4 ways to care for your hair after removing extensions

January 29, 2015

When your glamorous hair extensions have run their course, you may be left with a head full of hair glue that’s tough to remove. Here are a few simple tips to help you remove hair glue, with as little damage to your real hair as possible.

Oil up

Oils like baby oil, almond oil, avocado oil and olive oil can be your best starting point when removing hair extension glue. Douse your scalp with oil and wrap it with a towel or shower cap. Leave in the oil for about 15 to 20 minutes to make sure it deactivates the ingredients in the adhesive as much as possible. Try gently peeling or combing off the glue, which has just been loosened by the oil. Be patient because this process can take some time. Keep in mind that it’s one of the best ways to ensure you don’t damage your hair further.

Get out the dish soap

Dish soap is another great alternative to oil, and will also be much easier to remove later on. Dish soap works to loosen the glue and make it softer and easier to manipulate. Rub some dish soap into your scalp with warm water, making sure to gently rub every glue spot on your head. Leave the dish soap in for about an hour, wrapping your hair in a towel while you wait. Rinse out and shampoo thoroughly, and the glue should be much easier to peel off or comb out without pulling at your hair.

Rub alcohol or acetone on it

Alcohol and acetone-based gels can help break down the glue bonding your hair to the extension, but this method takes a little more work. Rather than dousing your head in alcohol or acetone, which can dry out the hair and scalp, you should apply it only to the area with glue. Use a soaked cotton pad or rub the product on with your fingers and gently work it in until the glue begins to detach from the natural hairline.

Go conditioner crazy

Wash your hair with warm water and loads of the most hydrating conditioner you can get your hands on. The moisturizing ingredients in the conditioner will make the extensions and the glue much easier to comb out of the hair. Again, take care to comb the glue out or tug at it very gently in order to prevent damage to your natural hair.

4 ways to care for your hair after removing extensions
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