How to Care for Your Extensions: Everything You Need to Know

Hair extensions are an investment—whether you choose them to add length, volume, or a little extra glam. To get the most out of your extensions and keep them looking seamless, healthy, and beautiful, proper care is absolutely essential. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about caring for your extensions at home, from washing to styling, and some salon tips that will help them last longer.

1. Brushing Your Extensions

• Always detangle gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle extension brush.

• Start at the ends. Work your way up slowly to avoid pulling at the beads, wefts or tape.

• Brush daily. At least 2 times a day to prevent tangling.

Pro Tip: Hold your hair at the root while brushing to reduce tension on your natural hair and the extension attachments.

2. Washing Your Extensions

• Shampoo carefully. Use a sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo to avoid stripping moisture or loosening the bonds.

• Wash gently. Apply shampoo in a downward motion—never rub or scrub roughly at the scalp.

• Condition smart. Apply conditioner mid-length to ends only. Avoid the root/bond area to prevent slipping.

• Frequency. Wash your extensions 2–3 times a week (or as recommended by your stylist). Overwashing can dry them out.

Pro Tip: Always detangle your extensions before showering to prevent matting.

3. Drying Extensions

• Towel-dry carefully. Pat or gently squeeze out excess water. Never twist or rub.

• Blow-dry completely. Extensions should always be dried 100%. Leaving them damp can cause mildew, or product buildup at the base, which not only shortens their lifespan but can also damage your natural hair.

• Use heat protection. Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying to prevent dryness or damage.

• Medium heat only. Keep your blow dryer on a medium setting and avoid holding it too close to the bonds.

Pro Tip: Don’t ever go to bed with wet or damp extensions—this is when they tangle and break the easiest.

4. Sleeping with Extensions

• Braid before bed. A loose braid or ponytail prevents tangling while you sleep.

• Silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and keeps extensions smoother, longer.

5. Heat Styling & Products

• Use heat protectant. Always apply a thermal spray before using hot tools.

• Stay low to medium heat. High heat can shorten the lifespan of extensions.

• Be mindful near the base. Avoid direct heat on tape or beads, as it can weaken the hold.

• Choose salon-quality products. Extension-safe shampoos, conditioners, and oils are crucial. Drugstore products with heavy silicones or alcohols can cause buildup and damage.

6. Maintenance & Salon Visits

• Regular check-ins. Extensions typically need to be moved up or maintained every 6–8 weeks, depending on the method used.

• Professional removal only. Never attempt to take extensions out on your own—it can cause breakage to your natural hair.

• Communicate with your stylist. If you notice slipping, discomfort, or tangling at the roots, schedule a maintenance visit right away.

7. Things to Avoid

• Don’t overuse oils near bonds. Oils can cause slipping, especially with tape-ins.

• Avoid heavy products. Thick creams, sprays, or leave-ins can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy faster.

• Skip chlorine and saltwater if possible. They can dry out and weaken extensions. If you swim, always wear your hair in a braid and shampoo/condition immediately after.

Final Thoughts

Extensions are an amazing way to enhance your look, but they require care and attention to keep them beautiful. By following these steps, using salon-quality products, and keeping up with your maintenance appointments, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting, natural-looking results.

If you’re considering extensions or have questions about caring for the ones you already have, book a consultation with us—we’ll walk you through the best care routine for your specific method of extensions and hair type.