Virgin hair lasts as long as you look after it. These are the habits that get a year or more out of a bundle instead of three months.
Washing
- Wash every two to three weeks, or sooner if you've used a lot of product.
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates strip the cuticle and that's what causes dryness and tangling.
- Wash downward, in the direction of the hair. Never pile it on top of your head and scrub.
- Condition from mid-length to tip, not at the weft — conditioner at the root loosens the bond.
Drying and heat
- Squeeze water out with a towel, don't rub.
- Air dry where you can. If you're blow drying, use cool or low heat.
- Always use a heat protectant before a straightener or curling wand, and stay under 180°C.
Every day
- Detangle from the ends upward with a wide-tooth comb, never from the root down.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. Cotton pulls moisture straight out of the hair.
- Loosely braid it at night for wavy and curly textures to keep the pattern.
- Store it braided in a satin bag when you're not wearing it — not balled up in a drawer.
What shortens a bundle's life
Sleeping on it wet, brushing it dry from the root, daily high heat, bleach applied at home, and cotton. Avoid those five and you'll be surprised how long it holds.