Hair Extension Aftercare

 

Hair extensions require different care than your natural hair. With the right maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy-looking hair for longer. Follow the guide below and see your professional stylist regularly to keep your extensions in top condition.

✨ maintenance

Your natural hair continues to grow, which means your extensions will loosen over time. To maintain a secure and natural look:

  • Book a maintenance appointment every 5–7 weeks to avoid damage.

  • Skipping maintenance can cause tangling, matting, and stress on your natural hair.

🪮 brushing

Brushing properly is essential to avoid tangling and breakage.

  • Use only the recommended extension brush.

  • Brush twice daily, morning and night.

  • Do not pull, tug, or backcomb extensions.

How to Brush:

  1. Divide hair into 5 cm sections.

  2. Start from the ends, working up to the mid-lengths, then the roots.

  3. Always support the roots with one hand while brushing with the other.

  4. Be gentle and thorough, especially near the bonds and scalp, where tangling is most common.

When wet:
Use your fingers to gently detangle before blow-drying. Never stretch or roughly handle wet extensions.

🧴 washing

Over-washing can dry out extensions. Aim to wash your hair once or twice per week.

Washing Tips:

  • Brush dry hair thoroughly before washing.

  • Use lukewarm water and salon-quality, sulphate-free, protein-free products.

  • Shampoo your scalp and between bonds—not the lengths.

  • Condition only from mid-lengths to ends. Avoid roots and bonds.

  • Never tip your head upside-down when washing.

  • Never tie up or bun wet hair. Let it air dry loosely or blow-dry on medium/cool setting.

  • Never sleep with wet hair.

🌿 products

Hair extensions don’t receive natural moisture from your scalp, so hydration is key.

  • Use moisturising, protein-free, salon-quality products.

  • Apply a weekly deep conditioning treatment.

  • Use a leave-in serum or hydrating mist twice daily on dry hair.

  • Avoid purple shampoo unless absolutely necessary—it dries out extensions and can lead to uneven colour.

🌞 sunscreen & self-tan

Self-tan and sunscreens can stain your extensions, especially light shades.

  • Avoid contact between your hair and skin when wearing tanning or sunscreen products.

  • Check for Avobenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient that can turn extensions orange or pink.

  • Protect your hair by:

    • Wearing a hat.

    • Tying hair in a loose braid or high bun with a soft scrunchie.

    • Saturate hair with leave-in conditioner before sun exposure.

    • Rinsing and deep conditioning immediately after sun exposure.

💤 sleeping

Keep your extensions tangle-free while you sleep:

  • Brush thoroughly and apply your leave-in treatment.

  • Tie hair in a loose braid or plait.

  • Never sleep with wet or loose hair.

  • Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.

🌧️ before activities

  • Tie your hair back during exercise, windy weather, or rain.

  • Keep an extension brush on hand to manage tangles throughout the day.

🌊 swimming

Avoid getting your extensions wet in:

  • Saltwater

  • Chlorinated pools

  • Natural springs

These can dry out, tangle, and discolour your extensions.

If contact is unavoidable:

  • Tie hair up in a bun.

  • Rinse immediately after with clean water.

  • Follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment.

🔥 heat styling

Less is more! Minimise heat to extend the life of your extensions.

  • Always use a heat protectant.

  • Keep styling tools below 160°C.

  • Blow-dry on cool or medium heat only.

⚠️ general care

  • Never colour, bleach, or tone your extensions while installed.

    • If colouring your natural hair, consult your stylist or have extensions removed first.

  • Avoid tight or messy buns that tug on the bonds.

  • Extensions grab pigment quickly—use toners and purple shampoos cautiously.

  • Lost a piece? Keep it safe and bring it to your next appointment for reapplication.