Extensions are transformative, which is why they’re in hot demand from clients. No one knows this better than Baelee Reiter, Lead Educator at Donna Bella. Offering hair extensions, Reiter says, has changed both her career and her life by boosting her clientele and income — 70% of her current clientele wear hair extensions!
She also has plenty of thoughts about proper summer hair extension care and maintenance. Not surprisingly, clients get this wrong… Next time you’re talking to a client about what to expect, you can send them this link!
Read on for our conversation.
The Tease: What’s your advice on how to care for hair extension during the summer months? Is there anything different that a client should do during the summer months?
Reiter: Extensions are real hair but they don’t get nutrition and proteins like our natural hair does. Wear a hat! It will protect the hair from fading. Hydrate the extensions by using a leave-in conditioner. Only use mineral based sunscreen — other sunscreens have harsh ingredients and they will turn blonde extensions brassy, even a pink tone. If you boat or ride outdoor vehicles wear your hair in a pony or braid to avoid tangling and wind damage.
Do you need to protect your hair extensions from the sun? If so, how and do you have any tips?
Reiter: Yes, if you are exposed to the sun a lot, wear a hat! You can also use products that have UV protection to help the color from fading. If your hair feels like the sun is drying it out, use a conditioning mask to add moisture back in.
Do you need to avoid chlorine and saltwater with extensions? If so, why and what should you do to help protect your extensions?
Just like chlorine and salt water are not the best for “natural” hair, it isn’t good for extensions either. Does that mean you can never swim? No. But if you do, use a leave-in conditioner before going into the water, then shampoo and condition after being exposed to the water to remove minerals right away.
What products work best with Donna Bella to help care for your extensions?
Reiter: My favorite types of products for hair extensions: Leave-In Conditioner, Heat Protector, Dry Shampoo, and a Donna Bella hair extension brush.
What are some things to do or avoid in between appointments?
Reiter: Find just the right amount of days between washes. You don’t want to over wash extensions because it can dry the hair out, but you don’t want to go too long to where you get oil build up. Each scalp is different, so listen to your hair. Use a silk pillowcase at night. This will keep the hair smooth and reduce any chance of breakage, especially if you toss and turn at night. If hair extensions do start to turn golden, use a purple shampoo to neutralize the warmth.
Any additional tips or recommendations on how to care and extend the longevity of a client’s hair extensions?
Pre-book your next appointment that way you are always maintaining them with your stylist on a regular basis. When you sleep, wear a loose scrunchie or a braid to avoid tangling. Use salon quality products to protect your investment! Watch the heat setting on all tools.
For more on Bella Donna hair extensions, be sure to visit their website and follow the brand on Instagram. And for the latest from Reiter, be sure to follow her as well!
