How to Wash and Prep Your Hair Extensions

We all know the rule: “always wash before you wear,” and your hair bundles are no exception. Washing your hair extensions right after purchasing them is essential—not just for hygiene, but also to prevent potential hair and scalp problems down the line.

There are countless unsettling stories on social media of women discovering bugs, mold, and other unpleasant surprises lurking beneath their installs. Properly prepping your bundles can help you avoid such situations altogether. Plus, taking the time to wash them will extend their lifespan, allowing you to get more use out of your investment and ultimately save money.

Why It’s Essential to Wash Your Hair Extensions

Cleaning your new hair extensions before using them is quite different from washing your natural hair. Extensions require a gentler approach and can’t be washed as frequently. Unlike your natural hair, which gets nourishment from the scalp, extensions are individual strands sewn onto wefts and lack access to the nutrients your scalp provides.

Over-washing can strip these delicate strands, leaving them dry and difficult to manage. Personally, I only shampoo my extensions before the initial install and after heavy heat styling. Beyond that, I stick to co-washing whenever they need a refresh.

Co-washing, which involves using conditioner instead of shampoo, provides a lighter cleanse, removing surface dirt and product buildup while preserving the natural oils. This method keeps your extensions soft, shiny, and manageable without stripping away their moisture.

However, it’s crucial to choose the right products when shampooing your extensions. Not all shampoos work the same on extensions as they do on your natural hair. Be wary of formulas containing harsh ingredients like sulfates, alcohol, and salts, which can strip away moisture, shine, and nutrients from your new hair.

To avoid dryness, opt for shampoos designed to hydrate, repair, or infuse moisture into your hair. A few of my favorites include Tresemme, Organix Coconut Milk, Organix Coconut Water, and Giovanni – all of which leave extensions feeling soft and looking radiant.

How to Properly Wash Your Hair Extensions

Washing your hair extensions is a straightforward process, but it requires some care to maintain their quality. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare the Extensions: Start by removing the extensions from their original packaging and gently unraveling them. Fold the weft into halves about three times, so it’s compact enough to hold in one hand.
• Set Up for Washing: Fill a sink or basin with warm water. Add a small amount of shampoo and up to 4 drops of your preferred hair oil—Argan oil is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight and enhances natural shine; you can find it in our New Life Hair Serum.
• Wash the Wefts: Hold the hair securely below the weft and submerge it into the water, starting from the tips and moving toward the base of the weft. While the extensions are submerged, rub the weft area gently but thoroughly to remove any buildup, keeping the hair taut to avoid tangling.
• Clean the Hair Length: Once the wefts are clean, dip the entire length of the extensions in the water several times while finger combing through the strands to remove any remaining dirt or product.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Once you’ve washed all the bundles, rinse them thoroughly under running water. This step is crucial to ensure that no shampoo or oil residue is left behind, as this can lead to matting and tangling later on.

By following these steps, your extensions will stay clean, soft, and ready for styling without compromising their longevity.

How to Deep Condition Your Hair Extensions

Deep conditioning your hair extensions right after the initial shampooing is crucial to restore moisture and nutrients lost during the wash, helping them last longer and stay healthier.

• Choose the Right Product: Avoid deep conditioners containing alcohol or sulfates, as they can strip moisture rather than seal it in.
• Prepare the Extensions: Gently wring out the extensions so they’re damp but not dripping wet. Take a quarter-sized amount of your preferred deep conditioner and apply it, starting from the tips and working your way up. Avoid applying conditioner directly on the weft, as it can weaken the bonds.
• Even Distribution: Use your fingers to carefully comb the conditioner through the hair, ensuring it’s evenly distributed from base to tip.
• Add Heat for Better Absorption: Once you’ve treated all your bundles, place them in a plastic bag and cover with a warm towel. The heat helps the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes for best results.
• For a Quick Treatment: If you’re short on time, use a blow dryer on a low setting for about 10 minutes to speed up the conditioning process.
• Final Rinse: After conditioning, rinse the extensions thoroughly with cool water to seal in the moisture. This will leave your extensions soft, smooth, and ready for styling.

Properly Drying Your Hair Extensions

Drying your hair extensions correctly is essential to ensure a successful install and to prevent potential damage. We’ve all heard the horror stories of people discovering mold on their wefts after removal, which is caused by trapped moisture. Here’s how to avoid that and keep your extensions in top condition:

• Air Drying: Use pant hangers to hang your extensions and let them air dry for at least 24 hours. This method ensures even drying and prevents moisture from getting trapped in the wefts.
• Focus on the Wefts: Make sure the wefts are completely dry—don’t be fooled by the hair length feeling dry, as the wefts can still retain moisture.
• Quick-Dry Option: If you’re short on time, blow-dry the wefts first on a low heat setting, then allow the rest of the hair to air dry. Be cautious, as excessive heat can damage your extensions, so avoid using blow dryers frequently.

How to Seal Your Wefts for Longer-Lasting Hair Extensions

Sealing your wefts is a technique often used by professional hairstylists, but it’s something anyone can do at home to increase the durability of hair extensions and reduce shedding—especially after cutting or splitting the wefts.

• Why Seal Your Wefts? Sealing helps prevent shedding and extends the lifespan of your extensions. You can use specialized weft sealants like Salon Pro, or if you prefer a more accessible option, Fray Check fabric glue also works well to prevent fraying.
• Preparation: Before sealing, ensure your extensions are completely dry. Lay them flat on a smooth surface with the wefts fully unfolded.
• Applying the Sealant: Starting at one end of the weft, apply a thin line of sealant along the seam where the hair is sewn. Be careful not to oversaturate; you want just enough to seal the edge without it dripping onto the hair itself.
• Drying Time: Allow the sealant to dry for at least 4 hours to ensure it sets properly. Once dried, repeat the process with your other extensions.

Cheers to Long-Lasting, Healthy Hair Extensions!

Investing in high-quality hair and taking the time to properly prepare it can make all the difference in achieving a flawless install. By following these hair care tips for washing and maintaining your extensions, you’ll not only enhance their appearance but also extend their lifespan.

If you have any other great tips or techniques, feel free to share them in the comments below!

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