Before & After Care - FAQ
To ensure a successful installation, please follow these guidelines BEFORE your appointment:
-
Your hair must be clean, dry, and straight for the appointment.
-
Avoid using heavy conditioners during your final wash before the install, or ideally, refrain from using them altogether. This helps the bonds adhere securely.
-
Do not apply oil treatments or deep conditioning treatments within a week of your appointment, as excess oil can prevent the bonds from attaching properly.
-
Your hair should be completely dry and straight at the time of installation.
Once the extensions are installed, feel free to style your hair however you like — straight, curly, up, or down! It’s recommended to wash your hair once before applying heat for optimal results.
Aftercare Tips:
Hair care can vary from person to person, and different products work for different hair types. Some clients prefer Biosilk, while others favor Moroccan Oil. With your first set of Dream Hair extensions, expect to experiment with various products and styling methods to find what suits your hair best.
The recommendations in this guide are based on my personal experience and favorite products, which I have found to work well. Feel free to adjust your routine as needed to discover what keeps your extensions looking their best.
https://www.amazon.ca/shop/dreamhairontario
Product Recommendations and Care Guidelines
For the best results, always use salon-quality products purchased directly from a salon, authorized retailers like Trade Secrets, official brand websites, or professional beauty suppliers. Avoid products from stores like Sally’s, Winners, Homesense, Shoppers, or Walmart, as they are not salon-quality and can lead to issues. Drugstore products often leave residue, prevent the bonds from adhering properly, cause extensions to slip out, and contribute to buildup over time.
If you choose to use these products, I won't be able to assist if you experience any issues.
Proper care is your responsibility, and using the right products is essential for maintaining your extensions.
If you're unsure about which products to use, feel free to message me. I'm happy to provide personalized recommendations.
To ensure the best care for your extensions, here are four essential items I personally recommend:
-
Loop Brush – You will receive a complimentary loop brush with your first set of Dream Hair extensions. After that, they are available for purchase at $10 each. Loop brushes can also be found at certain wig stores or Sally’s Beauty Supply for around $5-10. This brush features bristles that loop all the way around, preventing them from catching on the bonds. It allows you to gently brush the scalp and between the bonds, which helps to avoid tangling and reduces the risk of pulling on the bonds, which can cause them to slip. Loop brushes are especially beneficial once your extensions begin to grow out, as they help prevent knotting. Don’t lose it – it becomes increasingly important as the extensions grow!
-
High-Quality Conditioner – Any salon-quality conditioner will work well with extensions. I personally recommend brands such as Redken and Joico, and I like to rotate between different products each year. Moisturizing conditioners are ideal for keeping the extensions soft and preventing dryness, as they do not produce their own natural oils. Avoid conditioning the roots or bonds; doing so can cause the bonds to absorb oils, leading to slipping and shedding. Only apply conditioner to the ends to prevent greasy roots. Hair masks, such as those from Moroccan Oil, are also great for extra hydration on the ends.
-
Serum or Oil – Extensions need to be regularly moisturized with a serum or oil, as they do not produce natural oils. Apply only from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the roots and bonds. You can choose any product that works best for you. Personally, I enjoy products like Moroccan Oil, Argan Oil, Biosilk, and Redken Anti-Snap. I prefer serums that have a pleasant scent since I wash my hair once a week with extensions. Remember, apply only to the ends, as your hair will absorb the oil into the bonds, causing excess grease at the roots and affecting the integrity of the bonds around your face.
-
Thermal Protector – It’s essential to use a thermal protector to shield your extensions from heat damage. This should be used every time you style your hair. I personally recommend Redken Thermal Resist or Moroccan Oil Thermal Protector for optimal protection.
DO NOT USE COCONUT OIL if you use heat on your heat – While coconut oil is excellent for hair, it has a low burn point and can cause damage if used frequently with heat styling. When applying heat, Moroccan Oil is a better choice as it has a higher burn point, making it more suitable for styling or blow-drying your extensions.
Important facts and care tips to take note of:
Bond Care
The bonds are more wax-like than glue, so they will absorb oils. This prevents them from drying or hardening quickly, which can weaken the bonds, causing them to break or slip out.
It's important to avoid direct heat from your straightener, blow dryer, or curling iron on the bonds, as this can cause the surrounding hairs to adhere to the bond. This results in the bond hardening again, making it difficult to remove the hair without damaging it. Excessive heat can also lead to tangling and knotting. You can blow-dry your roots, but be sure to use the "cool" setting. Heat from the sun, tanning beds, or hot water will not affect the bonds—only direct heat causes issues.
Before using any heat styling tools (curling, straightening, or blow-drying), always apply a thermal protector to your hair to prevent dryness, split ends, and breakage. After all, your extensions are made of human hair! Thermal protectors can be purchased at your local beauty supply store.
Sleeping
If your hair is naturally tangly, wavy, or curly, I recommend braiding it or wearing it up while you sleep.
Some clients use silk pillowcases or bandanas, but this is not necessary for extensions, as they are of higher quality than weaves. The most important rule is to never sleep with wet hair. If your hair tangles easily, consider securing it in a loose style.
Be sure to brush your hair in the morning, especially as it grows out, to prevent knots from forming as the hair rubs together while you sleep.
Swimming
You can swim as much as you like with your extensions! However, if you swim in chlorinated or saltwater, I recommend rinsing your hair with fresh water afterward to prevent it from absorbing too much chlorine or salt, which can dry out and roughen the hair. Many clients, including myself, have swum in a variety of locations with extensions and simply allow their hair to air dry afterward. Before swimming, I suggest applying a leave-in conditioner or a salt/chlorine protective spray (available at Sally’s Beauty Supply, though I don’t recall the exact name).
Always apply oil or serum to your extensions after swimming to keep them hydrated.
Hair Coloring
Yes, you can color your hair while wearing extensions. In fact, you will likely need to touch up your roots at least once during the life of your extensions, as they typically last for several months.
If you want to dye your hair darker than your extensions, feel free to do so; it will not affect the bonds or the hair as long as you avoid getting oils or deep conditioners on the bonds.
For blonde clients, it's completely safe to have your roots touched up with bleach; the bleach won’t damage the bonds. However, I do not recommend lightening your hair if it was originally darker, as this can be risky and may affect the quality of the extensions.
Removal Process - if you'd like to remove the extensions yourself:
If you're having trouble, I recommend booking a removal with us, to be on the safe side.
Removing your extensions is simple but requires patience and care. Here’s how to do it:
-
Apply a small amount of acetone (or nail polish remover) to one or two of the bonds at a time.
-
Using pliers, gently pinch the bond. Wiggle the pliers and repeat a few times until the bond breaks down into a powder-like consistency and slips out easily.
-
Comb out any remaining residue, or wash and condition your hair thoroughly afterward.
Important: Take your time and avoid pulling or picking at the bonds. Never remove extensions from wet hair—always ensure your hair is dry before removal, as removing wet extensions can cause breakage to your natural hair. You may want to ask a friend to assist with the process to ensure it’s done gently. Be cautious with the pliers you use, as some may have sharp “cutting” areas. It's recommended to use pliers designed specifically for extension removal.
Remember, your natural hair sheds over time, so it’s normal to see some of your own hair attached to the bonds as you remove them. The extensions often shield your natural hair during styling, so you might notice more hair than usual. If you’re not reinstalling extensions right away, you can also use hand sanitizer as an alternative to acetone.
Heading on a Trip Soon? 🏝️
Here are some tips to keep your extensions and natural hair hydrated and well-maintained while you enjoy your getaway:
☀️ Don’t forget your thermal protector – It not only safeguards against heat from styling tools but also offers protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is especially important for blondes! A quick application in the morning before heading out to the pool or beach will go a long way in keeping your hair healthy.
☀️ Use oils – Apply a few drops of oil from the middle to the ends of your hair and extensions to keep them hydrated. The oil also helps protect your extensions from absorbing excessive saltwater or chlorine when swimming. I like to apply oil and then braid my hair before heading to the beach to minimize exposure to the elements.
☀️ Hair Masks – Pack a travel-sized hair mask or transfer your favorite one into a smaller container to keep your extensions from becoming frizzy in the heat. On vacation, I like to use a hair mask every 2-3 days in place of conditioner to provide extra moisture and protection.
☀️ Bring your loop brush and use it – It's important to continue brushing your hair 2-3 times a day, even on vacation. It’s easy to forget to brush when lounging in the sun or when your hair is damp, but skipping this step can lead to tangles, knots, and breakage. Keep your loop brush handy to prevent these issues.
☀️ Wash your hair more frequently – Consider bringing a travel-sized clarifying shampoo to use once or twice a week. Your hair will naturally collect extra oils, dirt, and buildup from sunscreen, sand, and saltwater. Clarifying shampoo helps remove this buildup and can also prevent blondes from developing brassy tones due to a chemical reaction between sunscreen and chlorine or saltwater.
☀️ Use a mineral-based sunscreen on your skin – When sunscreen is absorbed by the hair and exposed to UV light, it triggers a chemical reaction that can cause discoloration. This reaction is due to minerals like iron, copper, and magnesium, which can cause hair to turn orange, pink, or brassy. Clarifying shampoo followed by diluted purple shampoo can help neutralize these effects.
☀️ Never sleep on wet hair – Wet hair is more prone to breakage, so always dry it before bed. If your hair is still damp, use a blow dryer and then braid it to wake up with soft, beachy waves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are your prices lower than salons?
I’m able to offer lower prices because I custom order my hair directly in bulk from a factory in India, cutting out middlemen. This allows me to keep costs down while still offering top-quality hair. I’ve been with the same supplier since 2011, and I’m their only Canadian client. I personally customize everything from the hair, colors, to the bonds to ensure the best fit for my clients. I work from home, so I don’t have the overhead costs of a salon, such as commercial leases or commission splits with stylists.
Which brand do you use?
I don’t use a specific brand. I custom order my hair in bulk, and it’s made to my specifications. This hair is exclusive to my clients and is branded as “Dream Hair.” It’s not available for purchase anywhere else, which means you get a unique, high-quality product.
How does your hair compare to Great Lengths?
My hair is thicker than Great Lengths, giving a fuller, more natural look. I prefer 1-gram strands, which require fewer bonds, making them more comfortable and manageable. While Great Lengths is a well-known brand, it’s expensive and time-consuming to apply. Many of my first-time clients have tried brand name extensions and ended up needing more hair added or replacing their extensions entirely after seeing how much better mine perform.
Why does it only take you an hour to install extensions, while other salons take 4-7 hours?
The main reason is that I specialize in extensions. I do them every day, which has allowed me to perfect the process and become incredibly fast at installing them. Salons don’t always do extensions regularly, and when they do, they use thinner strands, which means they need more bonds, and it can take longer. I’ve also always been someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, so I can get things done efficiently while keeping up with conversation!
How many strands are in a full head?
A full head typically requires anywhere from 120 to 200 grams of hair. However, many salons claim 200 strands, but what they actually mean is 0.5-gram strands, which only adds up to around 100 grams. I don’t base my pricing on the number of strands but rather on the total weight of the hair, ensuring you get the right amount for your natural hair thickness and desired result. If you need more fullness or thickness, we can add more hair for an additional cost, but in most cases, 120-200 grams is sufficient.
What’s the difference between a half head and a full head install?
A half head is typically for people who have very thin hair and want added thickness or for those who already have long hair and just want to add volume. I will assess your hair during your consultation to determine what’s best for you. Most clients opt for a full head install to ensure a seamless, natural look, but a half head can work if you’re just looking for some added fullness. I won’t do a half head install if I think you need more hair for a fuller result. If you think you need a half head, we can always start with a full head and adjust if necessary.
Can I go swimming?
Yes! You can swim as much as you like, but I recommend rinsing your hair with fresh water afterward to prevent salt or chlorine from drying it out. Before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner or a salt/chlorine protector spray, and don’t forget to add oil or serum afterward to keep your extensions hydrated. I love using Redken’s Anti-Snap for this purpose.
Will extensions ruin my hair?
Extensions will not ruin your hair as long as you care for them properly. The biggest risk to your natural hair comes during the removal process. Removing them yourself or too quickly can cause damage. It’s important to have a professional remove your extensions slowly and carefully. As long as you brush your hair gently from the ends up and follow the recommended care routine, you’ll be fine. The small fee for professional removal is worth it to avoid any damage.
How long do extensions last?
I recommend getting a new set of extensions every 3 to 4 months. However, I have clients who keep theirs in for 6 to 8 months or longer, while others prefer to get fresh sets every 2 to 3 months. The lifespan of your extensions depends on how well you care for them, how quickly your natural hair grows, the length of your natural hair to start, and your lifestyle.
Do they fall out?
It’s normal to lose 1-2 bonds per week, but with 150 bonds in place, you won’t notice it. If you’re losing more than normal, it could be due to heat, oils, or sulfates in your hair care products, so be sure to adjust your routine. The extensions become more durable over time as your hair grows longer and stronger, so it’s normal to see less shedding as they settle in. It is also normal to experience shedding as they experience wear and tear with styling tools. A thermal protector works great an avoiding breakage caused by heat.
Do you offer wavy or curly extensions?
I only offer straight extensions since most clients prefer wearing their hair straight and it ensures the installation doesn't miss any areas ands it blends flawlessly. Once installed, the extensions have a natural wave to them that curl up quite a bit if you let them air dry or add some product to boost their curl. Majority of girls have some sort of a curl to their hair. The extensions help a weigh down your real curls and frizz making it more manageable. Usually, girls with naturally curly hair already have a great routine with their own hair, because they can’t let it go wild, so the extensions don’t end up being anymore work. Overall, it should make your life easier.
Do you really only wash your hair once a week?
Yes! I typically wash my hair once a week, occasionally twice if I need it for a special event. Extensions don’t produce natural oils, so they don’t get greasy. I manage my roots with dry shampoo. You can also wash just the top or your bangs to freshen up your look without washing your entire head. If you’re used to washing your hair more often, try gradually reducing the frequency to give your scalp time to adjust.