DIY Hair Extension Maintenance: Tips and Tricks for GoNaked Hair Products

Hair extensions are the ultimate glow-up, instantly adding length and volume to your look.

But keeping them flawless long after the installation is all about how you care for them at home.

A solid maintenance routine is key to making your GoNaked Hair bundles last, especially when life gets busy, and salon visits aren't always an option.

The good news is taking care of your extensions doesn't have to be complicated, even for newbies.

We've rounded up the best DIY tips to keep your hair looking fresh, full, and flawless.

Washing Your Extensions

Let's talk about wash day — because how you clean your extensions makes all the difference in keeping them soft and smooth.

While GoNaked extensions like clip-ins and tape-ins can handle a lot of the same care as your natural hair, there are a few key things to keep in mind to avoid damage, tangling, or slippage.

First up: your shampoo and conditioner matter.

Not all hair products are extension-friendly, so it's worth investing in the ones your stylist recommends.

Different extension types also have specific care needs to keep the bonds secure. The golden rule?

Avoid sulfates and alcohol in your products. These ingredients strip your hair of its natural oils, making your extensions dry, brittle, and prone to matting. Nobody wants that.

A few recommended products for your GoNaked Hair include the Avocado Garnier conditioner with accompanying shampoo, leave-in conditioner, and curl construct mousse.

Once you've got the right products, how you wash matters too. Ideally, you should always wash your hair in the shower, letting the water flow down naturally.

Flipping your hair over the sink or bathtub might be quicker, but it increases tangling (and trust us, detangling is not fun).

When shampooing, focus on your roots to remove oil buildup, and when conditioning, stick to the ends.

Applying conditioner near your roots can cause your extensions to slip, meaning they won't last as long.

Also, use warm water, not hot. Scalding water strips moisture from your hair and scalp, which can lead to dryness and frizz.

Avoid Sleeping with Wet Extensions

When it comes to drying your extensions, you don't want to cut corners, especially before bed.

Of course, it's tempting to crash with slightly damp hair after a long day, but that's a major no-no.

Sleeping with wet extensions is one of the fastest ways to end up with tangled, matted roots or, worse, extensions that slip out way before their time. And let's be real, no one wants that.

Wet hair is at its most fragile, meaning all that tossing and turning while you sleep can lead to serious breakage — not just for your extensions but for your natural hair, too.

Plus, waking up with a nest of knots means spending way too much time detangling in the morning, which only puts extra stress on your hair and the bonds holding your ponytail extensions in place.

The solution would be to make sure your locks are completely dry before hitting the pillow so you can wake up with smooth, tangle-free hair that's ready to go every time.

Keep the Bonds Separate

Finally — and this step is important — you need to take a few minutes each day to separate your bonds.

It might sound like a hassle, but trust us, it's quick and makes a huge difference. All you need are your fingers.

Just run them through your extensions, feeling for any bonds that might be sticking together.

If you notice any tangling, gently separate them. In some cases, a small brush or comb can help. A little daily TLC goes a long way.

Brush Them Gently

Just like with your natural hair, aggressive brushing can lead to shedding and loosening over time.

Tangling is inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference. 

The key is to start with the right tool, aka a high-quality brush. Once you have the right brush, the technique is everything.

Always start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to avoid unnecessary pulling and breakage.

This approach keeps your extensions (and your natural hair) in top shape while being gentle on your scalp.

How often should you brush? As long as you're being gentle, the more, the better.

But if you want a solid routine, aim for these key moments: first thing in the morning, before bed, before washing, and after washing.

Stick to this habit, and your raw hair will stay looking flawless for longer.

The Less Heat, The Better

Just like your natural hair, extensions can take a hit if you overdo it with heat styling.

Since GoNaked Hair extensions are made from 100% human hair, they can become brittle, and split ends can start creeping in when exposed to too much heat.

And once they're damaged, no amount of deep conditioning can fully bring them back to life. But don't worry — you don't have to swear off styling tools completely.

With a little extra care, you can keep your extensions looking flawless for longer. Here's how to keep heat damage to a minimum:

Always Use a Heat Protectant

Before you reach for that flat iron or curling wand, make sure your extensions are shielded.

A good heat protectant creates a barrier that helps prevent damage.

Some formulas are designed for damp hair, while others can be applied right before styling, so be sure to check them first before making the purchase.

Lower the Heat

You don't need max heat on your flat iron to get the perfect style, even if you think you do!

High temperatures can fry your extensions, so rather experiment with lower settings to see what works without causing damage.

Your hair (and your extensions) will thank you.

Give Your Extensions a Break

If you're heat-styling every single day, your extensions are bound to wear out faster.

Try switching things up with heatless waves — braid your hair before bed or use rollers for effortless curls.

If you're feeling more of an updo moment, maybe play around with buns, ponytails, and cute hair accessories to give your extensions a much-needed breather.

Gorgeous Hair, Every Time

There's nothing like that fresh, flawless feeling when you first get your extensions done.

But if you don't take care of them, that feeling won't last. The key to keeping your GoNaked Hair extensions sleek, soft, and looking "new-new" is to show them a little love.

The great thing about GoNaked Hair extensions is that they look, feel, and move like natural hair, so maintaining them will be similar to taking care of your own hair.

Be gentle, wash them regularly, and don't overdo it with the heat. Invest a little time now, and you'll save yourself money (and stress) in the long run.

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