6 Best Practices that Improve the Longevity of Your Extensions
When looked after properly, hair extensions can last you for 3 to 4 months with ease. As they are rather
expensive, it’s a good idea to invest your time in them to get the most out of them. Contrary to popular
belief, hair extensions are not low-maintenance and even clip-in extensions require proper care to stay
usable.
The following are some of the best practices you can apply that improve the longevity of your
extensions:
1. Minimal Washing
If you wash your hair every day, now is the time to stop. With hair extensions, you should only be
washing your hair twice in a week. The daily washes can really dry out your hair and with the extensions,
it can lead to increased hair fall and breakage. If you have an oily scalp, you can use a dry shampoo in
between hair washes but make sure it is safe to use with hair extensions. Use hair products that are
meant for extensions when you wash them.
2. Washing Gently
When washing hair, work with a gentle hair washing technique as hair can break more when it is wet. A
good way is to tilt your head backward and start washing from top to bottom. Work the shampoo gently
between the extensions treads using your fingertips on the scalp– no fingernails. To make it easier, you
can also section your hair as you shampoo and then rinse thoroughly.
3. Detangling Every Day
At the end of every day and every morning, you should detangle your hair using your fingers. Gently
untangle your hair to ensure that the extension treads and bands are lying in the right direction. This
prevents extra tension at the roots and lowers hair fall and scalp sensitivity. Detangling should also be
done before you brush your hair so that you don’t end up pulling or tugging on your extensions.
4. Using a Special Brush
Throw away your old brush when you have hair extensions because it can be too rough on the bonds.
Instead, get a soft bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair. Brushes and combs with
close teeth tend to increase the chances of hair getting tangled or matted. Matting can occur near the
treads or bonds of the extensions and can only be cut out.
5. Be Heavy Handed with Moisturizing
Your extensions need to be moisturized frequently. If you already use conditioner and deep condition
your hair, maintain the same routine but switch up your products for the extensions. Avoid applying
products near the roots and treads of the hair extensions. Instead, apply the product mid-way and work
it all the way to the ends. Deep conditioning once a week also works wonders in keeping your
extensions lustrous and healthy.
6. Getting a Trim
Just like how you need to trim your hair after every 2 to 3 months, you should get your hair extensions
trimmed as well. Doing so ensures that they are healthy as well. Moreover, trimmed extensions will
blend in better with your original hair. The end result will be extensions that look so natural; you won’t
be able to tell the difference.