Before you add: hair extension preparation tips

Whether you’re a stylist, hair salon specialist or a client new to hair extension, there are key preparation steps you might overlook. In this blog, we’ll cover the importance of consultations, how to prepare new hair, and share experience in caring for your clients’ hair extensions.

Planning before hair extension appointment

Things to consult with client

When planning a hair extension appointment, both you and the client have tasks to complete. During the consultation, make sure to explain all the important information about the hair extensions. Here are the basics you need to look out for:

• Desired hair length
• Density they want
• Color they like
• Installation method
• Timing (how long their installation appointment will be)
• Do’s and don’ts before getting hair extension

Then, remind the client of this information through an email or text message before their appointment. Your instructions should clearly outline everything the client needs to do and prepare for before and after the installation.

Things to prepare for hair extensions

It’s important to prepare hair extensions before your client’s installation appointment.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to check the hair you ordered. Open the package as soon as it arrives to ensure you have the right finishes, size, and track density.
• Compare the color, wave, or curl pattern and finishes of the hair to photos of the client’s hair to ensure a good match.
• Pre-wash and blow dry all the hair to make sure it behaves as expected.

On the day of hair extension appointment

Preparing the client’s natural hair

Before you start, let your clients see and feel the hair to make sure it meets their expectations. Then:

• Shampooing hair before extensions: Use a detoxifying or clarifying shampoo to clean the scalp of any product, oil, or environmental build-up. Avoid using other shampoo types as they may leave residue and cause bonds to slip. It’s best to use a sulfate-free shampoo with non-irritating ingredients to prevent a dry and itchy scalp.

• Preparing hair extensions for client appointments: Condition hair only if needed, especially if it’s damaged or over-processed. Apply conditioner from the mid-shaft down and avoid the scalp. Conditioning helps keep hair hydrated and strong, reducing frizz for a smooth installation.
• Blow-dry for smoothness: Blow-dry hair straight and smooth to ensure accurate placement of bonds throughout the scalp.

5 tips for your client after applying hair extensions

After adding the hair extensions, remind your client about the important tips for taking care of their new hair. 

• They should avoid hair products (shampoo and conditioner) that contain silicone. Because silicones form a thin, waterproof layer on their hair, making it feel smooth and easy to detangle. However, they are hard to wash out completely, can make it harder for hair extensions to bond, and can leave their hair feeling heavy and greasy.
• Don’t use oil based products near hair roots. Hair oils and leave-in conditioners to roots will start to break down the tape holding your extensions in. 
• Don’t wash hair until 48 hours after installation appointment to cure fully that tape will hold as long as possible. 
• Don’t over wash or over brush hair.
• Styling tips: Schedule their next appointment before they leave their appointment.

Final Thoughts 

Consultation is key to successfully preparing hair for extensions. Always check the return policy of the hair and ensure it’s what the client wants by testing it before the appointment and getting their approval. Make sure the scalp is clean and condition the tips. There’s a bit more to it, but you’ve got hair extension prep down to a science!

If you love this article, please share and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram to learn more tips and tricks to grow your salon’s success!