How To Detangle Clip In Hair Extensions

Whether you have textured curly hair or the sleekest of sleek straight hair you will have to deal with tangles from time to time and clip in hair extensions are no exception. Surprisingly, many people replace their hair extensions way before they actually need to due to difficulty removing knots and matting. Today we are going to teach you how to detangle your clip ins correctly so you can get the maximum use out of them.

1. What Do Matted Hair Extensions Look Like? (back to index)

Just like our own hair, extensions can become matted if not cared for correctly or when they have been exposed to harsh elements. Matted hair will be difficult to brush and style, it will also feel dry and brittle and can seem impossible to fix. The good news is even the worst tangles can usually be removed and restored to their original beauty with a little help from the correct products and tools. To find out how to correctly care for hair extensions check out our ultimate guide. 

2. Why Are My Clip In Extensions Tangling? (back to index)

There are many causes of knots and tangles in every hair type and it’s important to remember that it's completely normal! As clip ins are only washed every 10-12 uses, they can become more tangled than your own hair, knots and matting could be a sign they need to be cleaned. The main causes of tangles in clip-in hair extensions are below

• Not brushing the hair enough. You should be brushing your clip-ins before applying, whilst they are in and after they are removed, every time. Regularly brushing the hair will prevent big knots from forming that can lead to matting.

• Extreme weather. If it is extremely windy or rainy outside, you should take this into account when styling your hair. When the hair is blown around vigorously it will clump together and knots will form more quickly, covering the ends of your hair with a scarf or hood will lessen the chance of tangles. You could also reconsider the style, maybe instead of wearing it down you could sport a bun or braids instead.
• Not brushing the hair before washing. Human hair is weaker and more prone to damage when it is wet so it can be more difficult to brush, removing the knots before the wash will reduce the amount of brushing needed afterwards.
• Product build-up. As clip-ins are washed less often than your own hair, products like oil and spray can build up making brushing and styling more difficult. The recommended wash cycle is 10-12 uses however if you tend to use a lot of products you may find you need to wash more often to remove the residue.
• Sleeping. Its crucial you always remove your clip in hair extensions before you go to bed as sleeping with them attached will cause matting and it can damage your own hair.
• Incorrectly washing and drying. You should try to avoid forcefully rubbing the hair extensions whilst shampooing or towel drying as this will encourage more knots. Wash gently with downward, smoothing motions and pat or squeeze the hair drying instead of rubbing it. The Clip-Ins should also be removed from the head before washing, never wash them whilst they are still attached.

3. How To Detangle Clip In Hair Extensions? (back to index)

If you’ve found yourself with very tangled Clip-In Extensions, you may be stuck on how to bring them back to their original state. Far too often people replace their extensions before they need to as they are unsure of how to detangle them when they get very knotty. You may have had a heavy night and forgotten to remove them, or they have accidently come into contact with a sticky substance that’s caused them to knot, don’t panic! You CAN restore them and remove the knots; you just need to give them a little love and use the right products to get there.

1. Firstly, make sure you are using a hair extension brush that’s safe to use on Clip-Ins. The best brush for hair extensions is one that has no bobbles on the ends or a loop brush, here at Cliphair our detangling hairbrush is specially made for hair extensions. If your extensions are very knotty its best to remove them from your head first before attempting to brush as you will be able to shield the seam from any tension.
2. Lightly spray the extensions with a hair detangler spray from about 15 cm away, this will help to loosen the tangles and make brushing easier. Our Cliphair Moisture Spray doubles up as a detangler whilst also hydrating the hair.
3. Working piece by piece, starting from the ends working up towards the seams you can gently start brushing the knots out. Make sure you always hold the hair above the tangles to prevent any tugging on the seam, this is a good tip for your own hair too to avoid pain whilst removing tough knots.

If after these steps you’re still struggling to remove the tangles the next option is to wash and deeply condition the hair.

4. Can You Brush Wet Hair Extensions? (back to index)

Brushing wet hair extensions is a controversial topic as different stylists and brands will vary in their advice. It is true that when the hair is wet it is weaker and more prone to damage so brushing can cause harm however, if the extensions have become extremely knotty brushing them with conditioner on may be the only way to revive them.

Personally, I always give my hair extensions a gentle brush whilst they have conditioner on as I find it helps with the drying and styling afterwards and actually reduces matting. As long as you do not tug at the hair, and you take care to protect the seams it should not cause any major damage.

5. How To Wash Matted Hair Extensions? (back to index)

In separate sections, wash the hair gently with hair extensions shampoo, if the hair has a lot of product build up you may want to do this twice. Never vigorously scrub the hair, use soft downward smoothing motions to create the foam and rinse with the water directed towards the ends of the hair. For the best results, use Cliphair's Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture shampoo for hair extensions. Its formula, 100% sulphate-free and paraben-free, lathers abundantly to gently cleanse hair extensions and natural hair alike, and it's safe to use on your scalp too. Enriched with Shea butter and Baobab seed oil, this miracle product helps rebalance the moisture levels in your hair fibres, for extensions that instantly feel replenished, softer, and more manageable since the first use.

After the shampoo lay your Clip-Ins down on a dry towel and lightly pat to remove the excess water. Once the excess is removed, lightly massage a deep conditioning treatment into the hair again using downward smoothing motions. When the hair is fully saturated you can use your fingers to gently pull apart the matting to loosen it which will help lots when you comb to the brushing stage.

The best product? Obviously, the Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture Hair Mask. This hair mask for extensions penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, reviving your strands thanks to its hydrating and strengthening formula packed with precious ingredients such as Shea butter, Avocado oil, Coconut oil, Fig extracts, and Honey - Mother Nature's very own humectant, attracting and retaining moisture for long-lasting shine, softness, and splendor.

Leave the treatment on for 15-30 minutes to penetrate deep into the hair shaft, not only will this help to relax the knots it will leave the hair feeling hydrated and silky after drying. After 30 minutes or so you can start to remove the knots with your hair extensions brush.

Again, starting from the ends and holding above the knots to prevent tugging on the seams gently stroke the knots with the brush. Eventually the tangles will start to come apart and the hair will return to its smoother shape.

Once the knots are removed, rinse the hair with the water pointed down towards the ends. When all the conditioner is removed lay the hair on a dry towel and do not rub to dry. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the hair and then hang up to air dry.

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