The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Hair Extensions
By Hope Newnam | Tulsa Hair Extension Pro
Professional hair extensions are an investment in your confidence and style, giving you the long, voluminous hair of your dreams. To make the most of your investment, proper care is key. With the right routine, you can keep your extensions looking flawless, healthy, and beautiful for as long as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your extensions.
Brushing & Detangling: The Right Tools Matter
Hair extensions require gentle brushing to avoid unnecessary tangling or damage.
Here’s how to do it:
• Use a brush specifically designed for extensions or one with soft bristles. NO BALLS at the tips of the bristles. My favorites are Tangle Teezers and boar bristle brushes.
• Spray your hair brush with Amika The Wizard, or another leave in conditioner spray before brushing to minimize breakage; or as I like to call it, "hair confetti"
• Hold your hair at the root to prevent pulling on the bonds, beads, or wefts. Start detangling from the ends and work your way up. Always brush gently to maintain the integrity of your extensions and your natural hair.
• You can brush directly over your extensions and scalp. For strand by strand extensions, pay special attention to your scalp / attachment areas. It is imperative to brush the bonds to keep them separated.
Brushing your extensions daily not only keeps them looking polished but also prevents knots from forming.
Washing Extensions: Treat Them Gently
Washing your hair extensions correctly can make all the difference in their longevity:
• Use salon-grade, professional quality shampoos and conditioners. Do not use any shampoos containing sulfur (ex; dandruff shampoos).
• Shampoo, rinse, repeat x3. Then condition from the ears down.
•Shampoo in between rows and rinse WELL. You have twice as much hair now, you will use twice as much product and rinse fully.
If you have a detachable shower head, pull it down and power wash that head, girl!!
• Always wash your hair in a downward motion, avoiding excessive scrubbing friction. This prevents tangling and ensures the bonds stay intact.
• Avoid washing your hair every day unless approved by your stylist. Overwashing may strip your extensions of moisture, causing them to lose their luster. If you have naturally greasy hair, you can section out the top layer of your natural hair and secure your extensions in a low bun behind you; shampoo the top section of your hair and blow-dry for a mid week refresh. You can use dry shampoo on clean hair to soak up the oil as it's produced.
Conditioning: Moisture is Key
Extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, so keeping them hydrated is essential:
• Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends only—avoid the roots and attachment points, as excess moisture near the bonds could weaken them.
• Deep condition your extensions weekly to maintain softness and shine. This is especially important if you use heat-styling tools frequently. Use oil and heat protectant.
Drying Your Extensions: Be Careful with Heat
Proper drying is just as important as washing:
• Squeeze your hair gently with a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Avoid rough towel drying, as it can lead to tangling and breakage.
• Section your hair and put products in (ie. heat protectant, leave in conditioner) and start blowdrying your hair in sections. When you’re using a blow dryer, use a low-heat setting to protect the bonds and the hair itself.
• Never go to bed with wet hair! This can cause matting and damage to your extensions and natural hair. Your hair is most fragile and stretchy when wet.
Heat Styling: Protect Your Extensions
Heat styling can help you create amazing looks, but overuse can damage your extensions:
• Always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers.
• Keep heat tools on a low to medium setting. Extensions are more delicate than natural hair and can’t recover from heat damage.
Sleeping with Extensions: Keep Them Protected
How you treat your hair at night impacts how it looks during the day:
• Always secure your hair in a loose braid or ponytail before sleeping. This prevents tangles and knots while you toss and turn.
• Wear a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase. These materials reduce friction, keeping your extensions smooth and shiny. Bonnets also prevent oils and products from getting on your pillows and face. Yuck!
•NEVER EVER go to bed with wet hair
Professional Maintenance: Stay on Schedule
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your extensions in top shape:
• Schedule routine adjustments every 4-8 weeks, depending on the method of extensions you’re wearing. This helps keep bonds secure and ensures your natural hair remains healthy.
• During your appointments, your stylist can check for any adjustments, tangling, or slipping and address them before they become an issue.
Avoid Chlorine & Saltwater Exposure
While extensions can help you live your best life, they do require extra care in certain situations:
• Chlorine and saltwater can alter your color and dry out your extensions, leading to brittleness and tangling. Wear a swim cap or avoid submerging your hair in water while swimming.
• If you do swim, get your hair wet with clean water before you get in chlorine. Your hair is like a sponge, it can only soak up so much, so let it get wet with water and conditioner first. After swimming, rinse your hair immediately with fresh water and use a hydrating mask to replenish moisture.
•Secure your hair in a ponytail or braid before submerging in water.
• DO NOT LET SUNSCREEN TOUCH BLONDE EXTENSIONS.
The ingredient avobenzone can give your extensions a pink/orange tint and it is difficult to remove this stain. Opt for a mineral sunscreen (I like Blue Lizard)
Mineral sunscreens do not contain this ingredient.
Choose Products Wisely
Not all hair products are extension-friendly, so choose carefully:
• Avoid products containing alcohol, sulfates, or heavy oils, as these can dry out your extensions or weaken the bonds.
• Avoid any product with protein. If it says "Protein, Keratin, Repair, Reconstructing" be wary, overproteinizing extensions causes irreversible damage.
• Look for products labeled specifically for extensions or safe for chemically treated hair.
Listen to Your Stylist’s Advice
Your stylist should be your go-to expert for all things hair extensions. We know your specific type of extensions and hair care needs, so be sure to follow our personalized advice. Trust our recommendations for products, maintenance schedules, and styling tips.
Invest in Your Hair, Love the Results
Hair extensions can be life changing! They boost your confidence and enhance your overall look—but only if you take care of them properly. With a little extra love and the right routine, your extensions will stay looking amazing and lasting longer.
Take the time to care for your investment, and your hair will thank you for it!
For any specific questions or maintenance needs, reach out to me—I'm always happy to help you keep your extensions looking their best.
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