How to Clean Your Hair Extensions Like a Pro!

You might be thinking, “Who doesn’t know how to wash hair?” But you’d be surprised at how many people can wash their own hair yet don’t know the proper way to care for their extensions.

It’s frustrating when the beautiful hair you just invested in starts to look worn out after only a week or two, right? The secret to making your extensions last is all in the way you treat them. Want to know how to extend the life of your human hair extensions?

The key is simple: treat your extensions with the same care and attention as you would your natural hair. You wouldn’t just use any random products on your natural hair, so why treat your extensions any differently? Quality hair extensions deserve the best care, and it all starts with choosing the right products and washing them properly.

Some people only keep their extensions for a short time, but others, like me, try to make them last as long as possible. I still have extensions from 2012 that look just as full and fresh as the day I bought them. The reason? It all comes down to proper maintenance and washing techniques.

So, if you want to make your human hair extensions last for years, it’s all about washing, conditioning, and handling them with the care they deserve!

TIP #1: Wash with the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

Just like your natural hair, your extensions deserve the best care when it comes to washing. The key to keeping them looking vibrant and healthy is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner. For extensions, it’s important to opt for sulfate-free shampoos, as sulfate can strip the hair of essential moisture and cause it to become dry and brittle over time. If you’re unsure about which products to use, a good conditioner can often do the trick to keep your extensions soft and manageable.

In fact, a quality conditioner is all you really need to maintain the health and appearance of your hair extensions. Conditioner helps to keep the hair nourished, soft, and shiny without weighing it down. Be sure to choose one that’s designed for your hair type or for extensions in particular.

When you first receive your extensions, they might have a certain odor or protective coating from the manufacturing process. To eliminate any lingering scents and prepare the hair for washing, it’s a great idea to soak the extensions in a warm water and apple cider vinegar mixture. This will help neutralize odors and cleanse the hair of any excess chemicals before you begin co-washing (washing with conditioner only).

As you wash your extensions, remember that less is more. You don’t need to use a large amount of product—just one handful of conditioner (or shampoo if you prefer) is usually enough. Over-washing your extensions can lead to product buildup, which can strip the hair of its natural shine and cause it to look dull. Stick to a gentle wash routine, and always avoid using too much shampoo or conditioner.

Since extensions are not attached to your scalp, they don’t require as much washing or care as your natural hair. Instead of spending a lot of time washing and scrubbing, a quick rinse followed by lathering with your chosen product is sufficient. After cleaning the extensions, simply rinse them thoroughly, and your extensions will be ready for styling. The key is to wash them gently and efficiently, making sure not to overdo it.

TIP #2: Detangle Hair Extensions Before Washing

Before you even think about washing your extensions, the first and most important step is to detangle them thoroughly. Detangling your extensions ensures that there won’t be any knots or tangling during or after the wash, which can make the hair harder to manage and even cause breakage. The goal is to keep your extensions looking fresh and smooth, so taking the time to detangle is essential.

You can use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work through any tangles in your extensions. Start from the tips and slowly work your way up to the roots. Be patient and gentle to avoid pulling or damaging the hair. If the hair is particularly tangled, you can apply a little leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to make the process easier.

Once your extensions are detangled, it’s time to move on to washing. While it may be tempting to vigorously scrub or swirl the extensions around in the water to clean them, this is actually something you should avoid. Swirling the hair in the water can cause the strands to twist and knot, leading to tangling that could be difficult to fix later. Instead, simply let the extensions sit in the water and conditioner mixture, allowing them to get clean on their own. This will preserve the integrity of the hair and help avoid any unnecessary tangles.

After washing, it’s important to rinse the extensions thoroughly under running water to remove all conditioner. Be sure to gently squeeze out any excess water without twisting or wringing the hair. This can help prevent the hair from becoming matted or damaged.

Once you’ve rinsed out the conditioner, lay your extensions flat on a towel or a cotton t-shirt to absorb excess moisture. Avoid hanging the extensions up to dry, as this could cause the strands to stretch out. Allow the hair to air dry overnight in a well-ventilated area before reinstalling it. This method will help preserve the extensions’ texture and natural flow, so they look fresh and gorgeous once installed.

TIP #3: Let Your Hair Sit in a Conditioner Mixture

A crucial tip for maintaining your extensions, especially curly hair, is to let them sit in a conditioner mixture. This helps reduce shedding and ensures the hair stays soft and healthy. After soaking your extensions in a warm water and conditioner blend, always rinse with water that is lukewarm to cool not freezing cold. Extremely cold water can cause the hair cuticles to close too tightly, making it harder for the conditioner to penetrate and resulting in more tangling.

As you’re conditioning, use your fingers to gently comb through the extensions. This finger-combing technique is my go-to method because it prevents excess shedding and helps the conditioner distribute evenly. Gently running your fingers through the hair is especially important for curly extensions because it preserves the curl pattern, reducing breakage and frizz.

For straight or loose wave extensions, you can use a wide-tooth comb while washing to detangle, but curly hair is more delicate. Always opt for finger detangling when caring for curly extensions to minimize shedding. This will help maintain the integrity of the curls and ensure they look bouncy and full once dry. By taking these extra precautions, your extensions will stay in great shape, giving you long-lasting, beautiful results.

TIP #4: Avoid Using Hot Water

When it comes to washing your hair extensions, one of the most important things to remember is to never use hot water. While it might seem tempting, hot water can cause unprocessed hair bundles to tangle and lose their natural smooth texture. This is because the high temperature can disrupt the hair’s natural structure and cause unnecessary friction between strands. Instead, it’s always best to use water that’s warm or cool. This ensures that your extensions stay intact and maintain their beautiful texture over time.

The water temperature plays a crucial role in preserving the health of your extensions, and using warm to cool water will help retain the hair’s smoothness and shine without causing any damage. Additionally, it helps avoid the risk of tangling, which is especially important for curly or wavy hair extensions.

Now, when it comes to where to wash your extensions, you have several options, but it’s best to choose a method that minimizes mess and maximizes efficiency. One popular method is using a large plastic bowl. This allows you to wash your extensions carefully and control the amount of water, which is especially helpful for preventing any tangling. You can fill the bowl with lukewarm water, add the appropriate hair care products, and gently wash your extensions in this controlled space.

However, washing them in the sink or bathtub also works just as well, as long as you take certain precautions. If you choose to wash your extensions in the sink or tub, make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned beforehand. Any leftover dirt, soap, or chemicals can harm the extensions and affect their texture and color. Even the smallest traces of residue from previous products can lead to buildup on the hair, which can cause it to lose its softness and luster over time.

Therefore, before placing your hair extensions in the sink or bathtub, ensure that you’ve removed all traces of detergent, oils, or other chemicals that could potentially damage the extensions. This will not only preserve the quality of the hair but also maintain its shine and smoothness. You’ve invested in high-quality extensions, so it’s worth taking the extra step to ensure they are treated with the care they deserve.

TIP #5: Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Natural Oils

After washing your hair extensions, the next step is deciding whether to apply a leave-in conditioner or natural oils. While it’s not mandatory, using a leave-in conditioner can work wonders for maintaining the luster and bounce of your extensions, regardless of their texture. A leave-in conditioner helps lock in moisture and adds shine, keeping your extensions looking fresh and healthy.

When selecting a leave-in conditioner, I recommend opting for a product with Argan oil. Argan oil is lightweight yet incredibly effective in nourishing and hydrating your extensions. It provides moisture without weighing down the hair, ensuring that your extensions remain voluminous and soft. This makes it perfect for keeping your hair looking its best without making it greasy or heavy.

It’s important, however, to avoid over-applying products. Too much product can weigh down the hair and cause buildup. When you use too many products, you’ll find yourself washing your extensions more often to get rid of the excess residue. Excessive washing can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to tangling. So, moderation is key!

One exception to this is conditioner. Unlike other products, you can never apply too much conditioner to your extensions. Conditioner helps to maintain softness and manageability, and since extensions don’t get greasy as quickly as natural hair, you can apply it more generously without the worry of making the hair oily. Feel free to condition your extensions as often as needed to keep them hydrated and smooth.

For an extra boost of moisture, consider using our New Life Hair Growth Serum. This lightweight formula is perfect for providing deep hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. It will leave your extensions soft, shiny, and manageable—making it the perfect finishing touch to your hair care routine.

TIP #6: Use A Wide Tooth Comb

Once you’ve followed the previous steps and your hair extensions have air-dried overnight, it’s time to comb them out. The next crucial step is to use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your extensions. This comb is ideal for preventing breakage and minimizing damage to the hair strands.

Always remember to start combing from the tips of the hair and work your way up towards the roots. This helps to gently ease out any tangles without pulling or stressing the hair. Take your time, and once the extensions are fully detangled, they’re ready to be installed.

Taking care of your extensions may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s actually a simple and rewarding process. After all, you’ve likely invested a significant amount of money into your extensions, so it’s important to get the most out of your purchase. The goal is to avoid having to buy new extensions every few weeks because you haven’t properly maintained them.

Much like how you would care for your natural hair, extensions require time and attention. Would you let the hair on your head become damaged and unmanageable? Of course not! That same level of care and responsibility should be applied when handling your hair extensions.

As you continue your journey with extensions, you’ll discover many useful tips and tricks along the way. And if you’re looking to try something new, check out our Jerry Curl Hair Extensions for a fresh and exciting style option!

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! If you have any great hair care tips, pass them along to help others who may be on the same journey. Spread the knowledge, and let them know you heard it from HazuHair!

If you’re looking to buy high-quality wigs or hair extensions, look no further than HazuHair.

We are a trusted Vietnamese hair factory with over 100 skilled workers, offering a wide range of hair styles including wavy, curly, straight, kinky, and more.

Our products come in various colors such as natural black, ombre, blonde, red, pink, and many others.

Reach out to us today!

• Hair Factory: Tan Son 2 Village, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam
• Hotline: +849 4949 3883
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