Thinking about transforming your hair with some extensions? Awesome choice! But before you dive into the deep end, let's chat about keeping the base—your natural hair and scalp—happy and healthy. 

Here's the lowdown on balancing the flair of extensions with some solid hair care basics:

1. Love Your Scalp

Think of your scalp as the ground where your hair grows. It needs to be in top shape for your hair to thrive. A little scalp massage during your shower and brushing your scalp daily isn't just relaxing; it gets the blood flowing up there, which is great for hair growth. Stay away from shampoos that contains sulfates and alcohols that could dry out you scalp. 

2. Ditch the Gunk

Styling products can be a double-edged sword. Sure, they make your hair look fab, but too much, and you've got buildup that makes your hair look dull and lifeless. A clarifying shampoo can be your hair's best friend, cutting through that gunk and bringing back the shine. Just don’t overdo it; once a month is plenty.

Pro Tip: Before jumping in the shower use a brush to relieve buildup and dandruff off the scalp. 

3. Pick the Right Extensions

Not all extensions are created equal. You want something that feels like it’s barely there. Heavy extensions can stress out your roots and nobody wants that. Look for lightweight options, like Kashmir Extensions, that blend in without pulling. Your hair will thank you.

4. Get Your Wash Right

Washing your hair too much can strip it of its natural oils, but not washing enough can lead to buildup. Most folks find that hitting the shampoo 2-3 times a week is the sweet spot. And when you do wash, focus on the scalp and let the suds gently clean your extensions as they rinse out.

5. Deep Condition Like a Pro

Deep conditioning is like a spa day for your hair. It brings back moisture, fights off damage, and keeps your hair strong. Slather on a good deep conditioner or hair mask, especially on the ends, and let it work its magic. Your hair will come out feeling softer and looking shinier. If you need a recommendation, we love Iles Hair Mask! 

6. Keep Up with Trims

Even if you're growing your hair out, regular trims are a must to keep split ends at bay. Snipping off the ends every couple of months keeps your hair healthy and prevents breakage. Plus, it keeps your hair looking neat and full, which is exactly what you want, right? We always recommend baby trims to our clients at their maintenance appointments. 

Kashmir always offers complimentary trims at extension maintenance appointments so you can keep your natural hair healthy and growing! 

7. Listen to Your Hair

Your hair's needs can change with the weather, your diet, or just about anything. Pay attention to what it's telling you. If it's dry, give it some extra moisture. If it feels heavy or greasy, maybe cut back on the heavy products. Your hair knows what it needs, so listen up.

Rocking hair extensions doesn't mean you can forget about the basics. Keeping your natural hair and scalp in top shape means your extensions will look even better. So, treat your hair right, and it'll look incredible, extensions and all.