Nothing ruins a flawless style than a bad hair day. Since the BEST hair extensions are made of pure human hair, you need to give that weave a little love to keep it looking gorgeous. It’s all about knowing what to do and not to do to keep them looking great…and while it may take a few extra steps, trust me, it’ll be worth it!
DO Shampoo
Shampoo 2 to 3 times a week, taking great care not to rub, scrub or bunch your hair as you wash it. Remember, the key to longevity is not stressing your bond…whether its keratin or tape-in. Be gentle! Leave-in conditioners are fantastic for keeping your extensions from getting tangled and dried out. Regular daily conditioner should be applied to the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair only.
DON’T Use Bad Shampoo
Use ANY shampoo that contains sulfates. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common ingredient found in cheap shampoos to achieve a sudsing effect. The problem is that it is super drying to hair (which is why our Perfect Locks Inspire Hair Care products are sulfate free), which can lead to dullness, split ends or worse…a compromised bond. Also avoid oils and heavy conditioners.
DO Brush with a Loop Brush
Brush your hair EVERY day, especially in the summertime….but not just with ANY brush. Use a special hair extension loop brush. It's a must have for anyone that cares about their natural hair and the longevity of their hair extensions. Start at the ends of your hair and when all tangles are removed, gently work your way up. Always brush in a downward motion.
DON’T Brush When Wet
Ever brush or comb your hair extensions while they are wet. The strain on the bond (tape or otherwise) can cause it to prematurely weaken. Additionally, regular nylon or bristle brushes can be course, tugging and pulling on tangles…which also can cut into the life of your extensions.
DO Sleep on a Nice Pillowcase
Swap out that cotton pillowcase if silk or satin one for your bonded extensions. Because of how finely woven the fibers are, they won’t catch and tug on your hair at night as cotton fibers do. Satin scarfs or satin sleep caps work great as well. Alternatively, you can tie your hair in a bun before bed to keep them from tangling.
DON’T Sleep with Wet Hair
Ever go to sleep with wet hair (and wet extensions) or try to “speed dry” them with a blow dryer set on high heat. As horrible as too much heat is on your natural hair, your extensions don’t have the benefit of receiving oils from your scalp…so they’ll simply dry out and be prone to frizzing. If you put your hair up before bed, never set it in a ponytail. Ponytails can add collective weight on your bonds, causing them to weaken.
At the end of the day, with a little love, your hair will stay gorgeous and so are you! When in doubt, ask your hairdresser…or better yet, give us a shout!
Building Your At-Home Extension Care Routine
The do's and don'ts above are the foundation. Here's how to build a complete routine around them that keeps your extensions looking salon-fresh between visits.
"The biggest thing that separates women who get 18 months out of their extensions from those who replace them every 3-4 months isn't the brand of extensions they buy - it's the consistency of their care routine. Thirty minutes a week of proper maintenance makes an enormous difference to longevity."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Weekly Extension Care Checklist
Wash day (1-2 times per week for most methods): Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo using downward strokes, not circular scrubbing. Apply conditioner from mid-shaft to ends. Rinse with cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel - never rub. Allow to air dry completely before heat styling or going to bed.
Daily styling: Start each styling session by detangling with a loop brush or wide-tooth comb, beginning at the ends and working upward. Never start detangling from the roots. Apply heat protection before any hot tool use. Keep heat below 375F for most extension textures.
Nightly protection: Braid or loosely twist hair before bed and secure with a scrunchie (never a rubber elastic). Wrap in a silk scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. This single habit prevents the friction-caused frizz and tangling that shortens extension life faster than almost anything else.
Extension Care by Method
Clip-in extensions: Remove before sleeping whenever possible. Wash every 15-20 wears. Store on an extension hanger or laid flat in a box. Deep condition monthly.
Tape-in extensions: Avoid oil-based products near the bonds (weakens adhesive). Wash every 7-10 days. Never sleep with wet tape-in extensions - the bonds can weaken and shift. Schedule re-application every 6-8 weeks.
Sew-in / weft extensions: Moisturize your natural hair under the weft every 2-3 days with a lightweight spray. Wash every 1-2 weeks. Always dry completely before covering.
Products That Actually Help
You don't need an elaborate product routine - but a few specific items make a significant difference:
A sulfate-free shampoo is non-negotiable. Sulfates strip moisture from extension hair that it can't replenish on its own. A loop brush or flex brush prevents the snagging on wefts that causes shedding. A lightweight leave-in conditioner spray keeps extension hair moisturized between wash days. Heat protection spray applied before any hot tool use. A silk scrunchie or satin bonnet for nighttime.
That's really the complete toolkit. The results come from using these consistently, not from having a complicated 12-step routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you take care of hair extensions at home?
The core routine is: wash 1-2 times per week with sulfate-free shampoo, detangle with a loop brush starting from the ends, use heat protection before any hot tools, sleep with hair loosely braided and covered in a satin scarf or bonnet, and deep condition weekly. Consistency with these basics keeps extensions looking great and extends their lifespan significantly.
How often should you wash hair extensions?
For clip-in extensions, every 15-20 wears (roughly every 2-3 weeks for regular wearers). For tape-in and sew-in extensions, every 7-10 days. Washing too frequently strips moisture that extensions can't replenish naturally; washing too infrequently causes product buildup and scalp issues. These frequencies work for most people, but adjust based on your activity level and how quickly products build up.
Can you sleep with clip-in hair extensions in?
We recommend removing clip-ins before sleep whenever possible. The friction and movement during sleep causes tangling and can stress the clips and weft. If you need to leave them in, loosely braid the hair, secure with a silk scrunchie, and wrap in a satin scarf or bonnet. But for maximum longevity and hair health, daily removal is always the best practice.
What should you not do with hair extensions?
Don't use sulfate shampoos (they strip moisture). Don't brush from roots to ends (start from the ends and work upward). Don't sleep without protection (friction causes tangling and breakage). Don't apply heat without heat protection. Don't go to bed with wet extensions. Don't use wax or heavy oil products near tape or bond attachment points. These are the most common mistakes that shorten extension life significantly.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
