Protective hairstyles—braids, twists, wigs or extensions—shield natural hair from daily wear and tear. To keep both your hair and extensions healthy:
1. **Brush & detangle carefully**: Use an extension‑friendly brush or wide‑tooth comb two to three times per day. Start at the ends and work up.
2. **Keep hair hydrated**: Apply a sulfate‑free leave‑in conditioner or lightweight oil daily; extensions lack natural scalp oils and need extra moisture.
3. **Use gentle products**: Wash your hair and extensions two to three times a week with sulfate-free shampoo, concentrating on the scalp and letting suds glide through the lengths.
4. **Protect your style at night**: Loosely braid or wrap hair before bed and sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize friction and breakage.
5. **Limit heat & chemical exposure**: Heat tools should stay below 360°F and always be paired with a heat protectant. Avoid bleaching or coloring extensions at home—leave chemical processes to professionals.
6. **Schedule regular maintenance**: Visit your stylist every 6–8 weeks for tightening or repositioning extensions. Consistent professional care prevents matting and ensures your natural hair stays healthy.
Encourage clients to see protective styling as part of a broader self‑care routine. Combining proper technique with nourishing products will keep their hair and extensions looking gorgeous.