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.