Even the most ardent fans of hair extensions will sooner or later have to deal with tangling. Amid frustration, the inevitable question arises, “Why do my extensions get so tangled?” Well, ladies, you are not alone as this is a common problem for those lovely locks.
There are several reasons for tangling hair extensions including the quality of the extensions themselves to your hair care routine and the products employed or forgotten. Let’s cover some of the more common reasons and what you can do to improve the condition of your extensions.
Table of Contents
Why So Much Tangling?
Hair tangling can be a problem for those not wearing extensions, hence with extensions there’s a lot more to tangle! Even so, there’s no reason to accept tangling as a given. There are things you can do to prevent your hair extensions from becoming a mottled mess.
Here are the most common reasons that hair extensions tangle:
1.) Hair extensions are made from low-quality materials
You should know which materials were used to produce your hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions or non-Remy extensions are generally created using materials that are not of the highest quality with the result being a rough texture. These lower-quality hair extensions are usually not made to last or for long-term use.
Know if the extensions used are made of real or fake hair. Often synthetic hair extensions will feature a hair shaft structure that is noticeably different from your natural hair which will influence your look.
2.) Your Natural Hair Cut Is Too Long for the Extensions
If you are adding extensions to naturally curly long hair, you are most likely doing to have a problem. Naturally curly hair tends to tangle on its own so hair extensions can only add to the fuss. Consider going for a shorter cut of your natural hair before adding any extensions.
3.) You Are Not Brushing Your Hair Enough
Brushing hair is a must with or without hair extensions for multiple reasons. It keeps natural hair healthy, stimulates the scalp, and extends natural oils down the hair shafts.
If you have added extensions and don’t feel comfortable brushing your hair with those extensions, you probably are not using a proper brush.
Consult your hair care professional or whoever attached your hair extensions for advice on the best brush to use with your extensions.
4.) You Spend Lots of Time Outdoors
Depending on where you reside or work, spending a lot of the day outside is going to affect your hairstyle with or without extensions.
Dry and especially windy weather can contribute significantly to tangling as can getting caught in the rain. While you can’t battle Mother Nature and hope to win, you can adapt your hair care routine to compensate for long hours spent outdoors.
5.) You Use Heat Too Often to Style Your Hair
Even repeatedly using blow dryers, curling, or straightening irons on natural locks will damage your hair, and hair extensions are no exception whether natural or synthetic.
Heat damage is notorious for causing hair to weaken, become brittle, and be susceptible to breakage. All this will inevitably increase the risk of knots and tangles developing.
6.) Your Hair Care Routine Is Wrong
Any shampoos, conditioners, masks, or other hair care products should be selected and applied both for your type of natural hair and for your hair extensions.
It’s crucial that your hair care routine not only clean your hair but nourish and moisturize it as well. Consult your hair care professional to select products that will keep both your hair and your extensions in tip-top shape.
7.) Your Hair Has Grown Out
Perhaps your natural hair has grown significantly since you applied your hair extensions. It may be time to get a bit of restyling from your hair stylist and have new extensions applied.
See also: Reusing Hair Extensions: Is it a Possibility?
What If My Hair Extensions Are Thinning Out?
The obvious reason for stringy or thinning hair extensions is that they are made from low-quality material. There are some telltale indications that the proposed extensions are not quality products:
- The hair extension cuticle or outer layer of the hair does not appear to be intact
- The hairs in the extension do not all face in the same direction from the roots to the hair tips
These two factors alone will account for excessive tangling and a thinning or stringy appearance. When selecting hair extensions, the best option is those extensions made of natural hair that closely match the structure of your natural hair.
While there is no one choice that is universally best for every head of hair, with a trusted and experienced professional hair stylist you should get the best advice for what extension is the best match and which type of application is preferable.
You want a hair extension that blends perfectly with your natural hair and that will not damage your hair when applied.
Styling Is a Contributing Factor
Another consideration that needs to be made is the styling you are having done or doing, If extensions continue to tangle and knot, the culprit may also be the styling of hair.
When styling, if using a blow dryer or curling irons, you will need to apply thermal protection. For those that prefer to air dry hair and extensions, roots still need to be dried.
Wet hair is at greater risk for damage. In this sense, it is ill-advised to go to sleep with wet hair, especially with extensions. Sleeping with wet hair extensions can lead to tangling and matting, particularly at the nape of your neck. Braiding is recommended before sleeping.
When using blow dryers or hair irons to style, it’s better to opt for lower or medium heat settings at best. This is crucial when styling hair where the extensions are attached whether by keratin bonds or other. Extreme heat can permanently damage attachments and reduce how long they last.
It’s All in the Brush
The proper type of brush for hair extensions will also influence lifespan. At least three brushings per day are recommended: in the morning, midday, and before going to sleep.
Brush extensions before washing hair to eliminate shedding hair and untangle it. Choose a mixed nylon bristle brush as round-tipped brush bristles can damage extensions.
Don’t Forget Proper Hair Care for Extensions
Select a shampoo that is appropriate both for your hair type and your hair extensions. Conditioners and masks are equally important. Conditioning after every shampooing and a weekly application of a moisturizing mask will help.
Avoid applying conditioners near where extensions are attached to prevent interfering with bonds. Hair oils are also not recommended as they can clog bonds and create tangles.
Treat your hair, extensions, and natural, well and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, silky, lovely hair.
