Lush Nova is the premium synthetic hair line from Lush Hair, designed for women who want a more elevated, sophisticated finish than standard braiding hair delivers. Lush Nova extensions are built to be reused across multiple installs, which means the care you give them between and during wears directly determines how many times you get to enjoy them. This guide covers everything: how to separate the bundles without tangling, how to care for your scalp and hair during the install, how to wash Lush Nova extensions correctly, how to style them, and how to store them so each bundle goes back in looking as good as the first time.
The Lush Nova Collection: What You Are Working With
Before the care guide, a quick overview of the four styles in the collection and what makes each one distinct, because the right care approach varies slightly between textures.
Boho Deep Wave Braid Extension (N12,500) — Beautifully pre-curled waves that deliver a voluminous, flowing, boho-chic finish. Lightweight and designed to be tangle-free. This is the only Lush Nova style rated for high heat, which means it can be restyled with a curling wand or steam if needed. Five bundles for a full install, four for a lighter look.
Bone Straight Braid Extension (N12,500) — A sleek, silky-straight braid extension with a refined, polished finish. Clean lines, smooth texture, elegant drape. Five bundles for a full install, four for lighter braids. Requires a different brushing technique to the wave and curl styles.
French Curls Braid Extension (Short) (N9,000) — Soft, bouncy, pre-curled curls in a shorter, lighter length. Adds subtle volume and elegance without excessive weight. Ideal for women who want defined curls with all-day comfort.
French Curls Braid Extension (Long) (N12,500) — The same soft, defined French curl texture in a longer, more dramatic length. More visual impact, more versatility for updos and gathered styles.
All four styles are available from the Lush Nova collection page.
Before Installation: How to Separate the Bundles
This is the step where most Lush Nova extensions are accidentally damaged before the install even begins. Every bundle comes as a single compressed unit. Separating it incorrectly creates tangles and frizz that reduce both the install quality and the longevity of the hair.
For the Boho Deep Wave
1. Hold the bundle at the top, near the band.
2. Gently loosen the bundle with your fingers before removing the band. Do not pull sections apart from the bottom.
3. Once the bundle is loosened, separate individual strands or small groups of strands from the top down, holding the roots secure as you work downward.
4. Work in the direction of the wave pattern. Never against it. Pulling wave sections in the wrong direction disrupts the pre-curl formation.
5. Separate only what you need for each braid section rather than pulling the entire bundle apart at once.
For the Bone Straight
6. Remove the band carefully. The Bone Straight bundle is pre-straightened and the fibres are more uniform than the curl and wave styles.
7. Brush carefully from the tips upward toward the band point before separating sections. This releases any fibre compression from packaging without creating tangles at the mid-length or roots.
8. Separate into braid sections by taking from the top of the bundle in even amounts.
For the French Curls (Short and Long)
9. Loosen the bundle gently at the top before removing the band.
10. The curl structure requires extra patience during separation. Take small amounts from the top and work them apart by rolling the curl sections between your palms rather than pulling them apart.
11. Pre-curled fibre that is pulled apart aggressively stretches and loses its curl definition. Take your time with this step.
Installation: Getting the Most from Each Bundle
The way Lush Nova is installed affects both how it looks and how long it lasts. Here is what to do at installation to set the style up for maximum longevity.
- Always install on clean, moisturised natural hair. Extensions on a dirty or dry scalp create problems within the first week that shorten the effective life of the style.
- Apply the Leave In Treatment 500g to your natural hair before installing. Natural hair that goes into an install moisturised carries that moisture through the wear period much longer than hair installed dry.
- Do not over-tighten. Lush Nova extensions are premium quality and hold their style without needing excessive tension. Tight installation does not improve the finish. It stresses the hairline and makes removal harder.
- Seal the braid ends properly. Your stylist should seal each braid end cleanly after installation to prevent unravelling that will require early removal.
Daily Care During the Install
Every Morning: Surface Maintenance
A quick two-minute routine every morning keeps Lush Nova extensions looking freshly installed throughout the wear period.
12. Apply a very small amount of Leave In Treatment 250g to your palms and smooth over the surface of the extension hair. For the Boho Deep Wave and French Curls styles, this re-activates the curl and wave definition. For the Bone Straight, it maintains the smooth, sleek surface.
13. Run your fingers gently along the length of the extensions to align any sections that moved during sleep.
14. Address any surface frizz by lightly misting with water and smoothing with your palms. Do not scrub or rub.
Every 2 to 3 Days: Scalp Nourishment
Apply the Indian Herb Hair Growth 500ml to your scalp directly along each braid part using an applicator bottle. Massage gently for two to three minutes per section. The scalp does not stop needing nourishment because it is under an extension install. In fact, the enclosed environment of a braid style means the follicles benefit most from consistent, direct scalp treatment applied throughout the wear period.
On days when the Nigerian heat makes the scalp feel hot or uncomfortable under the install, apply the Mentholated Hair and Scalp Treatment 250ml alongside or instead of the growth oil. The menthol provides immediate cooling relief to the scalp, reduces the discomfort of heat buildup under tight braids, and keeps the follicle environment fresh between washes.
Every Night: Protect the Extensions
A satin bonnet is not optional for Lush Nova extensions. It is what determines how many weeks the finish lasts.
Cotton pillowcases create friction against braid extensions during sleep. That friction roughens the surface fibre of the extension, creates frizz, loosens braid ends, and for the curl styles it disrupts the curl definition overnight. With a satin bonnet, none of these things happen. The extension surface stays smooth, the curl pattern remains intact, and the install looks fresh significantly longer.
Secure the bonnet over the full length of the extensions if you have a longer install. For the French Curls Long or Boho Deep Wave in a full length, use a large bonnet or a satin scarf gathered loosely around the top and tied at the back to protect the full length without compressing the curl pattern against your neck.
How to Wash Lush Nova Extensions Without Ruining Them
Washing is necessary during any extension install that lasts more than two weeks. The scalp accumulates sweat and product residue regardless of how good the hair looks on the surface. Washing the scalp during the install is not optional. The method is what matters.
What You Need
- An applicator bottle
- Rejuvenating Shampoo 390ml diluted with water at approximately one part shampoo to three parts water
- A soft toothbrush or clean mascara wand (optional, for precision scalp application)
- A shower
Step-by-Step Wash Method
15. Wet the extensions and scalp under the shower on a lukewarm water setting. Wet the extensions from top to bottom in the direction of the hair fall. Never wet from the tips upward as this causes tangling.
16. Apply the diluted shampoo from the applicator bottle directly to the scalp along each braid part. Work section by section.
17. Massage the shampoo into the scalp only with your fingertips. Do not scrub the extension hair itself. The shampoo running through the extension during rinsing is enough to clean the fibre.
18. Rinse thoroughly from root to tip in the direction of the hair fall, using lukewarm water.
19. Apply a small amount of conditioner to the extension length if the fibre feels dry after rinsing. Leave for two to three minutes and rinse out. Do not apply conditioner to the roots where the extension meets the scalp, as this loosens the braid base and causes the install to slip.
20. Gently squeeze excess water from the extension hair in downward strokes. Never wring, twist, or squeeze upward as this tangles the fibre.
21. Pat the scalp area dry with a soft towel. Allow the extension length to air dry.
22. Once fully dry, apply scalp oil to the parts and a small amount of leave-in to the extension length.
How often to wash: every ten to fourteen days during a standard install. Every seven to ten days during the Nigerian rainy season when scalp buildup from sweat and humidity is faster.
Heat Styling: What Is Safe and What Is Not
This is one of the most important differences within the Lush Nova range.
Boho Deep Wave Braid Extension: Heat Compatible
The Boho Deep Wave Braid Extension is specifically rated to handle high heat, which makes it the most versatile style in the Lush Nova range. This means if the wave pattern begins to loosen or flatten during the wear period, you can revive it using a curling wand, steam, or a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment.
To revive the Boho Deep Wave with heat: work in small sections, apply a heat protectant product to the extension hair before any heat tool contact, use medium rather than maximum heat, and wrap each section around a curling wand for two to three seconds. Do not use high heat directly on the scalp area.
For a gentler, no-tool revival: mist the Boho Deep Wave sections with water and scrunch upward with your palms. The water activates the wave pattern and as the hair air dries the waves reset without any heat needed.
Bone Straight, French Curls Short, French Curls Long: Avoid Direct Heat
The Bone Straight Braid Extension, French Curls Braid Extension (Short), and French Curls Braid Extension (Long) are not rated for high heat. Applying a flat iron, curling wand, or direct heat dryer to these styles damages the fibre structure permanently and cannot be reversed. Maintain these styles without heat.
For the Bone Straight: keep the surface sleek with light leave-in application and smooth with palms. No heat tools needed or safe to use.
For the French Curls: mist with water and scrunch gently to revive curl definition between washes. The curl pattern resets with moisture alone. No heat tools needed.
Style-Specific Maintenance Tips
Boho Deep Wave: Maintaining the Wave
- Mist with water every two to three days and scrunch gently to keep the wave pattern defined
- Sleep with a loose satin bonnet rather than a tight one to allow the wave to retain its volume overnight
- Avoid heavy oil application to the extension length as it flattens the wave texture over time
- If waves become frizzy at the surface, apply a tiny amount of leave-in to the palms and smooth over the affected sections
Bone Straight: Maintaining the Sleek Finish
- Apply a very small amount of leave-in to the palms and smooth over the extension length every morning for sheen and anti-frizz control
- Brush Bone Straight extensions from tips upward toward the roots, never from roots down, to keep the fibre aligned without creating tangles
- When sleeping, keep long Bone Straight extensions in a loose low ponytail or braid gathered at the nape before putting on the satin bonnet. This prevents the straight fibre from tangling with itself at the ends during sleep.
French Curls Short: Maintaining Curl Bounce
- Mist with water and scrunch upward gently every two to three days to keep the curl bouncy and defined
- The shorter length means less weight pulling on the curls, so the curl definition holds well with minimal effort
- Avoid brushing the French Curls Short as brushing disrupts the curl pattern into frizz. Use your fingers only for detangling.
French Curls Long: Managing Length and Curl Together
- The longer length adds weight that can pull the curl pattern down over time. A water mist and upward scrunch every two to three days counteracts this
- Use an applicator bottle with diluted water to distribute moisture evenly through the full length without over-saturating any one section
- For overnight protection, gather the French Curls Long loosely and secure with a satin scrunchie before putting on the bonnet to prevent the curls from becoming compressed and matted during sleep
Scalp Care Products for the Full Duration of Your Lush Nova Install
Your natural hair underneath the Lush Nova extensions needs consistent attention throughout the wear period. The premium quality of the extension hair does not change the needs of the scalp and follicles under it.
Apply the Indian Herb Hair Growth 500ml every two to three days directly to the scalp through the braid parts. This is the single most important scalp care product to use during any Lush Nova install. It nourishes the follicles, maintains the scalp moisture balance, and supports healthy hair growth throughout the wear period so that the natural hair that comes out after takedown is as strong as the hair that went in.
For scalp itching that develops during the install, the Anti-Dandruff Treatment 250ml applied along the parts with an applicator bottle targets the cause directly. The combination of heat and sweat under a braid install can encourage scalp buildup even with regular washing. The anti-dandruff treatment addresses the underlying environment rather than just the surface symptom.
Shop all scalp care products from the Hair Care collection at Lush Hair Nigeria.
How to Make Lush Nova Reusable: Storage Between Installs
Lush Nova extensions are designed to be reused, and proper storage between installs is what determines whether they go back in looking new or looking worn.
At Takedown
23. Remove the extensions carefully, working section by section. Cut the extension below the knot at the root and unravel from the base rather than pulling through.
24. Once removed, gently detangle each bundle by running your fingers through from end to root while the fibre is still slightly damp if possible.
25. For the Boho Deep Wave and French Curls styles, scrunch while damp to reset the wave and curl pattern before storing.
26. For the Bone Straight, brush gently from tips upward to realign the fibre.
Washing Before Storage
27. Mix a small amount of shampoo with water in a bowl.
28. Submerge each bundle and gently swish in the water. Do not scrub.
29. Rinse under cool running water from root to end.
30. Gently press out excess water. Do not wring.
31. Lay flat or hang to air dry completely before packing away. Storing damp extension hair creates odour and degrades the fibre.
Storage
- Store each dry bundle in its original packaging or in a clean zip-lock bag. Keep separate bundles in separate bags to prevent them tangling together in storage.
- Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure fades the colour of synthetic hair fibre.
- Do not store compressed under heavy objects. The curl and wave patterns of the Boho Deep Wave and French Curls styles need space to retain their shape between wears.
Lush Nova extensions that are properly cared for during the install, gently removed, washed, dried, and stored correctly can be reused for multiple installs depending on how well the fibre holds up. Each additional wear you get from a bundle is directly a result of the care you gave it the first time.
Your Lush Nova Care Summary at a Glance
During the Install
- Morning: apply small amount of Leave In Treatment 250g to palms, smooth over extension length
- Every 2 to 3 days: scalp oil with Indian Herb Hair Growth 500ml, massage into parts
- Every night: satin bonnet without exception
- Every 10 to 14 days: scalp wash with diluted Rejuvenating Shampoo 390ml via applicator bottle
Style-Specific
- Boho Deep Wave: mist and scrunch every 2 to 3 days, can be heat-styled with protectant on medium heat
- Bone Straight: palm-smooth daily, brush from tips upward only, no heat tools
- French Curls Short: mist and scrunch every 2 to 3 days, fingers only for detangling, no heat tools
- French Curls Long: mist and scrunch every 2 to 3 days, gather loosely before bed, no heat tools
After Takedown
- Detangle gently while damp, reset curl and wave patterns before drying
- Wash bundles before storing
- Air dry completely before packing away
- Store individually in cool, dry, away from direct sunlight
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Lush Nova extensions last?
With proper installation, daily care, and correct storage between installs, Lush Nova extensions can last for multiple wear cycles. The exact number depends on how well they are maintained during each install, how carefully they are removed, and how thoroughly they are cleaned and stored between uses. Extensions that are worn without daily care and removed carelessly typically deteriorate faster regardless of their quality.
Can I use heat on all Lush Nova styles?
Only the Boho Deep Wave Braid Extension is specifically rated for high heat and can be restyled with heat tools. The Bone Straight, French Curls Short, and French Curls Long should not be exposed to direct heat from flat irons or curling wands as this permanently damages the fibre.
How do I revive the curl and wave pattern mid-install?
Mist the extensions lightly with water and scrunch upward with your palms. For the Boho Deep Wave, this resets the wave pattern as the hair air dries. For the French Curls styles, this re-activates the curl definition without any tools. Water is the most effective curl-reviving product for both styles.
How many bundles of Lush Nova do I need?
The Boho Deep Wave and Bone Straight extensions recommend five bundles for a full install and four for a lighter look. The French Curls styles follow the same general guidance but the lighter weight of the short version means four bundles is typically sufficient for a full look. Your stylist may adjust based on your head size and how full you want the install to be.
How do I wash Lush Nova extensions while they are installed?
Dilute the Rejuvenating Shampoo 390ml in an applicator bottle at one part shampoo to three parts water. Apply directly to the scalp along each braid part and massage with your fingertips. Rinse from root to tip in the direction of hair fall. Squeeze gently downward to remove excess water and allow to air dry completely before applying scalp oil.
Can I store Lush Nova extensions after taking them out?
Yes. Wash the extensions with a gentle shampoo rinse, press out excess water without wringing, allow to air dry completely, and store each bundle in a clean bag in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Proper storage is what enables the reuse that makes Lush Nova extensions worth their premium positioning.
What should I put on my scalp while wearing Lush Nova extensions?
Apply the Indian Herb Hair Growth 500ml every two to three days through the braid parts for follicle nourishment. Add the Mentholated Hair and Scalp Treatment 250ml on hot days for cooling scalp relief. Use the Anti-Dandruff Treatment 250ml if itching develops between washes.
Where can I shop the full Lush Nova collection?
Shop all four Lush Nova styles at lushhairafrica.com/pages/lush-nova. The collection includes the Boho Deep Wave, Bone Straight, French Curls Short, and French Curls Long, all available with nationwide delivery across Nigeria and global shipping. Free shipping on orders above N15,000.
Lush Nova is an investment in your look. The care you give it is what protects that investment across every wear. Shop the full collection at Lush Hair Nigeria and give your Lush Nova the routine that keeps it performing at its best from the first install to the last.
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