FAQs

The preparation step before installation.

01 Why prepare extensions?

Why shouldn’t I install hair extensions straight from the pack?

Because beautifully packaged hair isn’t necessarily prepared for installation. Before reaching you, extensions may have been coloured, coated, chemically treated or finished during manufacturing. Preparing them first gives you a chance to cleanse the fibres before they are fitted close to your hair and scalp. BraidSafe® makes that step simple: a dedicated, measured soak and rinse preparation routine, developed for factory processed extensions. Think of it as Step Zero, preparation before installation.

What has independent research found in hair extensions?

A 2026 study led by Silent Spring Institute examined commercially available hair extensions and identified chemicals including certain flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and organotin compounds across the samples studied. The researchers investigated synthetic and bio based extensions, including human hair. These findings raise important questions about factory processing and what consumers know about the products they wear. That is why we believe preparation before installation deserves a place in every extension care conversation. Read the research: Read the research

What exactly is BraidSafe®?

BraidSafe® is a science led, multi action hair preparation concentrate for factory processed extensions, used before installation. It brings cleansing, chelation and pH controlled preparation together in one measured soak and rinse routine to help lift surface residues and bind certain metal ions during preparation. It is designed for the hair you are about to install, not for washing your scalp.

I already use apple cider vinegar. Why would I need BraidSafe®?

Apple cider vinegar is an acidic household rinse. But acidity is only one part of extension preparation. BraidSafe® was purpose developed for the task, combining cleansing technology, chelation and pH controlled preparation in a single concentrate. You get clear measurements, defined soaking times and a routine designed specifically for factory processed extensions. It is more than simply adding acid to water.

Why use BraidSafe® instead of simply washing the hair with shampoo?

Shampoo has an important place in hair care. BraidSafe® has a different job: preparing loose factory processed extensions before installation. Its multi action formula combines cleansing ingredients with chelation and pH control, with separate measured instructions for synthetic and processed human hair. It turns an often overlooked step into a consistent preparation routine.

Does BraidSafe® remove every chemical residue?

No single preparation method can guarantee the removal of every substance from every type of extension. BraidSafe® is formulated with science backed cleansing and chelating technology to help loosen surface residues and bind certain metal ions during a soak and rinse process. Its role is to provide a purposeful preparation step before installation, not to promise that extensions become chemical free.

What makes BraidSafe® science led?

The formula uses complementary ingredient functions rather than relying on acidity alone. Its cleansing system helps lift surface residues; chelation helps bind certain metal ions; and its pH controlled system supports a consistent preparation solution. BraidSafe® has also undergone an independent toxicological risk assessment. We explain the technology without publishing our proprietary recipe.

Is BraidSafe® a shampoo or a scalp wash?

BraidSafe® is a dedicated preparation concentrate for use before installation. You dilute it in water, soak the loose extensions, rinse and prepare them for fitting. It is not a shampoo for washing installed hair or the scalp.

02 Hair types and how to use

Which hair extensions can I prepare with BraidSafe®?

BraidSafe® has preparation instructions for both synthetic braiding hair and processed human hair wefts and wigs. Both are central to the product. Factory processing, not just fibre type, is the reason we champion preparation. Plant based extensions are also part of PrepCare Hair®’s wider preparation mission; BraidSafe® directions for those fibres are still being confirmed, so please wait for approved instructions before use.

How do I use BraidSafe® on synthetic braiding hair?

Measure 50 ml of BraidSafe® into 4 litres of warm water. Submerge the loose extensions for 10 minutes. Rinse briefly and allow to air dry or towel blot before installation. Follow the bottle instructions.

How do I use BraidSafe® on human hair wefts or wigs?

Measure 25 ml of BraidSafe® into 4 litres of warm water. Soak the loose wefts or wig hair for 5 minutes. Rinse lightly and allow the hair to air dry before installation. Follow the bottle instructions and your hair supplier’s care advice.

Will BraidSafe® damage or change my hair extensions?

BraidSafe® has been specially formulated to cleanse and prepare synthetic and processed human hair extensions before installation, while being gentle on the fibres.

In our own product trials, we observed no visible damage or colour loss on the extensions tested.

For best results, follow the dilution and soaking instructions on the bottle.

Can BraidSafe® be used to prepare children's hair extensions?

Yes, BraidSafe® is designed to prepare hair extensions before installation for adults and children. Safety has been a priority throughout its development. The formulation has undergone an independent toxicological safety assessment by qualified specialists for its intended preparation process.

When preparing extensions for children, an adult should carry out the preparation, following the instructions on the bottle.

How many treatments will I get from a 250 ml bottle?

A 250 ml bottle makes up to five synthetic hair soaking mixtures at 50 ml each, or up to ten human hair mixtures at 25 ml each. The number of bundles you can prepare in one mixture depends on their size and how fully they fit in your container.

How many bundles can I prepare at once?

It depends on the quantity and thickness of the hair and the size of your container. Use the correct dilution and enough prepared solution to submerge the extensions properly. Do not overcrowd the container.

Can I apply BraidSafe® straight from the bottle?

No. BraidSafe® is a concentrate and must be diluted exactly as directed. Do not pour the concentrate directly onto extensions or your scalp.

Can I use BraidSafe® after my extensions are installed?

BraidSafe® is designed for preparation of loose extension hair before installation. Prepare and rinse the extensions before fitting them.

Do I have to rinse the extensions after soaking?

Yes. Rinsing is part of the preparation process. Rinse as directed, then allow the extensions to dry before fitting.

Can I keep and reuse the soaking water?

For a fresh, consistent preparation routine, make a new mixture each time and discard the used soaking water after use.

What precautions should I follow?

Use externally only and as directed. Avoid contact with eyes and keep out of reach of children. The approved bottle warning states that BraidSafe® contains benzyl alcohol, which may produce an allergic reaction. Stop use if irritation occurs. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

03 Buying, preorders and delivery

How much does BraidSafe® cost?

BraidSafe® is £19.99 for a 250 ml bottle. Our first production batch is limited.

Can I preorder BraidSafe®?

Yes, where the preorder option is shown as available on our website. A preorder reserves a bottle from our first production batch before it is ready for immediate dispatch. You will receive an order confirmation after successful checkout.

When will my preorder arrive?

We are preparing to begin dispatching preorders in the middle of November 2026. Our advertised delivery commitment for this preorder launch is by 30 November 2026. We will email you when your order is dispatched, with tracking information where available. If an order is at risk of missing that date, we will contact the customer promptly with an update and the available options.

Is delivery free?

FREE UK delivery until 15 November 2026. UK delivery is £3.99 from 16 November 2026. The delivery charge applicable to your address and order will be clearly shown at checkout before payment.

Will I get tracking information?

You will receive an order confirmation after checkout. Once your parcel is dispatched, we will send delivery or tracking information through the available notification service.

Can I change my delivery address after placing an order?

Please email info@prepcarehair.co.uk as soon as possible with your order number and the change requested. We will do our best to update the details before fulfilment processing begins, but changes may not be possible once an order is being packed or shipped.

What if my parcel arrives damaged, leaks or does not arrive?

Email info@prepcarehair.co.uk with your order number. For damaged or leaking items, photographs are helpful. We will investigate promptly and arrange the appropriate remedy, including a replacement or refund where required.

04 Cancellations, returns and support

Can I cancel a preorder?

Yes. Email info@prepcarehair.co.uk with your order number before dispatch. If the order has not been shipped, we will cancel it and refund the amount paid to your original payment method.

What if I change my mind after delivery?

For most online purchases, you have 14 days after receiving your order to notify us that you wish to cancel, followed by another 14 days to send it back. Contact us first for return instructions. Your statutory rights remain in place. Any exception relating to sealed goods applies only when the relevant legal conditions are met.

Who pays for return postage?

For a change of mind return, you are responsible for the direct return cost where this has been explained before purchase. If the goods are faulty or not as described, we will meet the return costs when required by law.

When will my refund be processed?

Refunds are made to your original payment method. Where a return is required, we process eligible refunds within the applicable statutory period, generally no later than 14 days after receiving the goods back or evidence that they were sent back, whichever is earlier.

Where should I return a bottle?

Please email info@prepcarehair.co.uk with your order number first. We will provide the correct returns address and instructions. Do not send returns to the address on the bottle label unless we specifically tell you to.

How can I contact PrepCare Hair®?

Email info@prepcarehair.co.uk. For an existing order, include your order number so we can help more quickly.