EST 2009 M’BARDOT THE SALON

Care Guide

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General CareHair Loss SolutionsLuxury ExtensionsVacation + LifestyleTroubleshooting + FAQsSupportConfidence Circle

Home Maintenance Care Plan

If you take care of her, she will take care of you.

We’re so excited you’ve chosen a solution that’s not only beautiful but built to support you. Whether you’re wearing a Hair Loss Solution or Luxury Extensions, this guide protects your investment, maintains the integrity of your natural hair and scalp, and keeps you confident between visits. Consistency is everything — bookmark this page and come back to it any time a question pops up.

General Care Guidelines

The daily habits and best practices that apply no matter which method you’re wearing — the foundation for healthy, beautiful results.

Sleep + Brushing Habits

• Always brush gently before bed and in the morning using an extension-safe brush. Focus on separating and smoothing your natural hair and your piece, especially around the connection points.
• Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail secured with a soft scrunchie to prevent tangling or matting.
• Consider a silk or satin pillowcase, or a silk bonnet, to reduce friction and preserve hair quality.

Water, Heat & Exercise

• Avoid submerging your piece or extensions in water (pools, hot tubs, oceans) unless cleared by your stylist.
• When washing, always keep tension off the piece or extension base — support the hair at the root, and rinse thoroughly to avoid buildup.
• After intense workouts or sweating, dry the root area completely to prevent moisture retention, odor, or bacteria near the scalp.
• Always use a heat protectant when styling with hot tools, and avoid high direct heat on the beads or connection points.

When to Contact Your Stylist

• If your piece or extensions feel uncomfortable, itchy, or tight beyond the first 48 hours.
• If you experience excessive shedding, slipping, or movement.
• If you’re unsure how to wash or style your hair — or want to check a product before using it.

Recommended Products

• Only sulfate-free, paraben-free, extension-safe shampoos and conditioners.
• Avoid silicones and argan oil, serums, or masks near the base / bead line — these can cause slippage.
• Lightweight leave-in conditioners and detangling sprays approved by your stylist.
• Always finish with a heat protectant before blow drying or styling with hot tools.

Want to double-check a product? Give us a call — we’re happy to look at the ingredient list with you.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Tangling at the root or around the connection points
• A strong odor or mildew smell from dampness
• Sudden sensitivity, bumps, or scalp irritation
• Bald spots forming or increasing shed outside the normal cycle

If you notice any of these, pause all home maintenance immediately and reach out to your stylist for guidance.

Hair Loss Solutions

For guests wearing integrated hair pieces such as toppers or crown coverage systems, designed to blend naturally and restore confidence.

Pull-Through Routine

• At least once a day (twice is ideal), use your crochet hook to gently pull-through sections and ensure no tangling has occurred in your natural hair beneath your piece.
• Starting at the partline down to the sides and moving square by square, use a gentle scooping motion to lift out the natural hair.
• Once integrated, gently brush over the netting with your extension-safe brush to finish.

Pro tip: pulling through at least once a day, plus brushing morning and night, is non-negotiable. It takes 2–3 minutes and prevents long-term damage.

Washing Forward

• Wash leaning forward over the sink or tub rather than flipping your head backward — this lets the stronger anchor hairs at the crown support the weight of the wet piece.
• Be gentle with water pressure and use your fingers to massage product into the scalp in downward motions.
• Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and no bubbles remain.

Styling Guidelines

• Blow-dry the root area first, making sure the base of the piece is completely dry before moving to the ends.
• Use a round or paddle brush on medium heat — never high — and always apply heat protectant first.
• Avoid pulling or tugging too hard at the attachment points; skip oils or thick serums near the beads.

Protective Products

• Lightweight leave-in conditioners
• Sulfate-free shampoo + conditioner
• Heat protectants before blow drying or hot tools
• No heavy oils or thick masks at the base

4–6 wks

Plan on a full refresh roughly every 4 weeks depending on your rate of hair growth. Faster-growing hair may need a bump-down sooner — never exceed 6 weeks between professional maintenance visits.

Do Not DIY the Removal

• Never attempt to remove, reposition, or reattach your piece yourself.
• These systems are customized to your hair pattern and scalp condition — DIY removal can cause bald spots, tension damage, or permanent hair loss.

Luxury Extensions

For guests wearing premium, professional extensions designed to add fullness, volume, and length.

Daily Brushing

• Brush twice daily using an extension-safe brush, starting at the ends and working up while supporting the root with your other hand.
• Gently separate each row or section with your fingers to make sure your natural hair isn’t wrapping or matting around the wefts or bonds.
• Be extra cautious sleeping or exercising — keep hair secured in a loose bun, braid, or ponytail.

Brushing is the #1 way to avoid matting, tangling, and tension damage.

Washing Tips + Guidelines

• Wash upright in the shower with cool to warm water — avoid hot temperatures.
• Support your extensions at the root while shampooing, and massage in vertical motions (no circular scrubbing).
• Sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo at the scalp; conditioner from mid-shaft to ends only.

After washing, blot gently with a towel and never rough-dry the hair.

Styling Guidelines

• Always apply heat protectant before blow drying or using hot tools.
• Blow dry the root area completely to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to bacteria or odor.
• Medium heat only — keep direct heat off the bead / bond / attachment point.
• To preserve curls or waves overnight, sleep in a loose braid or use soft rollers.

Protective Products

• Sulfate-free shampoos & conditioners
• Leave-in conditioners (mid-shaft to ends only)
• Thermal protectant sprays
• Dry shampoo at the roots to extend wash days

Avoid: heavy oils or serums near the scalp, and products with alcohol, parabens, or sulfates.

6–8 wks

Luxury Extensions must be professionally maintained every 6–8 weeks depending on your natural hair growth and method used. 8 weeks is the maximum time to go without a visit.

Do Not DIY the Removal

Your extensions are custom-installed and aligned to your unique growth pattern and density. Removing or reinstalling them at home risks:

• Breakage
• Bald spots
• Tangling so severe it requires cutting

Please don’t use pliers, scissors, or tools of any kind to remove or adjust your extensions.

Vacation + Lifestyle Care

Beach days, spa days, or your best sweaty life — how to protect your hair investment in real-world scenarios.

Swimming — Before You Get In

• Braid or tightly secure your hair in a low bun before going near water.
• Fully saturate your hair with clean, cold tap water before entering any pool, lake, ocean, or hot tub — this limits how much salt or chlorine your hair absorbs.
• Coat mid-shaft to ends with a leave-in conditioner or protective spray as a moisture barrier.
• Wear a swim cap or scarf if full submersion is likely. Treat this step like sunscreen for your hair — don’t skip it.

Swimming — What to Avoid

• Don’t dive, dunk, or swim underwater with your piece or extensions.
• Avoid floating on your back with hair trailing in the water.
• Don’t let salt, chlorine, or spa chemicals touch the attachment zones — they weaken bonds, dry out the hair, and fade color quickly.
• Never sit in a hot tub with your hair down — the heat + chemical combo is extremely damaging.

If Your Hair Gets Wet — Post-Swim Rescue

1. Rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water as soon as possible to flush out salt, chlorine, or spa water.
2. Apply a gentle, extension-safe shampoo to clarify without stripping.
3. Do not scrub the base or roots — cleanse mid-shaft to ends with downward motions.
4. Apply a conditioning mask to the mid-lengths and ends; let it sit 5–10 minutes, then brush through.
5. Rinse thoroughly and gently blot with a towel — no rubbing or twisting.
6. Blow-dry the base completely before air-drying the rest. A damp root can lead to odor, bacteria, or slippage.
7. Follow with leave-in conditioner and a heat protectant if styling.

Hair still feels heavy, coated, or dry? Reach out — we may recommend a clarifying detox or deep conditioning treatment in the salon.

Beach Days + Outdoors

• UV rays can fade color-treated hair and dry out extensions or your piece.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, scarf, or UV protectant spray to shield your hair.
• Sand causes tangling and buildup at the root — shake out and brush thoroughly once back inside.

Steam Rooms & Saunas

• High heat dries out hair, and extreme moisture can create an environment for mildew or bacteria if hair stays damp too long.
• Wrap hair in a dry towel or sweat-wicking wrap to protect the base.
• After sweating, always fully blow-dry the root area — leaving it damp can lead to odor or fungal issues.

Sunscreen Safety

Many sunscreens contain ingredients that can wreak havoc on blonde or ashy-toned hair, extensions and pieces included. Watch out for:

• Avobenzone
• Oxybenzone

These can oxidize in heat and sunlight, turning light extensions orangey-pink or brassy — sometimes permanently. If your tone shifts, don’t panic, but reach out ASAP. The sooner we address it, the easier it is to correct.

Post-Vaca Detox

After any trip with extra sun, sweat, or exposure to different water types:

• Clarify gently with a stylist-approved detox shampoo
• Use a deep conditioning mask (mid-shaft to ends only)
• Book a refresh or maintenance visit if anything feels off, heavy, or dry

Troubleshooting + FAQs

Not everything goes perfectly 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Here’s how to tell what’s normal, what needs attention, and what to do next.

Product Buildup + Dryness

• If your hair starts to smell musty, feels heavy, or won’t hold a style, it may need a clarifying rinse or root refresh.
• Avoid using dry shampoo or scalp sprays excessively near the base — this can create buildup and suffocate the scalp.
• Let your stylist know if you’re dealing with extra scalp oil, odor, or flaking — we’ll help rebalance your routine.

What to Avoid

• No sleeping with wet hair
• No round brushing or blow drying the base with extreme heat
• No rough towel drying
• No DIY removal or refits
• No high ponytails in the first week

Common Red Flags & Likely Causes

Matting or tangling at the base

Possible causes

• Skipping daily brushing or not sectioning properly
• Sleeping with hair down or wet
• Swimming without proper protection
• Heavy or silicone-based products causing buildup

Sudden itching, bumps, or loose pieces

Possible causes

• Improper drying or washing technique (moisture trapped at the root)
• Low-quality or incompatible products
• Excessive tension from tight hairstyles
• A stitch missed or improper placement during install

Beads sliding or sticking out

Possible causes

• Styling too tightly, or frequent tight buns/ponytails
• Beads not properly clamped during install (stylist error)

Any pain, tenderness, or discomfort

Possible causes

• Excessive tension placed during install (stylist error)
• Hair pulled too tightly during drying, brushing, or styling
• Improper sleeping or brushing habits causing tugging at the root

Frequently Asked Questions

My scalp is itchy — is that normal?+

Some mild itching in the first 24 hours is possible. If it lasts longer than a single day, seems constant, becomes painful, or comes with bumps or redness, reach out to your stylist as soon as possible. What if I get my hair wet in the ocean or pool by accident?+

Rinse with clean water ASAP, blot gently with a towel, and dry the base thoroughly. It’s probably fine, but if you notice excessive dryness or tangling, contact your stylist — we may recommend a clarifying treatment to restore balance. Can I color or tone my extensions or piece at home?+

Please don’t. While the hair is high quality, it reacts differently than your natural hair. All coloring should be done by your stylist to avoid unpredictable results. How do I know what products are safe to use?+

Stick to the approved product list in this guide, or call your stylist before trying anything new. When in doubt, avoid oils, sulfates, parabens, and heavy sprays. Can I take my piece or extensions out myself?+

No. DIY removal can cause breakage, bald spots, or damage to your scalp and natural hair. Always let your stylist handle removals and reattachments. How do I know when it’s time for a maintenance visit?+

If you’re at the 4–6 week mark (toppers/pieces) or 6–8 week mark (extensions), notice any looseness, or feel discomfort, it’s time. We recommend scheduling in advance to avoid gaps in care. Why does my hair feel heavy or won’t hold style anymore?+

You may have product buildup, oil near the base, or trapped moisture. We can do a detox rinse or light refresh to reset the hair and get it feeling light and fresh again.

Support + Follow Up

We’re not just here for the install — we’re with you for the entire journey. If something doesn’t feel quite right, please don’t guess.

Call the salon

586.598.9060

This line connects you to your stylist or a member of our team. We’ll get you the guidance or support you need.

Call the salon

Tue–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri 10am–6pm · Sat 9am–4pm · Closed Sun & Mon

♥

The Confidence Circle

Refer & Earn — our signature referral program. For every new guest you refer, we reward you both.

How to Earn

Share the love, and it comes back around.

$20

For leaving us an honest Google review. One reward per guest.

$100

For referring a friend for an Extension service. They get $100 off a Full or Extra Full install — you get $100 off your next install.

Before you go, remember

Your hair should never be a source of stress — it should be a celebration.

Keep this guide close. Use it whenever a question pops up. And most of all, remember: you’re not doing this alone. You’ve got a team behind you, ready to support every braid, blowout, and bounce.

xoxo, Stephanie Miller

M’Bardot the Salon · Chesterfield, MIBookmark this page for easy access before your next visit.

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