Hey beauties, it's Nicole! Fall is here in Metro Detroit, and you know what that means: cold mornings, cozy hats, scarves, and the heat running all day long. It also means your install is about to work a lot harder than it did all summer.
The good news? A few small changes to your routine can keep your extensions and wigs soft, full and tangle-free all the way through winter. Let's get into it.
Why Cold Weather Is So Tough on Your Install
Your extensions and wigs don't get natural oils from your scalp, so once moisture leaves the hair, it doesn't come back on its own. And cold weather pulls moisture out from every direction:
- Dry outdoor air: Cold air holds very little moisture, so hair dries out faster.
- Indoor heat: Furnaces and space heaters dry the air inside your home, car and office even more.
- Friction: Hats, hoods, coat collars and scarves rub against your hair all day, which leads to tangling, frizz and matting at the nape.
- Static: Dry hair plus wool and knits equals flyaways.
Dry, tangled hair is the number one reason an install starts looking tired before it should. So everything below comes back to two goals: keep moisture in and keep friction down.
Build a Light Moisture Routine
Extensions need moisture, but they don't need to be weighed down. Heavy creams and butters build up fast and leave hair limp and greasy.
- Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner after every wash and lightly mist through the lengths every few days.
- Seal the ends with a few drops of a light oil, like argan or jojoba. Focus on the ends, not the wefts or lace.
- Do a deep conditioning treatment every two to three weeks to bring the softness back.
- If static is an issue, smooth a drop of oil between your palms and lightly glide it over the surface of the hair.
Don't forget about the hair underneath. Your scalp gets dry in the winter too, especially under a sew-in. Our Nourishing Scalp & Edge Oil with jojoba, rosemary and Jamaican black castor oil is a nice way to keep your scalp and edges moisturized between washes. Apply it to the scalp with the nozzle tip, not onto the wefts.
How to Wear Hats and Scarves Without the Tangles
You don't have to choose between being warm and keeping your hair cute. You just need a barrier.
- Choose satin-lined hats and beanies whenever you can. Satin lets your hair glide instead of catching on wool and knit fibers.
- No satin lining? Add a layer. Wrap your hair in an Edge Silk Scarf before you put your hat on. It also keeps your edges laid.
- Tuck long hair in or wear a low braid under your coat so it isn't rubbing against your collar and scarf all day.
- Detangle when you get home. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and work from the ends up, never from the root down.
For curly and wavy textures, hats can flatten your curl pattern. Lightly mist with water and a little leave-in, then scrunch to bring your curls back to life.
Your Fall and Winter Wash Routine
Over-washing strips moisture, but going too long between washes lets product and buildup weigh the hair down. Here's a good rhythm for the colder months:
- Sew-ins and bundles: Wash about every 1 to 2 weeks, cleansing the scalp gently between the braids.
- Wigs: Wash every 7 to 10 wears, or sooner if you use a lot of product.
- Clip-ins: Wash after about 15 to 20 wears, since they aren't worn every day.
Always use a sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. Wash in a downward motion instead of piling the hair on top of your head, and never rub or scrub, which is how tangles start.
When it's time to dry, air-drying is always gentlest. In winter, though, you never want to go outside or sleep on wet braids under a sew-in. If you use a dryer, use low heat with a heat protectant and make sure your braids are completely dry.
How to Prevent Shedding
All human hair extensions can experience some natural shedding. Premium and raw hair should shed minimally with proper care. Here's how to keep it that way:
- Be gentle at the wefts and lace. Avoid pulling, tugging or brushing hard at the base.
- Brush from the ends up, holding the hair above the section you're working on.
- Skip super-tight styles. High ponytails and tight updos put stress on the wefts and on your own hair.
- Seal cut wefts. If your stylist cuts the wefts during your install, we recommend sealing the cut ends with a weft sealer to help minimize shedding and protect the weft.
- Keep heat low. Dry hair plus high heat equals brittle hair that breaks and sheds.
Wearing a lace frontal or closure? Our complete lace frontal care guide walks through keeping your lace and knots in good shape.
Nighttime Care Is Non-Negotiable
What you do at night matters just as much as what you do during the day. Cotton pillowcases soak up moisture and create friction, and that's how you wake up to tangles at the nape.
- Always sleep in a satin bonnet. Our Satin Bonnet is a must, and if your hair is long, the Black Long Silk Bonnet fits all your length comfortably.
- Add a satin pillowcase as backup in case your bonnet slips off.
- Put your hair in loose braids or a loose wrap before bed. Straight hair can be wrapped, and curly or wavy hair does best in two or three loose braids.
- Wigs go on a stand, not on the dresser, so they keep their shape and stay tangle-free.
Want to know why I always tell you to wear a bonnet? Read why a satin bonnet is essential. And if you're wearing your natural hair this season, my winter moisture guide covers your own hair too.
How Long Should Your Hair Last?
With proper care, here's what you can expect from your hair:
- Raw hair: Up to two years or more, and it can be reinstalled again and again.
- Premium hair: About 6 months to a year.
- Closures and frontals: Up to a year, since lace takes more wear at the hairline.
- Clip-ins: They last longer than sew-ins because you aren't wearing them every day.
That's why I always say raw hair is worth the investment. One good set can carry you through many seasons, including this one. Shop our raw hair extensions if you're ready to upgrade.
When It's Time for a Refresh
Even the best hair needs replacing eventually. Watch for these signs:
- The hair stays dry and rough even after deep conditioning.
- Matting at the nape that won't detangle.
- Noticeable thinning at the wefts or lace.
- Curls or waves that no longer bounce back after washing.
If you're seeing these, now is the perfect time to plan a fresh install before Thanksgiving and holiday photos. Browse all bundles, save with our bundle deals, or skip the install chair with wigs and clip-ins.
Shop With Confidence
Every order ships free with no minimum, and you can split your purchase with Afterpay or Shop Pay Installments at checkout. New here? Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first order.
Questions about which hair is right for you this season? Call or text us at 1-833-904-1267. We're always happy to help.
Stay warm and stay gorgeous,
Nicole
Nikki Smith Hair Collection