Of all the ways you’d like your admirers to describe your hair, “rat’s nest” isn't probably what you had in mind. Unfortunately, hair extensions are prone to matting and tangling, and once matting occurs, fixing it is difficult. Good news is that matting is completely preventable.

First, it’s important to understand why matting happens. Hair strands sheds naturally, but when your hair is in hair extension bonds, it’s trapped there until you get a touch up. When the bonds are released, all the shed hair is able to fall.

It’s these shed hairs that are the troublemakers. The key to preventing matting is keeping those hairs from tangling with each other.

The most important thing you can do is brush. Brush 2 to 3 times every day with a Hair Extension Brush. (Ordinary brushes will pull on the bonds and make matting even worse.) Often clients don’t brush because it’s hard, but that’s when it’s most important to brush anyway. You can read more about brushing hair extensions here.

Don’t sleep with your hair wet or damp. Satin or silk pillowcases are great, too, because they don’t cause a lot of friction and static while you’re rolling around in your sleep. It also helps to braid your hair in a single plait down the back to keep hair in line.

Keeping your hair clean is important. Although it’s not necessary to wash your hair every day, using a dry shampoo and brushing keeps unwanted dirt and oil from making the matting problem more complicated.

It’s tempting to use conditioner on the roots to detangle, but conditioner can loosen the bond and make the extensions fall out.

Preventing hair extension matting is completely possible. The biggest key is brushing, keeping your hair clean, and sleeping with dry hair.