We’ve all experienced the frustration of tangled hair. And we all know that long hair, while looking fantastic, is automatically more prone to pesky tangling. 

Having great hair requires a good deal of care, and this also applies to your hair extensions. After all, real human hair extensions are susceptible to damage in all the same ways as your natural hair, so need as much – if not more! – care and attention. 

If you treat them right, hair extensions can continue to make a wonderful impression for a great deal of time. So, how can you prevent tangles in your hair extensions? And how should you tackle tangles if they do occur?

Preventing Tangles And Matting In Hair Extensions

Of course, as with anything, prevention is better than cure! We’d recommend staying ahead of potential issues with your hair extensions before they arise, by taking good care of both your natural hair and your extensions...

1.) Take care when washing your hair

If you wear clip-in extensions, you should always remove them and wash them separately to minimise any damage. If you wear permanently attached extensions such as weft extensions or pre-bonded extensions, take extra care when washing your hair. Do not scrub at your scalp or over-massage the roots of your hair, as this can damage the bond of your extensions. 

2.) Brush your hair regularly

We know this may sound obvious, but both your natural hair and your hair extensions require regular brushing to prevent tangles. You should brush your hair and extensions at least twice a day, and more if needed. You can use a specialist extension brush, a wide-toothed comb, or a tangle-specific brush for this. 

If you’re looking for a hair extension specific brush, the Remi Cachet collection is an absolute must. Created in association with Denman, the Remi Cachet brushes are a godsend for treating both natural hair and extensions and, as an added bonus, the whole collection boasts the signature RC pretty pink hue shades. The Remi Cachet hair extension paddle brush is your must-have hairbrush, hair extensions or not. 

When brushing with hair extensions be sure to be extra careful – don’t tug and pull to remove tangled or knotty hair, as this can cause damage. Instead, hold the hair beneath the bond and brush through the lengths gently. 

3.) Sort out your bedtime routine

There’s nothing better than a good nights sleep. However, that perfect 8 hours isn’t always the best news for our hair. Tossing and turning in the night can cause tangled or matted hair – cue the bedhead! Therefore we’d recommend considering investing in a sleeping cap to keep your hair protected through the night. Alternatively, tie a smooth silk scarf around your head and hair on an evening to ensure your hair remains smooth and sleek until morning. 

If neither of these is an option for you, at the very least you should brush your hair and extensions before bed and secure them away from your face in a plait or loose ponytail. Finally, never go to sleep with wet or damp hair – you’re just asking for tangled hair in the morning!

4.) Treat your hair 

Dried out hair will tangle much more easily, so make sure you’re treating and conditioning your hair regularly to keep it soft, sleek and tangle free. Hair extension aftercare products such as deep conditioners, hydrating styling creams, oil treatments and intensive masks are all ideal for restoring moisture into both your natural hair and extensions, leaving you with long, sleek, flowing locks that will turn heads for all the right reasons.

How To Remove Tangles From Hair Extensions 

If you follow all the above tips, you should get the very best from your extensions. However, if you do find yourself dealing with tangles, the following steps should help;

• First, gently detangle the hair as much as possible with your fingers.

• Next, split your hair into smaller, manageable sections. We’d recommend at least four sections – left and right, and the top and underneath of the hair. Of course, if your hair is particularly long or thick, you may wish to create more sections.

• Use a wide-toothed comb or a specialist tangle remover, de-tangling options to gently work through each section. For any larger knots, use a tail comb to gently loosen the knot. Remember to hold the extensions above the knot as you comb or brush the hair, to avoid putting pressure on the hair extension bonds.

• Gently wash the hair (without scrubbing), then treat your hair with an intense conditioner – massage this gently into the lengths and ends of your hair, and use your fingers to comb through the hair as you apply. As an additional treat for your hair, opt for the Remi Cachet Hair Extension Miracle Mist – a genius spray that will treat and condition your hair extensions during wear. Simply spritz onto the lengths of dry or damp hair both before and after washing to banish tangles and reap the benefits of sleek, smooth locks.

• Brush through your hair again with a wide-toothed comb, then dry and style as required.

Of course, to avoid any unnecessary problems with your hair extensions, we’d always recommend opting for a high-quality option from a trusted brand. Whether you’re wanting to boost your hair with additional volume or you’re fantasising about long, mermaid style locks for summer, the current collection of hair extensions at Additional Lengths is full of options to suit your needs.