AFTERCARE GUIDE
OWNER'S MANUAL
WRITTEN BY JOHN SCOTT
14 SECTIONS
DAILY · WEEKLY · MONTHLY
FORT COLLINS · 2026

TAKE CARE OF ITit takes care of you.

Welcome to your hair replacement journey. The system on your head is built to look and live like real hair — but only if you treat it right. This is the playbook. Daily care, washing, styling, repair, and the exact products I recommend. No stone unturned.

Open The Guide ↓Book Maintenance →
The Guide

Fourteen sections.
Read in order.

01 — The Daily Rhythm

Daily maintenance.

Combing

  • Use a detangling brush (a Wet Brush is ideal) every morning and after any physical activity. Prevents knots and tangles that pull on the base.
  • Brush from the tips first, working up to the roots. Gentle pressure only — never yank.

Moisturizing

  • Apply a light leave-in conditioner daily. Pureology Color Fanatic 21 Essential Benefits is a workhorse — protects color, adds slip, never weighs the hair down.
  • Do not over-wash. Frequent washing strips moisture and natural oils.
— Frequency —

Shampoo only once every 10–14 days. Anything more dries the hair and fades the color fast.

02 — The Wash Day

Shampoo & conditioning.

Shampooing

  • Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo. Biolage Color Last cleanses without stripping moisture or color.
  • Always use cold water. Hot water breaks down adhesives and weakens hair fibers.
  • Frequency: once every 10–14 days. Over-shampooing dries the hair and fades color fast.

Conditioning

  • Condition once a week with Biolage Color Last Conditioner. Pairs with the shampoo for color longevity and softness.
  • Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
03 — Fresh, Clean, Healthy

Managing smell.

If you notice any odor coming from your hair system, schedule a maintenance session with me right away. Odors come from sweat, product buildup, or trapped moisture — addressing them professionally keeps your system fresh, clean, and healthy.

Drying thoroughly

  • After washing, always air dry fully or use a hairdryer on the coolest setting. High heat damages the system and shortens its lifespan.
  • The system must be completely dry before reapplying adhesive or tape. Trapped moisture is the #1 cause of unwanted odors.
— Reach Out —

If you notice any persistent smell or discomfort, contact me. We'll perform a deep clean and bring the system back to optimal condition.

04 — In The Water

Showering with it.

  • Shampoo only every 10–14 days. Sulfate-free, color-safe.
  • Condition no more than once a week. Daily leave-in keeps hydration between washes.
  • Water temperature: always cold. Hot water weakens the bond and damages the fibers.
  • Drying: pat with a towel and air dry. If you must blow-dry, coolest setting only.
  • Hard water: install a water-softener shower head. Prevents mineral buildup, dryness, and tangling.
05 — Holding It Down

Installation & touch-ups.

Adhesives

  • Ghost Bond Classic is my go-to adhesive for at-home touch-ups and full reinstalls.
  • Clean the scalp and base with 99% alcohol or C22 Solvent before reapplying. Remove all residue.
  • Walker Ultra Hold Tape — minis or contour shapes that fit your hairline. Remove old tape slowly and gently.

Reinstallations

  • Come into the studio every 3–4 weeks for a professional reinstall. Book ahead.
  • Maintaining at home? Reinstall every 7–10 days with the recommended adhesives.
  • Using tape? Change it every 7 days to prevent breakdown and protect the base.
06 — Be Gentle

Base care & longevity.

  • Be especially careful with thin-skin bases — they're prone to tearing.
  • When removing adhesive tape, run hot water over the tape to loosen the bond, then slowly peel.
  • If a rip happens, it's usually fixable — but prevention is better. Use Ghost Bond sparingly and clean the base thoroughly between applications.
07 — The Field Repair

Fixing a lift.

Materials

  • Cotton balls
  • 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Ghost Bond Classic adhesive
  • Hairdryer (optional)

The steps

  • Gently lift the loose section. Don't pull on the hair or stress the base.
  • Moisten a cotton ball with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol.
  • Gently clean both your scalp and the underside of the system where the adhesive sits. Wipe until clean, then discard the cotton ball.
  • Apply a thin layer of Ghost Bond Classic to the clean area on your scalp. Less is more — a thin, even layer holds securely.
  • Let the adhesive dry until it's tacky to the touch. Speed it up with a hairdryer on the coolest setting for about a minute.
  • Carefully press the lifted section back onto the adhesive area. Hold firm pressure for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond.
— Don't overdo it —

Repeatedly fixing lifts without proper maintenance leads to buildup. Book a professional session when you can.

08 — Friction Is The Enemy

Preventing hair loss.

While you sleep

  • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton causes friction, tangling, and breakage — especially around the crown.
  • A durag works as an alternative if a silk pillowcase isn't an option.

Styling

  • Use styling products sparingly. Suavecito Hair Cream gives a medium shine, all-day light hold.
  • For all-day hold, use a bit more product. For a daily smoother, use a smaller amount of the same cream.
09 — Keep It Vibrant

Color maintenance.

Your system naturally lightens and oxidizes from sun and environment. Book a maintenance appointment every few weeks and we can refresh the color as an add-on — restoring vibrancy without over-processing.

10 — Patient Hands

Handling tangles.

  • Use a Wet Brush. Be patient — never yank.
  • Apply leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil to loosen knots before combing. Adds slip and reduces friction.
11 — Sweat Smart

Exercise & activity.

  • After hard workouts, wipe down your scalp with a damp cloth and let the system air out before reapplying adhesive.
  • Active lifestyle? Monitor how the adhesive holds and replace sooner if you notice slippage.
12 — The Small Stuff

Water & environment.

Hard water

If you live in an area with hard water, get a water-softener shower head. Inexpensive upgrade — prevents mineral buildup, dryness, and tangling.

Sun exposure

Avoid prolonged sun. UV rays will fade your system's color over time. A hat is your friend.

13 — Plan Ahead

Replacing your unit.

  • Hair units last up to 4 months — some up to 6, depending on the system and your routine.
  • Don't stretch usage past the optimal lifespan. Overextended units fail and start looking unnatural.
  • New units take about 3 weeks to arrive after ordering.
  • Schedule your replacement well in advance — no gaps between systems.
14 — Final Words

General tips.

Managing itching

Occasional itching is normal. Gently tap or pat the area instead of scratching — scratching loosens the bond, causes irritation, and can damage the system.

— The truth —

Patience is key. Slow, deliberate care prevents 90% of problems and dramatically extends the life of your system.

★ — The Kit

Product recommendations.

Shampoo

Biolage Color Last Shampoo

Sulfate-free, color-safe. Cleanses without stripping moisture or color.

Conditioner

Biolage Color Last Conditioner

Once a week. Pairs with the shampoo for color longevity and softness.

Leave-In

Pureology Color Fanatic 21 Essential Benefits

Daily leave-in. 21 benefits in one spray — slip, color protection, frizz control, heat protection.

Styling — Light Hold

Suavecito Hair Cream (8oz)

Medium shine, all-day light hold. Use more for hold throughout the day.

Styling — Daily Smoother

Suavecito Hair Cream (16oz)

Same cream, larger size. Smaller amount as a daily smoother — heavier than leave-in, lighter than styling.

Adhesive

Ghost Bond Classic

My go-to adhesive for at-home touch-ups and full reinstalls.

Tape

Walker Ultra Hold Tape

Minis or contour shapes — pick what fits your hairline. Change every 7 days.

Solvent & Cleaner

C22 Solvent & 99% Alcohol

For removing adhesive residue before reapplying. Always clean before you re-bond.

Need a hand?

Book the maintenance.

Deep clean, color refresh, full reinstall — done in one session. Walk in. Walk out. Fresh start.

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