Hair Care Guide
Raw Hair Care Guide
Ondibu hair is an investment. With proper care, our raw Indian hair extensions can remain soft, full, and beautiful for years. Because raw hair is not mass-produced or heavily processed, it should be cared for with the same attention you would give to your natural hair.
This guide explains how to wash, condition, style, and maintain your Ondibu hair for the best long-term results.
Before Installing Your Hair
Always inspect your hair before installation. We recommend gently washing and conditioning your extensions before your appointment to refresh the hair and allow the natural texture to fully reveal itself.
Raw hair may vary slightly from bundle to bundle because each piece is naturally sourced. Texture, wave pattern, curl pattern, color, and fullness may have subtle differences. This is normal and part of what makes raw hair look natural and realistic.
How to Wash Raw Indian Hair Extensions
Wash your Ondibu hair using a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo. Gently work the shampoo through the hair in a downward motion. Avoid rough scrubbing, twisting, or bunching the hair together, as this can cause tangling.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. For curly and wavy textures, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle while the hair is wet and coated with conditioner.
Conditioning Your Hair
Conditioning is one of the most important steps in maintaining raw hair. Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner after every wash. Allow the conditioner to sit for several minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
For deeper hydration, use a deep conditioner as needed, especially if you wear your hair curled, colored, heat-styled, or exposed to dry weather.
Detangling Tips
Always detangle your hair gently. Start from the ends and work your way up toward the weft or attachment area. Never begin detangling from the top, as this can cause unnecessary shedding and tension.
For best results, use:
- A wide-tooth comb
- A detangling brush made for extensions
- A moisturizing leave-in conditioner
- A light hair serum or oil when needed
How to Care for Wavy and Curly Textures
Wavy, wavy-curly, natural curly, and super curly textures require more moisture than straight hair. To maintain definition, lightly mist the hair with water and apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream as needed.
Avoid using too much product. Heavy creams, gels, oils, and buildup can weigh the hair down and make it appear dull. Raw hair performs best when it is clean, moisturized, and not overloaded with product.
Heat Styling
Ondibu raw hair can be heat styled, but heat should be used responsibly. Always apply a heat protectant before using a flat iron, curling iron, wand, or blow dryer.
Excessive heat can dry out the hair over time. To preserve the softness and longevity of your extensions, use moderate heat settings and avoid daily heat styling whenever possible.
Can Ondibu Hair Be Colored?
Raw Indian hair can typically be colored or lifted by a professional stylist. However, coloring is a chemical process and can affect the condition, texture, and longevity of the hair if not done correctly.
We strongly recommend having all color services performed by a licensed professional who has experience working with raw hair extensions. Always perform a strand test before coloring the full install.
Sleeping With Your Extensions
Never sleep with wet hair. Before bed, make sure your hair is fully dry and gently detangled.
For straight and wavy textures, wrap the hair or loosely braid it before sleeping. For curly textures, use loose braids, twists, or a pineapple method to help preserve curl definition.
Always sleep with a silk or satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to reduce friction and help maintain softness.
Swimming and Vacation Care
Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and sweat can affect the feel and performance of hair extensions. If you swim, wet the hair with clean water first and apply a leave-in conditioner before entering the pool or ocean.
After swimming, rinse the hair as soon as possible and follow with shampoo and conditioner. Do not allow chlorine or salt water to dry into the hair.
Product Buildup
If your hair feels heavy, coated, stiff, or dull, it may have product buildup. Wash the hair thoroughly and follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Avoid using too many oils, edge controls, gels, or heavy styling creams directly on the hair.
How Long Does Raw Hair Last?
With proper care, Ondibu raw hair can last for years. Longevity depends on how the hair is maintained, how often it is worn, how much heat or color is used, and whether the hair is properly washed, conditioned, and stored between installs.
To get the best long-term wear, treat your extensions as an investment. Gentle handling, regular moisture, professional installs, and proper storage all help preserve the quality of the hair.
How to Store Your Hair
When your extensions are not installed, wash and fully dry the hair before storing it. Keep the hair detangled and place it in a satin bag, silk bag, or breathable storage pouch.
Avoid storing damp hair, as this can cause odor, mildew, matting, or damage.
Quick Care Tips
- Wash and condition before installation.
- Use sulfate-free, moisturizing products.
- Detangle from ends to roots.
- Do not sleep with wet hair.
- Use heat protectant before styling.
- Avoid heavy product buildup.
- Keep curly textures moisturized.
- Use silk or satin at night.
- Store hair clean, dry, and detangled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my raw hair extensions?
Wash your extensions as needed based on product buildup, sweat, styling habits, and wear. If the hair feels heavy, dry, coated, or difficult to style, it is time to wash and condition it.
Can I use oil on raw hair?
Yes, but use oil lightly. Too much oil can weigh the hair down and create buildup. A small amount of lightweight oil or serum can help add shine and reduce dryness.
Why does raw hair vary from bundle to bundle?
Raw hair is naturally sourced, so each bundle may have slight differences in texture, color, fullness, and pattern. These natural variations are normal and help the hair blend more realistically.
Can I straighten curly or wavy raw hair?
Yes, raw hair can be straightened with heat. Always use a heat protectant and avoid excessive heat to help preserve the hair’s softness and longevity.
Will curly hair need more maintenance?
Yes. Curly and wavy-curly textures usually require more moisture, detangling, and daily care than straight textures. This is normal for textured hair.
Can I color Ondibu hair?
Raw Indian hair can typically be colored by a professional stylist. We recommend a strand test first and professional coloring only, especially for lifting or blonde results.
What causes tangling?
Tangling can be caused by dryness, product buildup, sleeping without protection, improper detangling, chlorine, salt water, or lack of regular conditioning.
How do I make my hair last longer?
Keep the hair moisturized, avoid excessive heat, detangle gently, wash out buildup, sleep with silk or satin, and store the hair properly between installs.
Need Help?
If you are unsure how to care for your specific texture, contact us before using new products, coloring the hair, or making major changes to your extensions.
Ready to Shop?
Explore Ondibu’s curated collection of raw Indian hair bundles, tape-in extensions, clip-ins, and bulk hair.