A DEFINITIVE GUIDE

DVH Extensions Hair Care & Maintenance Guide

A curated guide designed to preserve the integrity, softness, shine, and longevity of your DVH hair.

LIFESPAN
Virgin Hair Up to 1 Year
LIFESPAN
Raw Hair 2–3 Years
Whether you've chosen Virgin Hair or Raw Hair, proper care is the key to preserving its beauty, softness, and longevity. This guide covers everything you need to know from washing and styling to sleep protection and daily maintenance to help you maximise the lifespan of your DVH hair.
01

Washing

THE FIRST STEP TO LONGEVITY

How you wash your hair determines its longevity more than any other factor. Treat each wash as a deliberate ritual — never rush the process.

VIRGIN HAIR

  • Wash every 14-21 days
  • Use lukewarm water only
  • Sulfate-free shampoo required
  • Focus on scalp, not lengths
  • Rinse thoroughly for 2-3 minutes
  • Pat dry, never rub

RAW HAIR

  • Wash every 14-28 days
  • Clarifying shampoo monthly
  • Downward motion only
  • Cold water final rinse
  • Deep condition after each wash
  • Air dry when possible
02

Conditioning

RESTORING THE MOISTURE EQUILIBRIUM

Conditioning replaces the moisture lost through styling and environmental exposure. Deep conditioning is non-negotiable — it's the single most important step after washing.

VIRGIN HAIR

Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends — never the roots
Use a hydrating hair mask regularly
Use a leave-in conditioner
Alternate between moisture and protein treatments
Finish with a small amount of lightweight serum

RAW HAIR

Raw hair benefits from regular deep conditioning
Use a protein-enriched mask
Apply conditioner generously
Leave deep conditioner on for 30 minutes
Finish with a cold water rinse

TEXTURE NOTE

Curly, deep wave, kinky curly and similar textures need more moisture and conditioning than straight hair. These textures are naturally drier and benefit from weekly deep conditioning treatments and leave-in products.
03

Detangling

THE ART OF GENTLE SEPARATION

Tangling is the primary cause of shedding and matting. Proper detangling preserves individual strands and prevents the micro-tears that shorten lifespan.

VIRGIN HAIR

Detangle gently when hair is damp or lightly misted with a leave-in conditioner
Start from the ends and work upward in small 2-inch sections
Use a wide-tooth comb or a dedicated detangling brush
Never pull through knots — gently work them apart with fingers first
Detangle daily, paying extra attention to the nape area and extension attachment points

RAW HAIR

Raw hair is naturally more resilient, but regular detangling is still essential to prevent matting and breakage
Detangle regularly and always before washing, sleeping, swimming, or heat styling
Apply a detangling serum or spray before combing through
Use downward strokes only to maintain the cuticle direction
Use a wide-tooth comb or professional extension brush designed for gentle detangling
04

Sleeping

THE NIGHT RITUAL

Eight hours of friction against cotton pillowcases is the silent destroyer of hair investments. Your night ritual is the easiest way to dramatically extend lifespan.

VIRGIN HAIR

Protect hair overnight with a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve softness
Braid or twist hair loosely to prevent tangling overnight
Never sleep with wet or damp hair — it causes matting and mildew
If needed, apply a small amount of lightweight serum or oil to the ends before bed.

RAW HAIR

Raw hair should be protected overnight using the same silk or satin methods
Pineapple method (loose high bun) works well for wavy/curly textures
Avoid tight elastics — use silk scrunchies or satin-lined caps
Refresh textured hair with a light leave-in conditioner as needed
Store wigs and removable extensions properly on a stand, mannequin head, or in a satin storage bag.
05

Swimming

AQUATIC DEFENCE PROTOCOL

Chlorine and saltwater are extremely damaging to hair extensions. With proper preparation, you can enjoy the water without sacrificing your investment.

VIRGIN HAIR

Saturate hair with fresh water and apply a lightweight conditioner or leave-in treatment before swimming for added protection.
Wear a swim cap whenever possible to create a barrier
Rinse hair immediately after swimming with fresh, cool water
Cleanse thoroughly after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and product buildup.
Follow with a deep conditioning treatment after swimming to restore moisture and softness.

RAW HAIR

Prepare raw hair in the same way by thoroughly wetting it with fresh water before entering the pool or sea.
Braid hair before swimming to minimise tangling in water
Raw hair is more resilient but still needs immediate post-swim care
Cleanse thoroughly after swimming and follow with a moisturising treatment.
Protect hair from prolonged sun exposure by wearing a hat or using UV-protective hair products where possible.
06

Heat Styling

THERMAL ARCHITECTURE

Heat is both a powerful styling tool and the fastest way to destroy hair fibre. The key is temperature control, protection, and moderation.

VIRGIN HAIR

Always apply a heat protectant rated to 230°C / 450°F before styling
Use the lowest effective temperature required to achieve your desired style. Fine hair may require less heat, while coarser textures may tolerate higher settings.
Avoid unnecessary daily heat styling and prioritise heatless styling where possible.
Use a single pass technique — multiple passes over the same section cause compounding damage
Allow hair to cool completely before brushing or touching after styling

RAW HAIR

Raw hair is highly durable and can tolerate higher temperatures when used correctly, but heat protection and moderation remain essential.
Use ceramic or tourmaline tools for even heat distribution
Apply heat protectant in sections, ensuring full coverage
Air dry 80% before using a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting
Alternate between heat and heatless styling methods to extend lifespan
07

Product Recommendations

THE CURATED APOTHECARY

Not all products are created equal. The wrong formulation can strip, coat, or weigh down your hair. Here's what to look for — and what to avoid.

VIRGIN HAIR

Sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping moisture
Lightweight conditioner that hydrates without causing buildup
Leave-in conditioner for added softness, protection, and manageability
Lightweight serum or oil for shine and frizz control
Heat protectant before using hot tools
Alcohol-free styling products to help prevent dryness

RAW HAIR

Gentle shampoo to maintain cleanliness while preserving softness
Rich deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture after washing
Leave-in conditioner for added hydration and protection
Lightweight serum or oil to enhance shine and reduce frizz
Heat protectant before heat styling
Wide-tooth comb or professional extension brush for gentle detangling
THE GOLDEN RULES

Do's & Don'ts

Do

  • Invest in silk pillowcases and satin scarves
  • Deep condition after washing to maintain softness, moisture, and longevity
  • Detangle from ends to roots with a wide-tooth comb
  • Store unused extensions on a mannequin head
  • Use lukewarm water when washing and avoid excessively hot water
  • Apply heat protectant before every heat styling session
  • Apply a lightweight serum or oil to the mid-lengths and ends as needed

Don't

  • Use sulfate-heavy shampoos or clarifiers frequently
  • Sleep on cotton pillowcases without protection
  • Brush hair from roots to ends or when dry
  • Use unnecessarily high heat settings or repeatedly pass hot tools over the same section of hair
  • Neglect regular conditioning and moisture maintenance
  • Swim without pre-soaking hair in fresh water
  • Overload hair with heavy products that cause buildup and weigh the hair down
YOUR SCHEDULE

Weekly Maintenance Routine

Daily

  • Apply a lightweight serum or moisturising product
  • Gently detangle as needed
  • Silk wrap or satin bonnet at night

Weekly

  • Full detangling session
  • Inspect for tangles or matting
  • Refresh styling if needed

Wash Day (Every 14–28 Days)

  • Pre-detangle with conditioner
  • Sulfate-free shampoo wash
  • Deep condition 15–30 min
  • Leave-in conditioner application
  • Air dry or low-heat blow dry
  • Seal with lightweight oil

Monthly

  • Clarifying wash to remove buildup
  • Deep conditioning treatment
  • Inspect ends for dryness
  • Deep clean storage tools
LONGEVITY PRINCIPLES

How to Maximise Lifespan

Virgin hair can last up to 1 year. Raw hair can last 2–3 years. These six principles determine which end of that range you land on.
VIRGIN HAIR Up to 1 Year
RAW HAIR 2–3 Years
01

Consistency over intensity

Consistent care and maintenance will always outperform occasional intensive treatments.

02

Moisture is everything

Prioritise moisture and hydration to maintain softness, shine, and longevity.

03

Minimise manipulation

Every touch, brush, and style creates micro-friction. Less is more.

04

Invest in your tools

Quality brushes, combs, styling tools, and accessories help protect your investment.

05

Temperature discipline

Lower heat settings with a single pass beat high heat with multiple passes.

06

Proper storage matters

Store wigs and removable extensions on a stand, mannequin head, or in a satin storage bag when not in use.

THE APOTHECARY

Care Determines Longevity

Explore our curated collection of hair care essentials, styling tools, silk accessories, and expert-approved products designed to protect the beauty and longevity of your DVH hair.
Shop The DVH Care Collection
Up to 1 Year* VIRGIN HAIR LIFESPAN
2–3 Years* RAW HAIR LIFESPAN
*With proper care and maintenance.