Hair extensions are an investment, and like any investment, they deserve proper care. With the right at home routine, you can extend the life of your extensions while keeping them healthy, shiny, and looking their best. This step-by-step guide covers brushing to bedtime, and everything in between:
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about proper hair extension maintenance and how to prolong the life of your investment, and keep your natural hair healthy.
Brushing
Brushing is crucial to prevent matting and keep your extensions looking their best.
Use the Right Brush: Brushes with sharp or metal teeth will snag on tangles causing breakage, or get caught in extension bonds and cause damage. Opt for a brush that will glide gently over bonds or tapes without tugging. Boar or nylon bristles are best to use at the roots are around bonds and connection points. We recommend brushes designed specifically for extensions by Bellami and Great Lengths. A detangling brush like the Wet Brush Pro is best for your mid-lenghts to ends.
Start from the Bottom: Always begin brushing from the ends, working your way up to the roots. It helps to section your hair and separate the rows of extensions, and then hold the extensions at the top of the row while brushing. This technique reduces breakage and makes detangling easier.
Brush Daily: To avoid matting, brush your hair morning and night, or throughout the day as needed. Be gentle when brushing over attachment points. Regular brushing also helps to distribute the natural oils from your scalp to promote overall hair health.
Washing & Drying
Proper washing and drying keeps your extensions looking fresh and natural.
Don't Wash for the First 48 Hours: After an extensions application, you need to wait a couple of days before washing you hair. This is especially important for extensions that utilize adhesives or bonds, like Tape-Ins and K-Tips. The connection points need time to set, and must remain dry in order to cure properly. Also avoid saunas, and any activity that could cause you to sweat a lot.
Use Salon-Quality Products: Opt for a shampoo and conditioner that will nourish your hair, and avoid sulfates as they can weaken the extension bonds. During your appointment, your stylist will recommend products that will work best for both your natural hair, and your extensions. Using the right products will prolong the life of your extensions
Detangle First: Before hopping in the shower, thoroughly detangle your hair. Follow the directions above.
Wash in Sections: Section your hair like you did for brushing and gently scrub, focusing on the roots without tugging at the bonds. Rinse thoroughly. Depending on your natural hair type and your routine, you may want to shampoo twice.
Condition Carefully: Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only, avoiding the bonds or tapes. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. If it's a mask day, swap our the conditioner for a moisturizing mask, apply it from mid-length to ends only, again avoiding the bond or tapes. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Our favourite mask for extension is the Soulfood Mask from Amika.
Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Gently squeeze out any excess water with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt. Avoid rough towel drying, or any excessive rubbing at the roots.
Detangle, Again: We recommend applying a leave-in conditioner at this point, this will allow the brush to glide through your hair with ease. Use a Wet Brush, and follow the directions above.
Blowdry With Care: If your leave-in conditioner doesn't contain heat protectant, you'll want to apply that now. Blowdry your hair in a downward motion, with the nozzle facing the floor, and be sure to NEVER blowdry your extensions upside down. This can cause excessive tangling at the roots and connection points. Make sure the root area is thoroughly dry, using a medium heat on your blowdryer.
Styling
You can still enjoy heat styling and other looks with extensions; you just need to take extra care.
Apply Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant before styling your hair with a hot tool. Excessive heat can cause damage to both your hair extensions and your natural hair.
Keep Heat Away from Bonds: When using hot tools, avoid placing them too close to the bonds or tapes. Excessive heat can break down the adhesive and cause slippage.
Opt for Low-Heat or No-Heat Styles: Beachy waves and loose curls can be achieved with lower heat settings, or no-heat techniques like braiding, extending the lifespan of your extensions.
Sleeping
Bedtime is when your extensions are most vulnerable to tangling.
Make sure your hair is dry: Never go to bed with wet hair. This will cause excessive matting, and could cause the connections points of your extensions to slip prematurely.
Braid or Tie in a Loose Ponytail: Before bed, gather your hair in a loose braid or ponytail and secure with a silk scrunchie. This will help to prevent knots and matting.
Use a Silk Pillowcase: Swap your cotton pillowcase for silk. Silk reduces friction on your hair while you sleep.
Nightly Brushing: Before braiding or tying up your hair, give it a gentle brush to remove any tangles. Oil the ends of your hair at bedtime for some added hydration, we recommend the Gloss Me hair serum. Avoid applying any oil products to connection points of your extensions.
Swimming & Sun Protection
Enjoying the sun and water doesn’t mean sacrificing your extensions.
Protect from Chlorine & Salt Water: Before swimming, saturate your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner or protective spray. This helps minimize the absorption of chlorine or salt water, which can cause dryness and tangling.
Wear a Swim Cap: If you're swimming some serious laps, consider wearing a swim cap. It keeps your extensions safe from harsh pool chemicals and salt water.
Rinse Immediately After Swimming: As soon as you’re out of the water, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove any chlorine or salt. Shampoo and condition as soon as possible.
Shield from UV Rays: Sun exposure can cause extensions to fade or dry out. Apply a UV protectant spray, such as 7SECONDS from Unite, before heading outdoors. Wearing a hat is also a great way to protect your hair.
Keep Sunscreen Away: Contact with chemical sunscreens can cause blonde or light hair extensions to change colour. Tie your hair up to keep your extensions away from your neck and shoulders. Avoid sunscreen with a spray applicator, and opt for a mineral-based sunscreen whenever possible. Also be sure to keep you extensions away from any self-tanning products, as those too with cause discoloration.
Product Recommendations
The right products can make all the difference in maintaining soft, healthy extensions. Your stylist will make recommendations tailored to your hair type, extension type, and lifestyle.
Shop our selection of stylist-approved hair care products here or get started with our Extension Care Bundle.
With consistent care, your extensions can stay beautiful for months. Following this routine ensures that your investment remains in tip-top shape, leaving you with the confidence of having flawless hair day after day. If you ever have any concerns or need more guidance, our salon professionals are just a call or DM away!
Interested in hair extensions, but don't know where to start? Click here to learn everything you need to know and book a consultation with one of our Extension Specialists.