Hair extensions and keratin-containing care products: A balancing act between care and hair breakage

When it comes to hair extensions, we repeatedly encounter an interesting phenomenon in our daily salon routine: when combining extensions with keratin-containing care products, customers report increased hair breakage. These observations - based on customer and manufacturer feedback - should serve as an impulse to inform about the optimal care approach. The aim is to convey a well-founded understanding without presenting the discourse as an incontrovertible truth.
Special features of hair extensions
Hair extensions, often made from high-quality human hair, offer the opportunity to shape the volume and length of your own hair according to your individual wishes. However, they differ from natural hair in a number of ways, which means that they require special care.
Structure and processing:
- Origin and treatment: Extensions usually come from donors and undergo various processes such as cleaning, coloring and texturizing to ensure a uniform appearance. These treatments can affect the hair's natural protective layer, making it more susceptible to external influences.
- Lack of root connection: Unlike natural hair, which is continuously supplied with nutrients and sebum by the scalp, extensions lack this direct connection. As a result, they do not receive the natural oils that ensure suppleness and shine.
Porosity and elasticity:
- Altered porosity: Chemical treatments can increase the porosity of the hair, which means that it absorbs moisture more quickly, but also releases it again more quickly. This can lead to dryness and brittleness if insufficient moisture is supplied.
- Reduced elasticity: The structural changes can affect the elasticity of the hair, making it less stretchy and more prone to breakage, especially when subjected to mechanical stress such as brushing or styling.
Care requirements:
- Special products: Due to the differences mentioned above, the use of care products that have been specially developed for extensions is essential. These products are designed to take into account the special needs of hair extensions without affecting the connection points.
- Gentle treatment: It is advisable to care for extensions using gentle methods to prolong their lifespan. This includes careful detangling with suitable brushes, avoiding excessive heat and regular moisturizing with masks or leave-in products.
Interactions: Keratin products and extensions
Thecare of hair extensions requires special attention, especially when it comes to the use of keratin-containing products. While keratin treatments aim to strengthen and repair the hair structure, they can have undesirable effects on extensions.
Howkeratin products work:
- Strengthening the hair structure: Keratin is a natural protein that gives hair strength and elasticity. Keratin treatments are designed to repair damaged hair by replacing lost protein and smoothing the hair surface.
- Build-up of disulphide bridges: Through chemical processes, the natural disulphide bridges in the hair are strengthened or newly formed, resulting in improved stability and smoothness.
Possible effects on extensions:
- Excessive protein intake: As extensions have already been treated through various processes, the additional supply of keratin can lead to an overload. This can make the hair stiff and brittle, making it more prone to breakage.
- Change in hair texture: The use of keratin products can change the original texture of the extensions, especially if they have previously been chemically treated or colored. This can lead to an uneven appearance.
Influence on fixing points:
- Weakening of the bonds: The chemical components in keratin treatments can affect the adhesive or bonding points of the extensions, which can lead to premature loosening or slippage.
- Residues and deposits: Some keratin products leave residues that can accumulate at the joints and compromise their integrity.
Recommendations for the use of keratin products for extensions:
- Use specialized products: It is advisable to choose care products that have been specially developed for use with extensions and offer a balanced content of proteins and moisture.
- Professional advice: Before using keratin treatments, a specialist should always be consulted to assess the suitability for the specific extensions and to weigh up possible risks.

Individual advice: the key to optimal care for your extensions
Thecare of hair extensions requires a customized concept that is tailored to the specific needs of your hair and your extensions. A personal consultation in our salon offers you the opportunity to develop the ideal care routine together with our experts
Why is individual advice important?
- Uniqueness of your hair: Every hair is different in structure, density and condition. Our experts will analyze your natural hair and the extensions used in order to make the best possible care recommendations.
- Adaptation of the products: Not all care products are suitable for every hair extension. During the consultation, we identify the optimal products that nourish your extensions without damaging the connection points.
- Avoiding damage: Improper care can lead to hair breakage, tangling or premature loss of the extensions. You can minimize these risks by following professional instructions.
What can you expect from a consultation in our salon?
- Detailed hair analysis: We assess the condition of your own hair and the extensions to identify specific needs.
- Individual care routine: Based on the analysis, we create a care plan that is tailored to your daily habits and the requirements of your hair extensions.
- Product recommendations: We suggest high-quality care products that have been specially developed for extensions and provide optimum support for your hair.
- Application tips: Our experts will show you techniques for washing, drying and styling to ensure the longevity and beauty of your extensions.
Advantages of professional advice:
- Long-term satisfaction: With the right care, your extensions will retain their natural radiance and integrity for longer.
- Prevention of problems: By identifying potential care errors at an early stage, we can take preventative measures together.
- Competent support: Our specialists are always on hand to answer your questions and help you on your way to healthy, radiant hair.
Conclusion
A personal consultation is essential to ensure optimal care for your hair extensions. Our expertise will help you maintain the beauty and health of your extensions in the long term. Make an appointment at our salon today and experience the difference professional care can make.
About the author

Sandra von Gneisenau
Sandra, the founder of Sandra von Gneisenau Salon, sees professional expertise with a special flair for the individual as one of the core aspects of the trade in her role as managing director and stylist. Early in her career, she acquired her master's degree and took on management positions in the exclusive salons in Munich. Her work with clients from Germany and abroad has shaped her understanding of quality and customer focus. Her clients include national and international celebrities, including well-known personalities from film, television, social media and public life, who come to her for her expertise, discretion and confidence in her abilities. Her training and practical experience enable her to work at the highest level and to precisely grasp and implement her clients' wishes. In her articles, she offers deep insights into her professional expertise and her experiences with a wide range of clients, which makes her a sound consultant in the field of beauty and personal style development.
More information about Sandra and her career can be found here
About Sandra
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