9 Tips For Caring For Your Extensions

Maintaining clean and well-cared-for hair extensions is essential for keeping them looking fresh, shiny, and long-lasting. Proper cleaning techniques not only preserve the appearance of extensions but also prevent tangling, dryness, and product buildup. In this guide, we’ll cover the steps for washing hair extensions safely, from detangling and shampooing to drying and storing them. These steps apply to both synthetic and human hair extensions, though some specific differences will be highlighted.

1. Gather Your Supplies

To start, gather the essentials:

• Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (to prevent drying and tangling).
• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
• Microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt (gentler on hair than a standard towel).
• Leave-in conditioner or lightweight hair oil for added shine.

Using quality, sulfate-free products is especially important with extensions because harsh ingredients can strip natural moisture, leaving extensions brittle.

2. Brush and Detangle

Before getting the extensions wet, gently detangle them to remove any knots or product buildup. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for extensions. Start from the bottom and work your way up, holding the hair to avoid putting stress on the bond or weft, if applicable. Detangling dry extensions minimizes breakage and tangling during washing.

3. Prepare for Washing

Depending on whether you’re working with clip-in or sewn-in extensions, the washing setup will differ:

• For clip-in extensions: Remove them from your hair and place them on a flat surface, such as a sink or countertop.
• For sewn-in or tape-in extensions: Leave them in your hair, but handle them gently to avoid disturbing the bonds.

Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the structure of synthetic extensions and can dry out human hair extensions.

4. Shampoo Carefully

Apply a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo to the extensions:

• For clip-ins: Submerge them one at a time, carefully massaging the shampoo down the length of the hair. Avoid scrubbing, as this can create tangles.
• For sewn-in or tape-in: Apply the shampoo near the roots and gently work it through the mid-lengths and ends without disturbing the bonds.

Gently rinse each section under running water, ensuring that all shampoo is washed out completely. Product residue can lead to buildup, which weighs down extensions and makes them look dull.

5. Condition Thoroughly

Conditioning is crucial for keeping extensions soft and manageable:

• Apply a generous amount of sulfate-free conditioner from mid-lengths to the ends of each extension. Avoid applying conditioner to the roots or near the bonds of sewn-in or tape-in extensions, as this can weaken the adhesive.
• Let the conditioner sit for at least 5-10 minutes to nourish the hair, then rinse thoroughly.

Deep-conditioning treatments can be used periodically for human hair extensions to provide extra moisture and reduce frizz. Avoid these for synthetic extensions as they don’t absorb conditioner the same way.

6. Dry Gently

To avoid damaging the extensions, handle them gently when drying:

• Pat dry: Use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt to pat the extensions dry. Avoid wringing them out, as this can weaken the bonds and cause breakage.
• Air dry whenever possible: Lay the extensions flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area, or hang them on a hanger or rack. Let them air dry naturally to preserve the integrity of the hair. Avoid using excessive heat, as it can cause synthetic extensions to melt or become frizzy and dry out human hair.

If you need to use a blow dryer, keep it on a low or medium setting. Use a heat protectant and avoid placing the dryer too close to the hair.

7. Style Safely

Once dry, style the extensions with caution:

• Use low heat settings: If using heat tools like straighteners or curling irons on human hair extensions, keep the heat setting low to avoid damage.
• Avoid heat on synthetic extensions: Synthetic extensions are heat-sensitive and should not be exposed to high temperatures unless they’re labeled as heat-friendly. Use alternative styling methods, such as braiding for waves or rolling for curls.

Apply a lightweight, leave-in conditioner or hair oil to maintain moisture and prevent tangling.

8. Storing Extensions

Proper storage keeps your extensions looking their best between uses:

• For clip-in extensions, ensure they’re completely dry before storing them to avoid mildew and odors. Store them in a protective case or bag, away from direct sunlight.
• Sewn-in or tape-in extensions should be loosely tied back at night to prevent tangling, and a silk pillowcase can help reduce friction.

9. Additional Tips for Longevity

To extend the lifespan of your hair extensions:

• Avoid frequent washing: Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t produce oil, so they only need to be washed every 15-20 wears or when they start feeling weighed down by product.
• Minimize product use: Extensions don’t benefit from products the way natural hair does, so avoid heavy styling creams or oils that can build up over time.
• Use silk or satin accessories: Silk scrunchies and pillowcases can reduce tangling and friction, which keeps extensions smooth and manageable.

Cleaning hair extensions properly helps maintain their quality and appearance over time. By using sulfate-free products, handling the hair gently, and allowing them to air dry, you can keep extensions soft, shiny, and long-lasting. A few additional care practices, like using silk accessories and avoiding excessive heat, can further preserve their beauty and help you get the most out of your investment.