Hair Extensions Care Guide

Learning how to care for hair extensions properly is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment. With the right routine, quality human hair extensions can last 6 to 12 months or longer. Without it, even the best extensions can become dry, tangled, and lifeless within weeks.

We've been helping customers care for their extensions since 2007, and we hear the same concerns over and over: "Why are my extensions tangling?" "How often should I wash them?" "Can I still use my flat iron?" The good news is that hair extension maintenance isn't complicated once you understand a few key principles.

"The extensions you buy are only as good as the care you give them. I tell every customer the same thing - invest 10 minutes a day in proper care, and your extensions will reward you with months of beautiful, natural-looking hair."

- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks

This guide covers everything you need to know about taking care of hair extensions, from daily brushing to washing, heat styling, sleeping, and storage. We've also included type-specific tips because tape-in extensions need slightly different care than clip-ins or fusion bonds.

What You'll Need for Extension Care

Before we dive into routines, let's talk about products. Using the wrong products is the fastest way to damage your extensions, so this matters.

Essential products

• Sulfate-free shampoo - Sulfates strip moisture and can dissolve tape adhesive. Look for gentle, hydrating formulas.
• Moisturizing conditioner - Extensions don't receive natural oils from your scalp, so they need extra hydration.
• Leave-in conditioner or detangling spray - Makes brushing easier and adds daily moisture.
• Heat protectant - Non-negotiable if you use any hot tools.
• Loop brush or extension-safe brush - Regular brushes can snag and pull at bonds.

Products to avoid

• Anything with sulfates, parabens, or alcohol (drying)
• Heavy silicones that build up over time
• Oil-based products near tape or keratin bonds (can cause slippage)
• Purple shampoos used too frequently (can dry out lighter shades)
• Dry shampoo applied directly to bonds

Daily Care Routine

Daily hair extension maintenance takes about 5 to 10 minutes and prevents the tangling and matting that leads to damage. Think of it like taking care of a favorite cashmere sweater - a little attention every day keeps it beautiful for years.

Brushing your extensions

Brushing is the foundation of extension care. Do it twice daily - morning and night.

Detangling tips

If you encounter stubborn tangles, spray with a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before brushing. For serious matting (it happens - we've all been there), apply a deep conditioner, let it sit for 10 minutes, then work through gently with your fingers before using a brush.

How to Wash Hair Extensions

One of the most common questions we get is "how often should I wash my hair extensions?" The answer depends on your extension type and lifestyle, but the general rule is: less often than you think.

Washing frequency

• Clip-in extensions: Every 15 to 20 wears, or when product buildup is noticeable
• Tape-in extensions: Every 1 to 2 weeks (wash your natural hair more often if needed, but avoid the tape area)
• Sew-in and weft extensions: Every 1 to 2 weeks
• Fusion and keratin bond extensions: Every 2 to 3 days with your natural hair, but be gentle around bonds
• Halo extensions: Every 15 to 20 wears

Over-washing strips moisture and shortens lifespan. Under-washing leads to product buildup and dullness. Finding your rhythm takes a few weeks.

Step-by-step washing guide

How to Dry Your Extensions

How you dry your extensions matters as much as how you wash them.

Air drying (recommended)

Air drying is the gentlest option. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel - never rub or twist. For removable extensions, lay them flat on a towel or hang them to dry. For installed extensions, let them air dry naturally or use the cool setting on your blow dryer.

Blow drying

If you need to blow dry:

• Always use heat protectant first
• Keep the dryer on medium heat, not high
• Hold the dryer 6 to 8 inches away from hair
• Direct airflow downward (root to tip) to smooth the cuticle
• For installed extensions, dry your roots first, then work down to the ends

Heat Styling Safely

Yes, you can use hot tools on human hair extensions - that's one of the biggest benefits of choosing 100% human hair over synthetic. But heat styling requires care to prevent damage.

Temperature guidelines

• Fine or light-colored hair: 250 to 300°F (120 to 150°C)
• Medium texture: 300 to 350°F (150 to 175°C)
• Thick or coarse hair: 350 to 400°F (175 to 200°C)
• Curly or textured extensions: Lower heat, more passes if needed

Start at the lower end and only increase if needed. Extensions can't repair themselves like your natural hair, so heat damage is permanent.

Heat styling best practices

• Always apply heat protectant before any hot tool
• Make sure hair is completely dry before using flat irons or curling wands
• Don't clamp hot tools directly on bonds, tape, or beads
• Limit heat styling to 2 to 3 times per week when possible
• Give extensions regular "rest days" with heatless styles

Sleeping with Extensions

Nighttime care prevents the friction and tangling that happens while you sleep. This is especially important for installed extensions that you wear 24/7.

Before bed routine

• Brush thoroughly - Remove all tangles before bed
• Braid loosely - A loose braid or low ponytail prevents tangling without pulling on bonds
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase - Reduces friction compared to cotton (this alone makes a huge difference)
• Consider a silk bonnet - Especially helpful for curly or textured extensions

For removable extensions

If you wear clip-in extensions or halo extensions, always remove them before sleeping. Sleeping in removable extensions causes unnecessary wear on both the extensions and your natural hair.

Swimming and Exercise

Swimming

Chlorine and salt water can dry out and damage extensions. If you swim regularly:

• Wet hair with fresh water before entering the pool (hair absorbs less chlorine when already saturated)
• Apply a leave-in conditioner as a protective barrier
• Wear a swim cap when possible
• Rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming
• Deep condition after every swim session

For removable extensions, it's best to take them out before swimming entirely.

Exercise and sweating

Sweat itself won't damage extensions, but the salt can dry them out and frequent washing to remove sweat can shorten their lifespan. After workouts:

• Let your scalp dry naturally before brushing
• Use dry shampoo on your roots (not on bonds) between washes if needed
• If you work out daily, consider co-washing (conditioner only) between full washes
• Wear hair in a loose braid or ponytail during exercise to minimize tangling

Storing Your Extensions

Proper storage keeps removable extensions in perfect condition between wears.

Short-term storage (daily use)

• Brush thoroughly before storing
• Lay flat in a drawer or hang on a hanger
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Don't store wet or damp - always dry completely first

Long-term storage

• Wash and deep condition before storing
• Let dry completely (at least 24 hours)
• Gently brush and detangle
• Place in a breathable storage bag (not plastic, which traps moisture)
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Care by Extension Type

While most care principles apply to all extensions, each type has specific considerations.

Clip-in extension care

Clip-in extensions are the easiest to care for because you can remove them daily. Key considerations:

• Remove before sleeping, swimming, and showering
• Store properly between wears
• Wash every 15 to 20 wears
• Check clips regularly for any loose or bent pieces
• Don't apply products directly to the wefts/clips

Tape-in extension care

Tape-in extensions require careful attention to the adhesive:

• Avoid oil-based products near the tape
• Don't apply conditioner to roots or tape area
• Let tape dry completely before brushing after washing
• Sleep with hair in a loose braid to prevent tangling around bonds
• Schedule maintenance appointments every 6 to 8 weeks for moving up

Sew-in and weft extension care

Weft extensions sewn onto braids need special attention to both the extensions and your natural hair underneath:

• Keep your scalp clean and moisturized
• Wash every 1 to 2 weeks, focusing on the scalp
• Dry thoroughly to prevent mildew on braids
• Don't leave sew-ins in longer than 8 weeks without a break
• Have them professionally removed to avoid damage

Fusion and keratin bond extension care

Fusion extensions require the most daily attention:

• Brush 2 to 3 times daily to prevent tangling around bonds
• Avoid oil-based products near bonds
• Don't apply heat directly to keratin bonds
• Sleep with hair in a loose braid every night
• Schedule removal and reapplication every 3 to 4 months

Curly and textured extension care

Curly extensions need extra moisture and gentler handling:

• Use products formulated for curly hair
• Detangle with fingers or a wide-tooth comb only
• Scrunch in styling products to maintain curl pattern
• Refresh curls with water and leave-in conditioner between washes
• Air dry when possible - heat can loosen curl patterns over time

How Long Do Extensions Last?

With proper care, here's what you can expect:

• Clip-in extensions: 6 to 12 months with regular use, longer with occasional use
• Tape-in extensions: 4 to 8 months (tape can be replaced to extend life)
• Sew-in wefts: 6 to 12 months
• Fusion extensions: 3 to 4 months per application
• Halo extensions: 6 to 12 months

Quality matters here. Ethically sourced Remy human hair with intact cuticles (like all Perfect Locks extensions) lasts significantly longer than processed or non-Remy hair. The cuticles lay flat in the same direction, which prevents tangling and maintains smoothness over time.

Signs Your Extensions Need Replacing

Even with perfect care, extensions don't last forever. Here's when it's time for a new set:

• Persistent tangling that doesn't improve with deep conditioning
• Dry, straw-like texture that products can't restore
• Significant shedding from the wefts
• Frizz that won't smooth down
• Color fading or brassiness (especially in lighter shades)
• Thinning ends

If you're noticing these signs early (within a few months), it may indicate a care issue rather than end of life. Reach out to us - we're happy to troubleshoot and help you get more life out of your extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Give Your Extensions the Care They Deserve?

Proper hair extension care isn't complicated - it just requires consistency. A few minutes each day of brushing, the right products, and gentle handling will keep your extensions looking salon-fresh for months.

At Perfect Locks, we've been helping customers care for their extensions for nearly 20 years. Every set of extensions we sell is made from 100% ethically sourced Remy human hair, designed to last with proper care. And if you ever have questions, our team is here to help - we look at every customer request personally.

Not sure which extensions are right for you? Take our quiz to find your perfect match, or browse our collections below.

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