How to Care for Hair Extensions: Complete Guide

Good quality extensions are an investment, and the way they are looked after at home decides whether they last for months or start matting in weeks. Knowing how to care for hair extensions is just as important as choosing the right method and the right technician.

This guide is for clients who have just had extensions fitted and for stylists who want a clear aftercare routine to hand to every client. It covers washing, brushing, sleeping, summer sun and swimming, and how often to book maintenance.

Why extension hair needs extra care

Extension hair does not receive natural oils from the scalp the way your own hair does. That means the lengths can dry out faster, especially in the heat and sun of an Australian summer. The attachment points, whether tapes, rows or rings, also need to be kept clean, dry and free of tangles to stay secure and comfortable.

How to care for hair extensions day to day

The first 48 hours

If you have tape extensions, most technicians recommend not washing the hair for the first 48 hours, so the adhesive can settle. Check with your technician, as advice differs between methods and brands.

Brushing

Brush gently at least twice a day, and always before washing and before bed.
Start at the ends and work upwards, holding the hair near the attachments with your other hand to avoid pulling.
Use a brush designed for extensions. A loop brush is a common choice because the looped bristles glide over attachments rather than catching on them, like this hair extension loop brush.

Styling with heat

Always use a heat protectant on the lengths.
Keep hot tools away from the bonds, tapes or rings.
Use moderate heat settings. Extension hair can be damaged by high heat just like natural hair.

How to wash hair extensions

Learning how to wash hair extensions properly prevents most common problems, from slipping tapes to matting at the nape.

Step by step

Brush out all tangles before the hair gets wet.
Wash in the shower with your head upright, not tipped forward over a basin, which can cause tangling.
Apply shampoo mainly to the scalp, working gently between the attachments with your fingertips. Let the suds run through the lengths.
Apply conditioner from the mid lengths to the ends only. Keep it away from tapes and bonds.
Rinse thoroughly. Leftover product near the attachments can cause slipping.
Gently squeeze out water with a towel. Do not rub.
Dry the roots and attachments completely. Never go to bed with damp attachments.

How often to wash

Most clients find two to three washes a week works well. Washing less often reduces wear on the attachments, but scalp health still matters, so do not leave it too long after the gym or the beach.

Best shampoo for hair extensions in Australia

When people search for the best shampoo for hair extensions in Australia, they are usually looking for something gentle that will not dry the lengths or loosen the attachments. Look for:

Gentle cleansers that will not strip the lengths. Many clients prefer sulphate free formulas, so read the ingredient list if that matters to you
Light conditioners that will not weigh down the roots
Aftercare recommended by your extension brand or technician

Many extension brands make their own aftercare, designed to work with their hair and attachments. Seamless1, for example, offers an extension shampoo and extension conditioner in 300ml bottles. You can compare other options in the extension care range.

Oils and serums

A small amount of a lightweight oil or serum on the mid lengths and ends can help keep extension hair soft and shiny. Keep it well away from tapes and bonds, as oils can break down adhesives. The hair oils and serums range has plenty of options.

Sleeping with extensions

Brush the hair thoroughly before bed.
Make sure the roots and attachments are completely dry.
Tie the hair in a loose low plait or a low ponytail with a soft scrunchie.
A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction and tangling.

Summer care: sun, salt and chlorine

Australian summers are tough on extension hair. Whether it is a day at Newcastle’s beaches or the backyard pool in Western Sydney, a few habits make a big difference.

Wet the hair with clean water before swimming, so it absorbs less salt or chlorine.
Apply a leave in conditioner to the lengths before swimming.
Tie the hair in a plait to stop tangling in the water.
Rinse with clean water as soon as you can after swimming, then wash and condition.
Wear a hat in strong sun. UV can fade and dry extension hair, especially lighter shades.

Hair extension maintenance: move ups and removal

How long do tape extensions last?

This depends on two things: how long the tapes stay in before a move up, and how long the hair itself lasts. Many technicians book tape move ups around every six to eight weeks. Good quality human hair that is well cared for can often be re-taped and reused over several move ups. Always follow your technician’s advice and the brand’s guidance.

How often do you move up tape extensions?

As your natural hair grows, the tapes move further from the scalp. Once they sit too low, the weight pulls on the hair and tangles can form at the root. Most clients need a move up every six to eight weeks, although faster growth or heavy activity can shorten that.

Other methods

Nano rings and micro rings usually need tightening and moving up regularly as the hair grows.
Wefts need the row moved up as the hair grows.
Clip ins should be removed before sleeping, swimming or exercise and stored brushed and flat.

Never remove extensions at home without advice

Searching how to remove tape extensions at home is common, but removal is best done by a professional who has the right remover and can check your natural hair as they go. Pulling out tapes or rings yourself can cause breakage.

A simple aftercare checklist for clients

Brush twice a day with a loop brush, from ends to roots
Wash two to three times a week with a gentle shampoo suited to extensions
Conditioner and oil on the lengths only
Always dry the attachments fully
Plait before bed and before swimming
Book your next maintenance appointment before you leave the salon

Elite Hair Supplier stocks extension care products and tools at its Wetherill Park and Beresfield stores, with Click and Collect available on online orders.

FAQ

How do you take care of hair extensions?

Brush gently twice a day, wash two to three times a week with a gentle shampoo suited to extensions, keep conditioner and oils away from the attachments, dry the roots fully, sleep with the hair plaited and book regular maintenance.

How long do tape extensions last?

Tape extensions are usually moved up around every six to eight weeks. Good quality human hair can often be reused across several move ups if it is looked after.

Can I use normal shampoo on hair extensions?

You can, but gentle formulas, or the aftercare your extension brand recommends, are kinder to extension hair and adhesives. Avoid heavy, oil rich products near the roots.