Healthy Hair First: Tips to Prep Before Extensions

“Do I need to do anything special to my hair before I get extensions?” That’s one of the most common questions I hear in the salon. I’m Guy Ifrati, stylist at LAHH Salon in Bay Harbor Islands. The truth is, extensions look their best and last their longest when the hair underneath is in good shape. A little prep goes a long way, and I’ll walk you through what I suggest for my own clients.

1. Strengthen Your Hair with Treatments

Extensions add weight. Your natural hair has to hold that weight comfortably. That’s why I always recommend a strengthening treatment before we start. At LAHH Salon, a lot of clients book a hair color and treatment service a week or two before their extension appointment. Think of it like priming your skin before makeup. With that healthy base, everything looks smoother and lasts longer.

2. Trim Off Split Ends

Split ends may not seem like a big deal, but once extensions go in, they can make tangling worse. A quick trim cleans everything up and helps your hair blend better with the extensions. I had a client who skipped the trim because she didn’t want to lose length. Later she noticed her natural ends didn’t sit as smoothly. Once we trimmed just half an inch, the look completely changed. Sometimes less really is more.

3. Take Care of Your Scalp

Extensions sit close to the scalp, so that area has to be healthy. If you notice flakiness or product buildup, use a gentle scrub or clarifying shampoo about a week before your appointment. Living in Bay Harbor Islands, we get a mix of salty air and humidity that can add extra buildup. Clearing that out means the extensions attach more securely and stay in place longer.

4. Refresh Your Color First

If you’ve been planning to update your color, do it before you get extensions. We always color first, then choose extensions that match perfectly. One client wanted a bright blonde for summer. By coloring first, we were able to blend extensions so seamlessly that even she couldn’t spot where her hair ended and the extensions began. That fresh color made all the difference.

5. Be Honest About the Maintenance

Extensions need care. You’ll need to brush them gently, wash with the right products, and come back for follow-ups. If your schedule is packed, talk with your stylist about the type of extensions that fit your lifestyle. Some of my clients who work in downtown Miami like tape-ins because they’re faster to adjust. Others who want long-term wear go for keratin bonds. We make sure it fits your daily routine.

Bonus Tip: Add Styling and Blow Dry

After extensions are installed, seeing them styled really shows how they move and blend. That’s why many of our clients book a Styling & Blow Dry service right after. It’s the finishing touch. Whether you’re heading out for dinner near Bay Harbor Islands Branch Library or just want to feel amazing walking out of the salon, that polish makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line. Extensions look their best when the hair and scalp underneath are healthy. Prepping now saves you time and money later, and it helps you enjoy the look you’ve been waiting for without the stress of tangles or breakage.

Ready to prep for your extensions? Book with me, Guy Ifrati, or one of our amazing team members, Emily Safran-Wands, Cindy Milena Gaviria, or Priscilla Barriga. You’ll find us at LAHH Salon, 1090 Kane Concourse Unit B, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154. Call us at (305) 877-7706 or book online. Let’s make sure your hair is ready for the extensions you’ve been dreaming of.