In the world of fashion, extensions are one of the most vital resources for spectacular hairstyles. Even people with long hair get extensions from time to time for special occasions, but for those with short, slow-growing hair it’s a real blessing.
However, like any artificial product, extensions have their share of factors that can cause some damage, especially a bad smell.
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Why Do My Hair Extensions Smell Bad?
First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the extensions you bought, because the higher quality ones don’t usually smell.
On the other hand, if they were cheaper, it’s normal to smell the chemicals that helped to process the product. It’s not the best thing, but it’s the only way that the extensions can look alive and natural, far from looking like dead hair.
When the smelly does occur, it’s usually in the first shower, and where the extensions were sewn in. If you don’t wash and dry that area of the scalp well, you will cause a buildup of moisture that will form of odor, especially when exposed to the sun.
The worst thing is that you will not always be the first to notice it, and I assure you the people nearby will not like that mildew smell.
A small clarification, this does not mean that you have bad hygiene, but that after bathing you do not wait long enough for the synthetic hair extension to dry evenly, especially at the base of the extensions.
You must wash your synthetic and human hair together, many people don’t do it because they think it will ruin the product, but it’s vital to avoid the build-up of moisture, which if not treated in time, can even generate fungus on the scalp.
How To Get The Bad Smell Out Of Hair Extensions
The cause of the bad smell coming from your hair extensions or weave is going to determine the solution. Here are our top tips to get the smell out of hair extensions:
Hygiene
As mentioned, the main thing is a good dry after you wash your hair, leaving it loose until there is not a drop of water left. Don’t put it up until you make sure it is completely dry by inspecting the scalp with your fingers.
Using a blow dryer is an option, but not the best, as the excess heat can dehydrate the synthetic fibers over time.
Also, in the shower, make sure that the shampoo soaks through to the source of the hair and stays there for a while doing its job. A few extra minutes in the bath is worth it.
Avoid products with harmful ingredients
When choosing products to care for your extensions, be sure to read the labels and avoid products that contain harmful ingredients such as sulfates and alcohol. These ingredients can be harsh and dry out both your human hair and your extensions, leading to unpleasant odors.
Opt for gentle, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free products. Look for conditioners, shampoos, and sprays specifically designed for hair extensions.
Proper storage
Extensions are not always necessary, especially when you’ve already worn them to the event you’ve been waiting for so long, so it’s not a bad idea to store them until the next time, but that also comes with care.
Clean and condition your extensions before storing them. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them to avoid mold or odors.
Store them in a breathable fabric bag or a box designed specifically for extensions. Avoid placing them in humid places or exposed to direct sunlight.
Clean the extensions separately
Although there are methods to wash the extensions along with your natural hair in the shower, many people prefer to stay away from this at least during their first experience with extensions, so here is a little tutorial to wash them perfectly and keep them odor-free.
- Separate the strands one by one to make them tidier and avoid tangling later.
- Carefully put the strands back together and wet them in warm water.
- Apply the shampoo and rub to achieve the desired lather. it’s very important not to apply the rinsing cream after the shampoo because the detangler will make the strands easier to manage
- After rinsing the shampoo, you should dry your hair because it’s lifeless hair, otherwise, it will smell musty if it’s not dried quickly.
- Comb, starting with a small portion at the bottom and then remove the comb and go upwards as this way the combing is less abrupt and avoids the loss of hair from the extensions.
- If you have a hair straightener, use it on the strands so they will be shiny and much neater.
Use quality products
Of course, you should never leave out quality essential oils, using a dry shampoo, and conditioners. Together, these products will not only help the drying process but it will mask any stinky aroma and give the extensions a pleasant scent.
You can further enhance this effect with hair perfumes and proper brushing with a dirt-free brush. Oh, and don’t forget to keep your bed clean, especially your pillows. It may not seem like it, but it can hold a lot of dust that sticks to the scalp.
Say Goodbye To The Odor From Your Hair Weave
As you can see, taking care of your hair extensions or a sewn-in weave can be a chore, but there is nothing better than having a spectacular full head of hair with a pleasant smell. Follow all these tips and I assure you that you will become an expert at keeping the stink out of your extensions.
