How To Take Care Of Hair Extensions

You’ve just got your beautiful new hand-tied hair extensions, and your hair looks incredible! (Or maybe you’re considering getting extensions and want to learn more before committing.) Now that you’ve invested in high-quality extensions and achieved your dream look, it’s essential to keep them looking fabulous. That’s where this hair extension care guide comes in!

With over 10 years in the industry as a hair expert, I’ve picked up a few key tips that can help you extend the life of your extensions and maintain gorgeous, healthy hair. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for hand-tied hair extensions care – what to do and what to avoid. These tips apply to hand-tied extensions but are also useful for most types of human hair extensions.

Are Hair Extensions High Maintenance?

Before we dive in, it’s good to know that while hair extensions can be fairly low-maintenance, they do still need some attention. Following a consistent care routine is key to keeping your extensions looking and feeling great, while also helping them last longer.

Plus, the better you care for them, the healthier your natural hair will be, and you may even extend the time between move-up appointments. In short, hair extension care does take a bit of routine maintenance, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, allowing you to enjoy a low-maintenance routine even with extensions.

How to Take Care of Your Hair Extensions: The Essentials

1. Brush Hair Regularly

Just like natural hair, hair extensions can tangle, but regular brushing can help prevent and minimize knots. Aim to brush your extensions at least twice a day – once in the morning and again before bed to smooth out any tangles that may have formed during the day. If you feel your hair starting to tangle at any time, it’s helpful to have a brush or wide-toothed comb on hand. An extension-safe brush with boar and flexible bristles works best for detangling without causing damage.

Proper Brushing Technique

How you brush makes a big difference. To avoid breakage or shedding, hold the top of your extension row or weft with one hand as you brush with the other. Start brushing at the ends to gently remove tangles, then work your way up towards the roots. This technique minimizes pulling and reduces stress on the extensions.

Remember to brush gently – forceful brushing can cause breakage or even loosen your extensions over time. Roughly brushing over the top of your wefts can create loops and weaken the seam, leading to the need for replacement sooner than expected.

Avoid Brushing Wet Hair

Wet extensions are more prone to breakage, so never brush them immediately after washing. Instead, brush them thoroughly before getting them wet to remove any tangles in advance. This small step helps keep your extensions in great shape and reduces the risk of damage.

2. Limit How Often You Wash Your Hair

Now, let’s talk about washing extensions. If you’ve wondered, “Can I shower with hair extensions?” or “How often should I wash my hair with extensions?” – you’re not alone! This is one of the top questions for extension care. When it comes to washing, a low-maintenance approach is best. I recommend washing your hair no more than twice a week.

Washing more frequently can dry out your extensions, making them more prone to breakage, shedding, and requiring earlier replacement. So, stick to twice a week to keep them looking and feeling great.

When you do wash, double shampooing is a great idea for scalp health! After shampooing, rinse thoroughly to avoid any leftover residue. Follow with a conditioner, focusing on the mid-lengths to the ends – keeping it away from the roots. Concentrate on areas that tend to be drier or more damaged.

Finally, remember to brush your hair before getting it wet. Using the right products during washing and conditioning can make a big difference in keeping your extensions healthy and hydrated.

3. Choose the Right Hair Products

Whether you have extensions or not, the products you use affect the overall health of your hair. This is why you’ve likely heard about the importance of sulfate-free shampoos and avoiding product buildup. These same principles apply when caring for hair extensions. So, what should you use (or avoid) to keep your extensions in great shape?

The main rule with hair products for extensions is to prioritize hydration over anything that could cause dryness. Dry extensions are more vulnerable to breakage, so choosing products that lock in moisture is key.

Opt for Sulfate-Free Products

Why are sulfate-free products essential for extensions? Unlike natural hair, extensions aren’t nourished by the scalp’s oils. This makes them prone to dryness and more susceptible to damage if exposed to harsh ingredients like sulfates, which can strip moisture. Choose sulfate-free products to help your extensions stay healthy and hydrated, especially in drier climates.

Use Oil Regularly

Oils are fantastic for keeping extensions hydrated and reducing dryness-related issues. Apply a small amount, starting from the mid-lengths to the ends, and adjust the amount depending on your hair’s needs. Oils help prevent breakage and maintain softness in your extensions.

Hydrating Masks and Treatments

Hair masks are excellent for adding an extra layer of hydration to your extensions. Use a hair mask once or twice a month in place of conditioner for a deep conditioning treatment.

Protect from Heat Damage

If you heat-style your hair, apply a heat and UV protectant first. High heat can burn or discolor extensions, particularly lighter shades like blonde, and this damage can’t be reversed.

Styling Products in Moderation

Professional styling products, like hairspray, texture spray, or dry shampoo, can be used with extensions – but remember, less is more! If you use heavier styling products, be sure to double shampoo to fully remove any buildup. This will keep your extensions looking fresh and full.

4. Which Products Are Best for Hair Extensions?

Professional styling products are often sulfate-free, but it’s always wise to double-check the ingredients if you’re unsure or trying a new product. Your stylist can also recommend products that won’t strip moisture from your extensions. Here are a few top picks that I recommend to my clients to keep their hair extensions looking their best:

Shampoo and Conditioner

For shampoo and conditioner, these are my go-to choices:

• Goldie Locks Signature Shampoo and Conditioner
• Iles Formula Shampoo and Conditioner

Both options are safe for extensions and formulated to cleanse while maintaining hydration. For comprehensive care, I also suggest the Extension Pack from Iles Formula, which includes conditioner, shampoo, finishing serum, and curl revive spray. This set is perfect for keeping both your extensions and natural hair healthy and moisturized.

Hair Oil

For hair oil, I highly recommend Goldie Locks Signature Serum. This serum is excellent for keeping your extensions hydrated and healthy.

Heat & UV Protectant

When it comes to protecting your hair from heat and UV damage, my top pick is Unite 7Seconds Detangler. This versatile product offers both heat and UV protection, making it suitable for all hair types.

5. What Products NOT to Use on Your Hair Extensions

Just as crucial as knowing which products to use on your extensions is understanding what to avoid. First and foremost, steer clear of any products containing sulfates, as they can dry out your hair extensions.

Additionally, it’s best to skip strengthening or keratin-building products altogether. While these may seem beneficial, the proteins they contain can actually make your extensions more brittle, leading to damage instead of the stronger, healthier hair you might expect. Opt for moisture-rich salon-quality products instead.

Beyond avoiding sulfates, be cautious of the following ingredients in any hair care products you use: dimethicone, quaternium 80, 95, and 16, sodium hydroxide, Moroccan oil, coconut oil, and silicon-based products. This list continues to evolve, so if you’re considering a new product for your extensions, it’s wise to consult your stylist to ensure its safety.

6. Sleeping With Extensions

While you sleep, it’s natural to move your head, which can lead to tangling. To minimize this, I recommend brushing your hair in the morning and before bed. However, there are additional steps you can take to prevent unnecessary tangling and protect your extensions overnight.

• Use Silk Pillowcases: Opting for a silk or satin pillowcase can significantly reduce friction while you sleep. These smoother materials help decrease matting and frizz, making it less likely for your hair to tangle during the night. The reduced friction provides an added layer of protection for your extensions.
• Loose Braids or Ponytail: To further minimize tangling, consider putting your hair in a loose ponytail, top knot, or braids before bed. A low, side ponytail is particularly effective. The key is to keep your hair secured without being too tight, as this helps reduce the natural friction that occurs while you sleep. If you choose to braid your hair, you may wake up to beautiful waves that make styling easier in the morning.
• Avoid Sleeping With Wet Hair: Finally, never sleep with wet hair. Wet hair is at its most vulnerable and can lead to increased breakage and frizz. Allow your hair to dry completely before bed to keep your extensions healthy and looking their best. Your extensions will thank you for it!

7. Other Things You Shouldn’t Do With Extensions

While I’ve covered many essential care tips for your hair extensions, it’s equally important to know what to avoid to maintain their health and longevity. Here are some key practices to steer clear of:

Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Hair extensions can easily become dry, and frequent heat styling can exacerbate this issue. To keep your extensions looking vibrant, limit the use of heat tools. If you’re following the guidelines in this hair extension care guide, you should be washing your hair just a couple of times a week. This routine minimizes the need for daily blow-drying and hot styling. While small touch-ups with heat tools are acceptable between washes, always refresh your heat protectant to maintain protection.

Although completely avoiding heat tools may not be feasible, reducing their usage can significantly benefit both your extensions and natural hair. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer, and consider natural styling methods, such as braiding your hair overnight. If you must use heat tools, always opt for the lowest temperature setting and remember to apply a heat protectant each time.

Don’t Leave Your Hair Up in a Bun for Days

Resist the temptation to leave your hair in a bun or ponytail for extended periods. Keeping your hair tied up for multiple days can lead to tangling and matting. To prevent this, remove your bun at the end of the day and brush your hair before bedtime to avoid waking up to a tangled mess.

Be Cautious with Sunscreens

Sunscreen is a vital part of many skincare routines, but certain formulations can negatively affect your hair extensions. Ingredients like avobenzone may cause discoloration in blonde extensions, while octocrylene can also be harmful. Always check the ingredients in your sunscreen before applying it near your extensions. For a safer option, I recommend Goldie Locks Sheer Mineral Sunscreen*.

We’ve covered a lot in this hair extension care guide, so let’s conclude with a quick summary of the essential dos and don’ts for maintaining your extensions. Use these tips as a handy reference to keep your hair looking its best!

Dos of Hair Extension Care

• Opt for a Loose Style: Wear a loose ponytail, bun, or braids before bedtime to prevent tangling.
• Brush Regularly: Detangle your hair each morning and before bed to keep it smooth and tangle-free.
• Use a Soft Pillowcase: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction and reduce breakage.
• Wash Wisely: Wash your hair twice a week for optimal scalp health. Double shampooing is highly recommended, and be sure to rinse thoroughly.
• Be Gentle When Brushing: When brushing your hair, place your hand at the top of the weft or row to avoid excessive pulling.
• Choose the Right Products: Only use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, along with professional styling products recommended by your stylist.
• Moisturize Your Hair: Apply oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to prevent dryness and brittleness.

Don’ts of Hair Extension Care

• Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair: Never go to bed with damp hair.
• Don’t Keep Hair Tied Up for Too Long: Leaving your hair in a bun or ponytail for multiple days can cause tangling and matting. Always take your hair down at the beginning and end of each day.
• Limit Heat Styling: Frequent heat styling can lead to dryness and brittleness in your extensions.
• Be Cautious with Sunscreens: Avoid sunscreens containing avobenzone or octocrylene, as they can discolor blonde extensions.
• Skip Strengthening Products: Do not use strengthening or keratin-building products; instead, focus on moisture-rich salon professional products.

Thank you for reading my hair extension care guide! I hope you find these tips helpful in keeping your hair looking fabulous and extending the lifespan of your extensions.

If you have more questions about hair extensions, check out my hair extension FAQs for answers to some of the most common inquiries.

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