 5: Condition (Mid-Lengths to Ends Only)
- Use extension-safe conditioner
- Apply from mid-lengths to ends ONLY
- AVOID the weft area and bonds (conditioner causes slipping)
- Leave on for 2-3 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water (seals cuticles, adds shine)
STEP 6: Post-Wash Care
- Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring or twist)
- Wrap in a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt
- Pat dry, do NOT rub vigorously
Recommended Products
Sorelle-Approved Haircare:
- Arvo Haircare (sulfate-free, extension-safe formulas)
- Muk Haircare (nourishing, bond-friendly products)
Available at: [Sorelle of Hair Care Products](/collections/care-styling-tools)
What to AVOID:
❌ Sulphate-based shampoos (strip natural oils, dry out hair)
❌ Heavy oils or serums near bonds (cause slipping)
❌ Clarifying shampoos (too harsh for extensions)
❌ 2-in-1 products (inadequate cleansing and conditioning)
Drying & Styling
Air Drying vs. Heat Drying
Best practice: Air dry whenever possible
If using a blow dryer:
- Apply heat protectant spray (mid-lengths to ends)
- Use low to medium heat (never high heat)
- Keep dryer moving, don't concentrate heat in one spot
- Dry the weft area first (prevents mildew and tangling)
- Dry in sections, brushing as you go
Never sleep with wet or damp extensions. This causes severe matting and potential mildew.
Heat Styling (Curling Irons, Straighteners)
✅ You CAN use heat tools on Leggera Wefts (they're 100% human hair)
Safe heat styling guidelines:
- Always use heat protectant spray first
- Keep temperature at 150-180°C (300-350°F) maximum
- Avoid the weft area (stay 2-3cm away from bonds)
- Don't clamp down directly on beads or thread
- Use lower heat for fine or damaged hair
Pro tip: Extensions don't produce natural oils like your roots do, so they need extra heat protection.
Styling Products
Safe to use:
✓ Light hairsprays (avoid the weft area)
✓ Heat protectants
✓ Lightweight serums (on ends only)
✓ Dry shampoo (roots only, away from wefts)
✓ Texturizing sprays
Avoid near weft area:
❌ Heavy oils or serums
❌ Thick styling creams
❌ Leave-in conditioners near bonds
❌ Alcohol-based products (drying)
Sleeping with Extensions
Nighttime Routine (Non-Negotiable)
STEP 1: Brush thoroughly before bed (remove all tangles)
STEP 2: Braid or tie loosely
- Loose braid down your back (preferred method)
- Low, loose ponytail with a silk scrunchie
- Two loose braids for longer hair
STEP 3: Use a silk or satin pillowcase
- Reduces friction and tangling
- Prevents breakage and frizz
- Helps extensions glide instead of catch
Never sleep with:
❌ Wet or damp hair (causes severe matting)
❌ Hair loose and unsecured
❌ Tight ponytails or buns (tension on bonds)
Swimming & Exercise
Swimming (Chlorine & Saltwater)
Before swimming:
1. Wet hair with fresh water first (prevents absorption of chlorine/salt)
2. Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil to lengths
3. Braid hair securely or tie in a low bun
4. Wear a swim cap if possible
After swimming:
1. Rinse immediately with fresh water
2. Wash with extension-safe shampoo as soon as possible
3. Condition thoroughly
4. Brush gently while damp with wide tooth comb
Important: Chlorine and saltwater are harsh on extensions. Minimise exposure when possible.
Exercise & Sweating
During workouts:
- Tie hair in a loose braid or low ponytail
- Use a sweatband to keep sweat away from wefts
- Avoid tight high ponytails (tension on bonds)
After workouts:
- If hair is damp with sweat, let it air dry completely before brushing
- Brush thoroughly to prevent tangling
- If very sweaty, consider washing (but remember: less washing is better overall)
What to Avoid
Activities & Habits That Damage Extensions
❌ Washing hair upside down (causes severe tangling at bonds)
❌ Sleeping with wet hair (matting, mildew, damage)
❌ Skipping regular brushing (leads to matting)
❌ Using non-extension-safe products (sulphates, heavy oils near bonds)
❌ Applying conditioner to weft area (causes slipping)
❌ Excessive heat without protection (dries out hair)
❌ Tight hairstyles (tension on bonds, headaches, damage)
❌ Colouring extensions at home (unpredictable results)
❌ Skipping maintenance appointments (overgrown wefts cause tangling and damage)
Maintenance Schedule
Move-Up Appointments: Every 6-8 Weeks
Why maintenance matters:
- Your natural hair grows approximately 1-1.5cm per month
- As it grows, wefts move down and away from the scalp
- This causes:
- Visible weft lines
- Increased tangling at the bonds
- Uneven weight distribution
- Potential matting
What happens at a move-up:
- We remove the existing wefts
- Check hair health and address any concerns
- Re-install wefts closer to the scalp
- Trim and blend as needed
- Refresh your style
Maintenance Pricing:
- 1 Row: $180
- 2 Rows: $310
- 3 Rows: $350
Book your next appointment before you leave - staying on schedule is crucial for extension longevity.
Signs You Need a Move-Up Sooner
Contact us if you notice:
- Wefts sitting more than 3-4cm from your scalp
- Increased tangling or matting near bonds
- Visible weft lines when hair is down
- Discomfort or pulling sensation
- Beads slipping or feeling loose
Don't wait until there's a problem. Preventive maintenance is always easier than damage repair.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Tangling at the Weft Area
Causes:
- Inadequate brushing
- Sleeping with hair loose
- Washing hair upside down
- Overdue for maintenance
Solutions:
- Increase brushing frequency (3+ times daily)
- Always braid or tie hair before bed
- Wash with hair flowing downward only
- Book maintenance appointment
Problem: Dry or Frizzy Extensions
Causes:
- Using sulphate shampoos
- Excessive heat styling without protection
- Not conditioning properly
- Chlorine or saltwater exposure
Solutions:
- Switch to sulphate-free, extension-safe products
- Always use heat protectant
- Deep condition weekly (mid-lengths to ends only)
- Apply hair oil to ends after washing
Problem: Extensions Feeling Heavy or Uncomfortable
Causes:
- Overdue for maintenance (wefts too far from scalp)
- Too much hair for your natural density
- Improper installation (rare with Sorelle)
Solutions:
- Book maintenance appointment immediately
- Contact us to assess if adjustment is needed
- May need to reduce hair amount
Problem: Shedding
Normal shedding: 5-10 hairs per day is normal (these are hairs that were already shed but trapped in the weft)
Excessive shedding causes:
- Rough brushing or combing
- Washing too frequently
- Using wrong products
- Extensions reaching end of lifespan
Solutions:
- Brush more gently, starting from ends
- Reduce washing frequency
- Use recommended products only
- Contact us if shedding is excessive
Problem: Visible Weft Lines or Bumps
Causes:
- Overdue for maintenance
- Styling hair in ways that expose wefts
- Not enough natural hair coverage
Solutions:
- Book maintenance appointment
- Style hair with more volume at roots
- Use texturizing products for lift
- Contact us for blending consultation
When to Contact Us
Reach out immediately if:
- You notice a bead has slipped or come loose
- You experience pain or discomfort
- You see signs of scalp irritation
- Extensions are severely matted or tangled
- You're unsure about a product or technique
- You have an event coming up and want styling advice
Don't wait for small issues to become big problems.
Email: info@sorelleofhair.com
Phone: +61 (0) 400 030 973
Product Recommendations
Essential Tools
✓ Boar bristle brush - Daily brushing and styling
✓ Wide tooth comb - Detangling when wet
✓ Silk or satin pillowcase - Nighttime protection
✓ Microfiber towel - Gentle drying
✓ Silk scrunchies - No-damage hair ties
[Shop Tools & Accessories](/collections/care-styling-tools)
Essential Products
✓ Sulfate-free shampoo (Arvo or Muk Haircare)
✓ Extension-safe conditioner (Arvo or Muk Haircare)
✓ Heat protectant spray
✓ Lightweight hair oil (for ends only)
✓Dry shampoo (for roots between washes)
[Shop Care & Styling Products](/collections/care-styling-tools)
Your Extension Lifespan Timeline
Weeks 1-2: Adjustment Period
- Hair may feel slightly heavy or different
- Scalp may be tender (normal)
- You're learning your new routine
- Focus: Following aftercare rules precisely
Weeks 3-6: Settling In
- Extensions feel natural and comfortable
- You've mastered your routine
- Hair looks and feels amazing
- Focus: Maintaining consistent care habits
Weeks 6-8: First Maintenance
- Time for your first move-up
- We'll assess how everything is holding up
- Refresh and reposition wefts
- Focus: Booking and attending maintenance
Months 3-6: Prime Time
- Extensions are fully integrated
- You're a pro at caring for them
- Hair looks consistently beautiful
- Focus: Staying on maintenance schedule
Months 6-12: Long-Term Care
- Extensions may show natural wear
- Colour may fade slightly (normal for human hair)
- Texture remains beautiful with proper care
- Focus: Deciding whether to refresh hair or continue with current wefts
The Sorelle Aftercare Promise
We don't just install your extensions and send you on your way.
You have ongoing support from our team:
- Aftercare questions answered promptly
- Product recommendations tailored to your hair
- Troubleshooting guidance when needed
- Maintenance reminders and scheduling support
Your success is our success. We want your extensions to look flawless for the full 12 months.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Investment
You've invested in:
- ✅ Premium single donor European hair
-