Becoming a Hair Whisperer

Last week we talked about learning how to speak your hair’s language, because knowing how to decode its messages is critical to ongoing hair health. This week, we’re going to take it a step further by unraveling the trickiest of hair riddles, so you can become the hair whisperer you were always meant to be.

What to look for:

Unwanted color change
What it means:
Take a close look at the water you’re using to clean your hair, and consider investing in a filter. Tap water—including shower water—is often loaded with various minerals that can build up on your scalp over time, causing color-changing chemical reactions. This is of particular concern for blondes, since blonde hair exhibits more obvious color change compared to darker hair types. If color change has already happened, invest in a color-correcting shampoo, or schedule a damage-control coloring appointment with your stylist.

Matted hair
What it means:
You’re not drying and/or brushing your extensions properly, or you may be overdue for a move-up. Matted hair is a gnarly problem, and it’s best if you can avoid it altogether. Fortunately, it’s easy to do so if you’re taking good care of your hair extensions. But if you’re a bit lax with your grooming, unbrushed hair can knot together, and low-hanging extension bonds can twist and turn around surrounding strands of hair. Unfortunately—depending on the extent of the damage—there’s not a lot that can be done to correct the problem short of chopping the hair off above the knot. But if you’re in the early stages of matting, try a good conditioning treatment and book an appointment with your stylist ASAP.

Uneven texture
What it means:
Apart from run-of-the-mill differences in curl pattern that may exist between natural hair and extensions, uneven texture is usually caused by one of two things: either you’re not treating your extensions to enough moisture, or your natural hair is pretty damaged. Hair extensions often need more hydration than your natural hair does, mainly because—unlike your own hair—it’s not attached directly to your scalp and the oils that go with it. If they don’t receive regular conditioning treatments, hair extensions can eventually feel more brittle or parched than your natural hair, which can translate to less volume and more frizz. On the other hand, if your natural locks are damaged due to sun exposure, color treatments, or general wear and tear, it may be your hair that feels brittle and parched. If that’s the case, consider taking a break from semi-permanent hair extensions to get your hair in better shape. You can always use Ready-to-Wear extensions in the meantime!

Hair loss
What it means:
Hair loss is tricky, because it can be tied to any number of things. But if you’re relatively young and healthy, not expecting a baby, not a recent mother, and not undergoing majorly stressful life changes, you can probably rule out many of the standard causes of hair loss. In that case, the culprit is either too-tight or too-heavy extensions (resulting from a poor installation job), aggressive hair care practices, or a bad reaction to hair care products. Aggressive hair care practices may include over-processing hair with bleaches or dyes, overusing heating tools, yanking at the hair while brushing, etc. The best course of action for addressing hair loss is to visit your stylist and/or doctor to discuss all of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may involve removing your hair extensions, or exchanging them for a different type. Either way, it’s ultimately for the best, and Ready-to-Wear extensions are always there to ease you through the process.

Has your hair ever spoken out in any of these ways? What did you do about it? Let us know in the comments below!