The Guide

Hair Care.
Make it last for years.

Raw Indian hair is an investment. With the right routine, it will outlast anything else on the market. Here is exactly how to care for it.

The number one reason extensions stop looking good is not quality — it is care. Raw single donor hair is resilient and forgiving. Treat it with the same attention you would give your own hair, and it will reward you with years of life.

01 — Washing
Washing Your Hair

Gentle, intentional washing extends the life of your extensions significantly.

  • Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo — sulfates strip the natural oils that keep raw hair healthy and hydrated.
  • Wash in a downward motion, root to tip. Never scrub or pile the hair on top of your head — this causes tangling and friction damage.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water opens the cuticle and increases frizz and breakage over time.
  • Follow every wash with a conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on for at least two minutes before rinsing.
  • Deep condition as needed for hydration.
02 — Drying & Styling
Drying & Styling

How you dry and style your hair matters as much as how you wash it.

  • Pat dry with a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt. Regular terrycloth towels create friction and frizz.
  • Air dry whenever possible. Raw hair dries beautifully on its own and retains its natural curl pattern when left to air dry.
  • When heat styling, always apply a heat protectant first. Raw hair can handle heat — but protection prevents cumulative damage over many washes.
  • Use a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush. Start at the ends and work upward to minimize breakage.
  • Your raw hair can be colored, curled, and straightened just like your own natural hair. The cuticle is intact — it responds exactly as your own would.
03 — Storage
Storing Your Hair

Proper storage keeps your hair tangle-free and ready to install.

  • Always store your hair in a breathable bag — satin or silk bags work best. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture and cause mildew.
  • When storing loose bundles, loosely braid or fold them to maintain their shape and prevent knots.
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade and dry out even raw hair over time.
  • Never store damp or wet hair. Make sure the hair is completely dry before placing it in storage.
  • If you wear a wig, store it on a wig stand to preserve the cap shape and keep the hair lifted and aerated.
04 — Night Routine
Night Routine

What you do before bed has a direct impact on how your hair looks the next morning.

  • Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton absorbs moisture from the hair and creates friction — both of which cause frizz and breakage over time.
  • Loosely braid or twist your hair before bed to prevent tangling while you sleep.
  • Alternatively, wrap your hair in a satin bonnet or headwrap. This is the single most effective protective measure for overnight care.
  • Apply a small amount of lightweight oil (argan, jojoba, or coconut) to the ends before wrapping. This seals in moisture overnight.
  • In the morning, gently detangle starting from the ends before styling. Consistent gentle detangling prevents buildup of knots.
Sonya's Tip

I tell every client the same thing: your extensions should be getting the same attention as your own hair. They came from a real person's head. They respond the same way yours would. Take care of them like that and they will last you for years.

Invest in hair that
rewards good care.

Raw single donor hair, sourced with integrity — shop the S. Riviere collection.

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