​ Mane Extension Care 101

A couple of years ago, one of our favorite fashion blogs, TheStyleAndBeautyDoctor.com, had a chat with celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble about styling and caring for hair extensions. The beauty of rocking a weave as a protective hairstyle is that, once you learn how to care for your hair and your extensions, the process really doesn't change... no matter how much your style might.

Check out the hair extension/care tips Kim had to share:

The Style and Beauty Doctor: What are some tips for keeping your own hair healthy while wearing extensions? How do you prevent/take care of “weave itch”?

Kim Kimble: Keep the scalp fresh and clean by using a scalp treatment (like Kimble Hair Care Systems Scalp Relief). Detangling shampoos and conditioners (such as Kimble Hair Care Systems Untangle Shampoo and Untangle Conditioner) will keep the extensions from pulling on your hair. Silk pillowcases/bonnets are also a great investment as they will help keep your hair and the weave from drying out. The products will keep the weave fresh and smelling good. Be sure that when you wash your hair/weave, you let it air dry.

TSABD: After extensions get taken out, what are some tips on how to style/maintain your own hair? Sometimes it’s tough going from 20 inches of hair to 4 inches…lol. How do you get your own hair to not feel so thin after taking the weave out?

KK: Use some thickening products to thicken it up so that you feel like you have hair on your head. Thickening shampoos and conditioners, etc.

TSABD: How long should one keep a weave in?

KK: Six to eight weeks is ideal, but you never want to go past 3 months. The average person naturally sheds about 60-80 hairs naturally. If you leave the weave in too long, your natural hair will start to shed and you will have a big mess when you finally remove the weave.

TSABD: What are some tips for ladies using weaves/extensions to transition out of a relaxer?

KK: Wearing a full head weave with extensions – find an extension color or cut that looks best on a full head.

TSABD: What is the best type of hair to use for weaves/extensions?

KK: Some of my favorite hair types are virgin remi hair, Indian, Malaysian and yaki texture. However, when getting weaves/extensions, it’s extremely important to match the hair type to your natural texture to ensure the best and most natural look.

Kim Kimble has styled a-listers clients like Beyonce’, Kerry Washington and Shakira.