It's an investment to purchase a set of hair extensions, as they can be quite expensive at times. When they start drying, matting, tangling, and frizzing, it gets really frustrating because we compare them to how we got them at first, and ask ourselves if it's even worth it to save. But don't throw out your extensions just yet - we can still revive them.
It is inevitable for hair extensions to dry out regardless of their brand or quality, because hair extensions do not receive the natural oils our natural hair does. Our scalp produces sebum that moisturizes our natural hair and keeps it soft and healthy. Since hair extensions are not attached to the scalp, they do not receive this natural oil, and that's why they start to feel dry over time.
"We hear this all the time from customers - 'My extensions looked amazing at first, but now they're dry and frizzy.' The good news is that in most cases, we can bring them back to life. Hair extensions just need a little extra love since they don't get the moisture your scalp naturally provides."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Everyone wants their hair extensions to last longer, stay healthy, soft, and beautiful. High-quality Remy human hair extensions are less likely to become frizzy compared to lower-quality options, but even the best extensions need proper care. In this article, we'll cover why your extensions are drying out, how to bring them back to life, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Signs Your Extensions Need Revival
- Hair feels rough, straw-like, or brittle to the touch
- Visible frizz and flyaways, especially at the ends
- Tangling more easily than when you first got them
- Dull appearance with no natural shine
- Split ends or breakage when brushing
- Hair doesn't hold styles as well as before
What Causes Dry Hair Extensions?
Firstly, we have to understand what causes the dryness of your hair extensions. Stripping moisture from hair extensions can occur through frequent washing, heat styling, and environmental exposure, which damages the cuticle and leads to dryness and frizz. Once you understand this, you'll have an idea of what you should do and what you should avoid to keep your hair extensions healthy and moisturized for a long time.
Poor Hair Extension Quality
The quality of your hair extensions is a big factor in their appearance and longevity. If you're using synthetic or overly processed extensions, they are weak and prone to damage. Since they are over-processed, they dry and break faster compared to Remy human hair extensions. High-quality Virgin Remy hair extensions have cuticles aligned in the same direction, which helps prevent drying and frizzing. This is why we only sell 100% ethically sourced Remy human hair at Perfect Locks - it simply lasts longer and stays healthier.
Exposure to the Sun
Overexposure to the sun can be damaging to your hair extensions. You already know that your extensions don't moisturize themselves. Without proper hair extension maintenance, your hair extensions will dry out and break faster from the sun's heat. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider wearing a hat or using a UV-protective spray.
Chlorine in Pools
Hair extensions can become dry and lose color when exposed to chlorine in swimming pools. Regular oil treatments are important for maintaining healthy hair if you frequently swim. However, we advise that you always take out your clip-in extensions or halo extensions before diving into the pool.
Salt Water at Beaches
The ocean is made up of salt water, and salt causes the hair to dry out quickly and get damaged. Never swim in salt water with your hair extensions. Even the sand at beaches can get on your extensions and potentially damage them, so make sure to regularly maintain your hair extensions.
Coloring Hair Extensions
Remember that only real human hair extensions are allowed to be dyed. Synthetic hair extensions shouldn't be colored because they're already chemically processed and the color won't stick to them. However, coloring your extensions frequently will make them dry out much like natural hair does.
Pro tip: If you need a specific shade, consider our balayage extensions or rooted extensions instead of dyeing them yourself. They come pre-colored with gorgeous dimensional tones and will last much longer.
Overuse of Heat Styling Tools
Your hair may dry out rapidly if you use blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, hot combs, and similar tools too frequently. Make sure to use them moderately because too much heat may rapidly cause your hair to dry out and become brittle. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling.
Harsh Products
The condition of your hair is also impacted by the products you use, such as oils, gels, and hairspray. The more product you use, the more frequently you'll need to wash your hair, which will eventually result in knots or tangled extensions. Similarly, sulfate-containing shampoos and conditioners may harm and dry out the hair by stripping moisture from your hair extensions.
Overwashing Hair Extensions
Hairstylists recommend that you only wash your hair extensions no more than once a week. Any more than that could dry out the hair by removing the natural oils of the extensions and stripping moisture, which can lead to dryness and frizz. When washing, avoid harsh products and use sulfate-free products instead.
How to Save Dry Hair Extensions
Hair extensions do not last forever. You can take care of them as much as you can, but they will eventually wear off or deteriorate. Eventually they will dry out, becoming frizzy and tangled.
But don't worry! There are ways to save and revive your hair extensions even if they are declining. We'll teach you the step-by-step method to keep your hair extensions lasting longer.
What You'll Need
- Sulfate-free shampoo
- Sulfate-free conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair extensions loop brush
- Argan oil or coconut oil
- Clean towel
- Heat protectant spray
- Bowl or sink for soaking
Step-by-Step Revival Method
Reviving dry hair extensions is all about restoring moisture, protecting the hair shaft, and preventing further damage. Since hair extensions - especially human hair extensions - don't benefit from the natural oils produced by your scalp, they're more vulnerable to dryness, frizz, and a straw-like texture. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Detangle Your Extensions
First, your hair extensions should be as tangle-free as possible, so brush through them to remove any tangles or knots. It's best to start brushing from midshaft to the ends so it's easier to detangle. For this, we recommend using a hair extension loop brush.
The ends of the hair strands may be severely damaged after combing. If you notice split ends, you can trim them just a little to make your extensions look fresh.
Prepare the Wash Water
Warm water should be added to a bowl or sink. Add some sulfate-free shampoo and stir it thoroughly with the water. To protect the hair extension, the water should be warm but not boiling.
Wash One Weft at a Time
Gently wash one weft at a time. While washing, try to avoid tangling the hair. The hair wefts should not be washed all at once since they may tangle and make cleaning more challenging. Take your time with this step.
Deep Condition with Warm Water
After washing, apply a sulfate-free hair conditioner. Fill the bowl with clean hot water and mix two to three spoons of conditioner depending on the length of your extensions. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes - the warm water opens the hair cuticles so the conditioner can penetrate deeply.
Pro tip: For extra hydration on very dry extensions, use a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment instead of regular conditioner. Leave it on for 30 minutes under a shower cap for maximum absorption.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner
Remove the wefts from the warm water and lay them on a dry towel. Apply a generous amount of lightweight leave-in conditioner to each weft. This helps avoid weighing down the extensions while controlling frizz. Allow the wefts to absorb for 20 to 30 minutes.
Rinse with Cold Water
Rinse the wefts one by one in cold water. Use cool water when rinsing to help seal the hair cuticle - this locks in moisture and adds shine. Make sure to thoroughly rinse to prevent treatment buildup.
Brush Again While Damp
Brush your extensions while they're still damp. Start combing from the middle to the ends, then gently move upward. The treatment will make them soft and easy to detangle. Use gentle handling to prevent damage.
Air Dry Overnight
Lay your extensions flat on a towel in a place where they won't tangle, and leave them to air-dry overnight. Air drying is gentler on the hair cuticle than blow drying and helps preserve moisture.
Tip for faster drying: If you need to dry them faster, use your blow dryer on the lowest heat setting. Hold it at least 6 inches away from the hair and keep it moving to prevent heat damage.
Style with Heat Protection
Once completely dry, you can style your extensions. Always use a heat protective spray before using any styling tools. Use the coolest setting possible on your heating tools to reduce frizz and maintain smoothness.
Seal with Oil
Apply some argan oil or coconut oil to your hair extensions. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends. This keeps them looking smooth, moisturized, and shiny.
The Results: Before and After
When done correctly, this revival process can transform dry, frizzy extensions back to silky, smooth hair. Here's what you can expect:
The results are just as impressive for curly and textured extensions:
Tips for Preventing Dry Hair Extensions
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep your extensions moisturized and healthy from the start:
- Invest in quality: High-quality Remy human hair extensions maintain moisture better than synthetic or over-processed hair
- Wash less frequently: Limit washing to once a week or less
- Use sulfate-free products: Sulfates strip natural oils from the hair
- Limit heat styling: Air dry when possible and always use heat protectant
- Store properly: Keep extensions in a silk bag or on a hanger to prevent tangling
- Remove before swimming: Chlorine and salt water are extremely drying
- Apply oil regularly: A few drops of argan oil can make a big difference
- Sleep on silk: Silk or satin pillowcases reduce friction and frizz
Avoid these common mistakes: Never brush dry, tangled extensions without a detangling spray. Never sleep with wet extensions. Never use hot water to rinse out conditioner (cold water seals the cuticle). Never apply oil directly to tape-in bonds or clip attachment points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my new hair extensions already dry?
New extensions can feel dry if they're lower quality, over-processed, or if they've been stored improperly. High-quality Remy human hair extensions should feel soft and smooth out of the package. If your new extensions feel dry, try a deep conditioning treatment before wearing them.
Can I use regular shampoo on hair extensions?
We recommend using sulfate-free shampoo on hair extensions. Regular shampoos often contain sulfates that strip moisture from the hair, which can make extensions dry and frizzy faster.
How often should I condition my hair extensions?
Condition your extensions every time you wash them, and use a leave-in conditioner between washes. For very dry extensions, a deep conditioning treatment once a week can help restore moisture.
Can I revive synthetic hair extensions?
Synthetic extensions are more difficult to revive than human hair because they don't absorb moisture the same way. You can try fabric softener diluted in water, but results vary. Human hair extensions respond much better to conditioning treatments.
How long do hair extensions last with proper care?
With proper care, high-quality human hair extensions can last 6 months to over a year with regular wear. Tape-in extensions typically last 4-8 weeks per application, while clip-ins can last much longer since they're not worn constantly.
What oil is best for dry hair extensions?
Argan oil is excellent for hair extensions because it's lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Coconut oil is also effective but should be used sparingly as it's heavier. Avoid oils with silicones that can cause buildup.
Should I brush my hair extensions when they're wet?
It's best to brush extensions when they're damp, not soaking wet. Use a wide-tooth comb or loop brush and work from the ends upward to prevent breakage. Never brush dry, tangled extensions without a detangling spray.
Can Perfect Locks help me choose the right extensions?
Absolutely! We offer free color matching consultations. Just send us a photo of your natural hair and we'll help you find the perfect match. Our team has been helping customers find their ideal extensions since 2007, and we only sell hair we'd wear ourselves.
Ready to Give Your Extensions New Life?
Dry, frizzy hair extensions don't have to be the end of the road. With the right care routine and quality products, you can restore your extensions to their original softness and shine. At Perfect Locks, we've been helping customers care for their extensions since 2007, and we're here to help you too.
If you're still struggling with dry extensions or thinking it might be time for a new set, we offer a free consultation to help you find the perfect match. With our 30-day return policy, you can shop with confidence knowing you're getting 100% ethically sourced Remy human hair.