Which hairbrush for extensions? The best tools in comparison

Do you recognise this? You've finally fulfilled your dream of long, full hair and had your new extensions fitted. But after just a few days you realise: Something is wrong. The hair is knotting, individual strands are slipping out or the whole thing just doesn't feel as smooth as it did on the first day.

Often the problem is not the extensions themselves, but the wrong hairbrush for extensions. Yes, that's right, your normal hairbrush can actually do more harm than good! Let me explain why this is the case and how you can find the perfect extension hairbrush.

Why your normal brush is damaging your extensions

Just imagine: Your extensions are like an expensive silk dress. You wouldn't treat it with a coarse brush, would you? It's the same with your extensions. The connection points between your own hair and the extensions are like small, delicate knots. The wrong brush pulls and tugs on them - and then the expensive strand is in the brush instead of on your head.

Unfortunately, I see it far too often in our salon: customers come to us frustrated and tell us that their extensions are starting to fall out after just a few weeks. When we then ask which brush they use, the answer is usually: "Well, the same as always." And that's the first mistake!

What makes a good extension hairbrush?

Okay, let's be honest: extensions aren't exactly cheap. You've invested - in time, money and the dream of beautiful hair. So why should you skimp on care? A good extension hairbrush is like insurance for your hair extensions.

The bristles make the difference

Do you know what the biggest difference is between a normal hairbrush and a hairbrush for extensions? The bristles! They should be as flexible as a cat, supple but still strong enough to do their job. Bristles that are too hard are like a bull in a china shop: They crack your expensive Bonding sites or remove your tapes.

I always advise my clients: "Imagine you're brushing a newborn baby. You should be that gentle with your extensions."

The shape is crucial

Not all brushes are born equal. Some are thick and bulky, others slim and elegant. For extensions, you need the elegant type - a brush that gently winds through your hair without getting caught everywhere.

The different types of brushes: Which is your type?

The paddle brush - the all-rounder

Imagine you have very long extensions (from shoulder length upwards). One Paddle brush is your best friend. It is wide enough to handle large amounts of hair, but gentle enough to protect your extensions.

One of my regular customers, Sarah, swears by it. She has super thick, long extensions and recently told me: "Alina, this paddle brush has changed my life!"It used to take me ages to comb through my hair, now I can do it in five minutes."

Good for you if:

• You have longer extensions
• You like it quick and uncomplicated
• You have thick hair

Not so optimal if:

• You wear very short extensions
• You love precise styling

The loop brush - the specialist

This is the luxury saloon among extension brushes, so to speak. These brushes were developed exclusively for us extension wearers. The special loop bristles glide over your bonds and tapes as if they weren't even there.

Yes, it costs a little more. But let's be honest: if you have already spent several hundred euros on your extensions, the 40-50 euros for a good extension hairbrush are really well invested.

Perfect for you if:

• You want to play it safe
• You wear bonding extensions
• You are prepared to invest a little more

The wet brush - for the shower and afterwards

Oh, this is a tricky subject! How often do I hear: "Can I wet brush my extensions?" The answer is: It depends! With the right brush yes, with the wrong one please don't.

Wet extensions are like wet noodles - super sensitive. A special wet brush is specially designed to glide through wet hair without causing damage.

Extension comb vs. extension hairbrush - what do you really need?

Okay, let's talk straight: Do you really need both? The honest answer: Actually, yes!

Imagine the hairbrush is like your everyday car, practical, reliable and perfect for most situations. The extension comb is then your sports car - when you need precision, you can't avoid it.

When do you use an extension comb?

• Parting your hair in the morning (and yes, even with extensions you sometimes have to part your hair again!)
• If you're doing an updo
• For small lumps that are too stubborn for the brush
• If you want to divide your hair into sections

When is the extension hairbrush your hero?

• For daily care (morning and evening)
• If you want to get through your mane quickly
• For styling with the hairdryer
• If you want to do something good for your scalp

The handle comb - the secret tool of the pros

I'll let you in on a secret from our salon: without Handle comb nothing works here! This inconspicuous little chap is worth his weight in gold. Its thin tip reaches everywhere where thicker tools have to surrender.

A customer came to me the other day and asked: "Alina, how do you make sure my extensions always fit so perfectly?" The secret? The root comb! I use it to check every single connection point, part with millimetre precision and loosen even the most stubborn mini tangles.

What you should look out for:

• Not too sharp (you don't want to hurt yourself!)
• Antistatic (otherwise your hair will just dance around your ears)
• Smooth surface (rough combs are like sandpaper for your extensions)

How to brush your extensions correctly - the step-by-step guide

Okay, now it's getting practical! I'm going to show you how I teach my clients how to brush their hair properly. It's actually quite simple if you know how to do it.

Step 1: Preparation is everything

Divide your hair into three to four sections. Yes, I know, it costs an extra two minutes. But believe me, those two minutes will save you hours of detangling later!

Step 2: From bottom to top - always!

That's the be-all and end-all! I always tell my clients: "Imagine you're climbing a ladder, rung by rung." Start at the top and work your way up centimetre by centimetre.

Step 3: Protect the joints

Here's the most important trick: hold the hair above your bonds or tapes. This will take the pressure off the connection points. Your extensions will thank you for it!

Step 4: Patience, patience, patience

I know, mornings often have to be quick. But believe me: ten minutes of gentle brushing is better than two minutes of rough brushing and then hours of repair work.

The most common brush failures (and how to avoid them)

Fail #1: "I brush my extensions just like my normal hair"

Oh no! That's like treating a Ferrari like a tractor. Extensions need velvet gloves, not work gloves.

Fail #2: "Wet brushing is fine"

Please don't! Unless you have a special wet brush. Wet extensions are extremely sensitive. It's like wet paper - one wrong pull and everything tears.

Fail #3: "From top to bottom is logical"

Sounds logical, but it's wrong! You're pushing all the nodes in the direction of your joints. It's like a traffic jam on the motorway - at some point nothing works.

Care for your extension hairbrush - it cares for you too!

Your hairbrush for extensions is a working tool. And like any good tool, it needs care to last a long time.

Weekly basic cleaning

Once a week you should remove all the hair from your brush. Sounds disgusting? Sometimes it is! But it has to be done. Old hair collects dirt and oils - and you don't want to work that back into your freshly washed extensions.

Monthly spring cleaning

Once a month, I treat my brushes to a bubble bath. A little mild shampoo, warm water, gentle kneading - done! I then leave them to dry overnight.

Buying advice: What should you invest?

Let's be honest: extensions are expensive. Care doesn't have to make you poor, but you shouldn't save money completely either.

For the small purse (15-30 euros)

You can also find good extension hairbrushes on a small budget. Look out for flexible bristles and solid workmanship. Brands aren't everything - sometimes the cheap alternative is just as good!

The golden mean (30-60 euros)

Here you will find the best value for money. High-quality materials, often ergonomic handles and usually a small guarantee. My recommendation for most extension wearers.

Premium League (60+ Euro)

You're playing in the Champions League here! Professional brushes, often with special technologies or made from exclusive materials. If you wear extensions professionally or simply want the best of the best.

Special tips for different extension types

Do you wear bonding extensions?

Then loop brushes are your best friend! The special loop bristles glide over your keratin bonds as if they were silk. Never - and I emphasise NEVER - use a round brush! It wraps around your bonds and then the mess is perfect.

Are tape extensions your thing?

Paddle brushes are great here! They distribute the pressure evenly and glide gently over your tape areas. And the handle comb will be your constant companion, perfect for checking the tapes and loosening small adhesions.

Clip-in extensions for special occasions?

You have more room for manoeuvre! As they are only temporary, you can be more experimental. Nevertheless, clip-ins also deserve respect and gentle treatment.

Problems and solutions from everyday salon life

"My extensions are constantly tangled!"

I hear that at least once a week. It's usually due to the wrong technique or the wrong brush. My tip: brush more often, but more gently. Better two minutes three times a day than ten minutes once with force.

"Extensions are constantly falling out!"

Ouch! That hurts - in your wallet and in your heart. It's often caused by overly aggressive brushes. Switch to a gentle extension hairbrush and reduce the pressure. Your extensions should be stroked, not scrubbed.

"My hair is totally static!"

The classic in winter! An antistatic brush can work wonders. Or you can use a few drops of hair oil before brushing. But be careful: not on the joints!

My personal recommendations after 10 years of experience

After more than ten years in the business and thousands of satisfied customers, I've learnt a thing or two. Here are my honest recommendations:

For beginners: Start with a good paddle brush and an extension comb. These are the basics you can't go wrong with.

For professionals: Invest in a loop brush! Yes, it costs more, but it lasts for years and is gentle on your extensions.

For everyone: A handle comb belongs in every handbag! It saves you in so many situations.

Your extensions deserve the best

Let's be honest: you have invested time, money and love in your extensions. They give you self-confidence, make you shine and fulfil your dream of long, full hair. So why should you skimp on maintenance?

A good hairbrush for extensions is not an expense, it's an investment. In your beauty, in your extensions and in your well-being. Because nothing is worse than standing in front of the mirror frustrated because everything is tangled.

The right extension hairbrush, combined with an extension comb and handle comb, is your dream team for perfect extensions. Trust me, after ten years in the industry, I know what I'm talking about!

Do you need help? I am here!

If you have any questions or are unsure which brush is right for you, just give me a call! I will be happy to advise you personally and work with you to find the perfect hairbrush for extensions.

Because at the end of the day, it's all about one thing: that you feel comfortable with your extensions and love them just as much as you did on the first day. And I'll do anything for that!

Your extensions are worth it, and so are you!