Professional Care Requirements for Maintaining Steamed Curl Patterns

Our curly extensions are crafted using a professional steaming process, meaning the curl pattern is not naturally occurring and must be treated with care to maintain its shape, elasticity and longevity.

Improper handling — especially when wet — can permanently stretch out or relax the curls.

Please follow this aftercare strictly.

THE SCIENCE OF STEAMED CURLS (Important)

Iconic Mane curly hair is steamed to create the curl pattern. This means:

- The curl can loosen if over-brushed, over-washed or over-conditioned.
- Friction, heat or rough handling when wet can pull out the pattern.
- Hydration and correct styling techniques help the curls spring back and stay defined.

Because steamed curls behave differently from raw/natural curls, they require a slower, gentler styling routine.
HOW TO STYLE CURLY EXTENSIONS FROM WET (Step-by-Step)
1. Detangle BEFORE getting the hair wet

Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb only.
Never detangle soaking wet curly extensions — this stretches the curl.

2. Wash Using Downward Motions Only
- Wash in the shower, upright.
- Smooth shampoo down the hair shaft.
- Never scrub or rough the curls together.

3. Condition Mid-Lengths to Ends
- Keep away from bonds.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Do not leave heavy conditioner sitting on the hair — this weighs curls down and loosens the pattern.

4. Squeeze, Don’t Rub
- Use a microfibre towel.
- Scrunch upwards very gently to encourage the curl to reform.
- Never twist or wring curly extensions.

5. Apply Curl Products on Damp Hair
Recommended products:
- Lightweight leave-in conditioner
- Curl cream
- Curl-defining gel or mousse (optional)
- Avoid heavy oils and thick butters — they collapse steamed curls.
 

Application method:
- Apply in sections.
- Smooth product downwards.
- Gently scrunch upwards to re-activate the curl.

6. Drying - The Most Important Part

Curly extensions MUST NOT be left to fully air-dry at the root.

Dry the bonds first:

Use a cool—medium hairdryer at the roots to prevent moisture-related matting.

To dry the lengths:
Choose one of the following:
Option A — Diffuser (Recommended):
- Low heat, low airflow
- Cup curls in the diffuser
- Hold without shaking
- Allow curls to set in place

Option B — Air Drying the Ends:
You may air-dry the lengths only, once the roots/bonds are fully dry.
Do NOT sleep with damp curls.

7. Breaking the Cast & Final Shaping
If using gel/mousse:
- Wait until fully dry
- Gently scrunch to soften the “cast”
- Do not use brushes — only fingers

DAILY CURL MAINTENANCE (Between Washes)
Refresh Method
- Lightly mist the curls with water or a curl refresher spray
- Reapply a small amount of curl cream
- Scrunch upwards to re-form spirals
- Allow to air dry or diffuse lightly

Avoid Overnight Friction
- Use a satin/ silk pillowcase
- Loosely pineapple or braid the hair
- Never sleep with wet or damp curls

WHAT WILL DAMAGE THE STEAMED CURL PATTERN

- Brushing curls when wet

- Using normal bristle brushes on curls (use only wide-tooth comb or fingers)

- Heavy oils/butters that weigh curls down

- High heat (over 180°C / 350°F)

- Rough towel drying

- Sleeping with damp hair

- Over-washing (dries out curls and relaxes pattern)

- Chlorine/saltwater exposure without protection

- Not drying the root area properly

These actions can permanently straighten or distort the steamed pattern and void the longevity expectations.