Your micro ring hair extensions can last for anywhere between 4 to 6 months. But the exact time they last largely depends on how they are treated or rather, how you maintain them. While the allure of micro ring extensions is that they belong to a group of hair extensions that don’t require glue to be fixed; they do require a lot of time to be maintained properly.
The truth of the matter is, you must be prepared to spend a lot more time washing and styling your extensions. If you’ve spent a lot of money getting your micro ring extensions, you’ll naturally want to ensure you take all measures to preserve their longevity and appearance. Here are a few tips on how to care for hair extensions with micro rings.
1. Avoid swimming
No hair extension can hold out to pool water – this is because chlorine damages their texture. As such, you should stay away from the pool. When swimming or bathing, keep your extensions out of the water by loosely plaiting it at the back. If however, you want to swim for a few minutes, be sure to avoid overstaying in the water. Chlorine damages not only your micro ring extensions but also your natural hair. If your hair gets wet in pool water, rinse it thoroughly to remove all traces of chlorine immediately you step out of the pool.
2. Brush your hair regularly
Brushing your hair regularly will help you avoid tangles. Bunch your hair to one side and hold it firmly in one hand. Using your other hand, begin by brushing the ends of your hair. Slowly comb your way down until you have to release your hold to brush the remaining part of the hair. Holding it firmly ensures that you are not pulling the extensions too much while combing. It is recommended that you use a wide-toothed comb or an extension detangling comb.
3. Tie your hair while sleeping
Tying your hair or plaiting it loosely at the back while you sleep will help you avoid tangles because there is a lot of movement in bed. You can alternatively choose to wear a satin bonnet before you go to sleep.
4. How to wash your micro ring extensions
Washing your micro ring extensions is not difficult, nor does it require any rigorous care. Start by combing your hair with a wide toothed comb. Adjust the temperature of the water so that it doesn’t damage your extensions. Step into the shower with your hair hanging down your shoulders. Vertically massage the hair to keep the strands straight. Apply shampoo for hair extensions and slowly massage in the same way. Rinse your hair thoroughly ensuring that no shampoo or dirt particles remain in your hair. Finally, use a good conditioner to protect your hair from the elements of weather.
5. How to style your micro ring hair extensions
Styling your hair while wearing micro-ring extensions is also not difficult. Just ensure that you don’t comb too deep into the loops. Remember that all types of hair extensions require you to style them in a certain way. For micro ring extensions, use a wide-toothed comb and start from the tips making your way slowly to the scalp. Avoid touching the rings while you comb. Should your micro rings get detached accidentally, your hair stylist will get them refixed.
6. How to perm your micro ring extensions
Choose your preferred treatment – preferably an alkaline solution for tighter curls and an acid solution for soft curls. Start by applying cream conditioner to protect your hair as well as your extensions from strong chemicals. Wear gloves to protect your hands. Follow the product instructions carefully to apply the treatment. Finally, rinse with warm water, and apply moisturiser to moisturise your hair.
Read also: Can I dye hair extensions?
7. Avoid damaging the joints of your micro ring extensions
Tying your micro ring extensions into a ponytail is bad for your natural hair because it can cause breakage. Do not tie your hair into a ponytail – it weakens the joints. Similarly, do not use head-lice treatments, anti-dandruff chemicals or hot oils because such products cause a lot of damage to the joints of micro ring extensions.
Finally, visit the salon every 5 to 6 weeks. This is because new hair grows every few weeks and part of salon maintenance is to reopen the rings, comb out loose hair then refix the ring nearer to the scalp.
