Maintaining hair extensions requires specific care practices that differ from routines for natural hair alone. Properly maintained extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair, creating the illusion of naturally luscious locks. However, neglecting proper maintenance can lead to visible attachment points, tangling, matting, or premature shedding that immediately signals artificial enhancement. The key lies in developing a specialised routine that preserves the extensions and your hair underneath. Hair Extensions offer an exceptionally natural appearance when maintained correctly among the various extensions available.
Contents
Daily care essentials
- Brush extensions 2-3 times daily using a loop brush or extension-specific brush, starting at the ends and working upward
- Apply a silicone-free detangling spray before brushing to minimise tension and breakage
- Keep roots oil-free by applying dry shampoo preemptively rather than waiting for visible greasiness
- Keep hair in a low ponytail or loose braid during sports
- Avoid touching or twisting extensions throughout the day, which transfers oils and creates knots
- Use a leave-in conditioner on mid-lengths to ends to maintain moisture without weighing down attachment points
Washing wisdom
Proper washing techniques dramatically extend the life of extensions while maintaining their natural appearance. Always use sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo and conditioner to prevent bond deterioration or tape loosening. Limit washing to 2-3 times weekly maximum, as excessive washing accelerates wearing down of the bonds and can cause premature shedding. When washing, focus shampoo application on the scalp using gentle fingertip massage without circular motions that can tangle extensions. Keep the water flowing downward to prevent tangling, and never flip your head upside down. Apply conditioner only from mid-shaft to ends, carefully avoiding the attachment points, which can cause slippage.
Heat styling rules
Heat styling remains possible with extensions but requires modified techniques to prevent damage to the added hair and attachment points. Spray or serum with a heat protectant before thermally styling to protect extensions from direct heat. Keep styling tools at medium heat settings (300-350°F maximum) as high heat can melt adhesives or damage extension hair beyond repair. When blow-drying, start with 80% air drying before finishing with a diffuser or wide-tooth attachment. Direct high heat at attachment points can weaken bonds and create obvious gaps or shifting. Work in smaller sections than you would with natural hair alone for curling or straightening, and never start from the very top where attachments sit. Allow styled extensions to cool entirely before brushing to help set the style and prevent unnecessary frizz that makes extensions stand out from natural hair.
Professional maintenance visits
Regular check-ups with your extension specialist prevent minor issues from becoming visible problems. Most extension systems require professional adjustments every 6-8 weeks as your natural hair grows, creating more space between the attachments and scalp. These maintenance appointments reposition the extensions closer to the scalp, ensuring continued natural movement and concealment of attachment points. Between full reinstallations, your stylist can address any tracks that have shifted or begun to twist, which immediately creates an unnatural appearance. They can also evaluate if any sections need replacement due to tangling or excessive product buildup that home care cannot resolve. Professional deep cleaning services remove residue that makes extensions look artificial compared to natural hair.