When your extensions are installed, it’s essential to take care of them correctly to make them last. To keep them smooth and shiny, don’t wash them like your natural hair. With proper care, you can enjoy them for 6 months or longer, especially if they are made from real human hair.
The general rule is to wash your hair extensions only when there’s a product build-up. This is particularly true for clip-in extensions. Other types of extensions should be washed at the same time as your real hair, but ideally not more than 2-3 times a week.
When I first washed my extensions, I felt nervous, but I soon got the hang of it. By following these steps, you can ensure your extensions remain in great condition.
How to Wash Extensions:
How to Wash Hair Extensions – Essential Steps
Here are the steps you would typically follow when washing your hair extensions following installation or purchase.
Prepare your hair extensions
Before washing hair extensions, brush or comb them to smooth tangles and knots. Start brushing gently with a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristle hair brush from bottom to top. This will remove tough knots without snapping or pulling the hair. For ease, lay the wefts together in a bundle on a flat surface.
Start By Brushing Your Hair Extensions
Before getting extensions wet, brush them to minimize tangles and knots. Regardless of the type, start brushing from the bottom and work up. Use a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush. For clip-in extensions, place the wefts on top to prepare for washing.
Fill the Sink or Bath with Warm Water
Clean the sink or bath before washing your hair extensions. Prepare by filling with warm water and adding 2-3 pumps of moisturizing, colored, hair-friendly shampoo to create a soapy bath. Avoid clips getting wet by holding them. Immerse lengths, wash gently, then lift and drain.
Shampoo Your Extensions Or Wefts
Wash wefts in a clean sink, use lukewarm water and 2-3 pumps of sulfate-free shampoo. Wash the hair carefully without scrubbing vigorously. After rinsing, apply sulfate-free conditioner from the middle to the ends. Avoid the roots and bonds. Leave the conditioner for 5-10 minutes and thoroughly rinse.
Apply Shampoo and Conditioner to Every Weft
Your extensions are ready for shampoo and conditioner. Holding clip-in extensions at the top, apply your chosen shampoo to the hair and work gently into the lengths of each weft to cleanse thoroughly. Rinse and apply conditioner from root to tip. Setting each weft on a towel, handle gently to prevent tangles. Conditioning keeps the hair smooth, shiny, and manageable. Leave products for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
Apply a Nourishing Hair Mask
To keep your natural locks and extensions soft and healthy, apply a hair mask once or twice a month. For clip-in hair, leave the wefts in a shower cap overnight to let the mask work. Rinse thoroughly after each application to avoid residue and prevent slipping.
Rinse Your Extensions
After shampoo and conditioner, rinse clip-in extensions thoroughly to ensure all product is removed. If they feel slippery, keep rinsing under warm running water until it runs clear. Finally, use cold water to seal moisture and make them softer, silkier, and shinier.
Gently Comb Your Hair
When your clip-ins are completely rinsed and the water is running clear, gently comb through to remove tangles.
Air Dry Your Locks
After washing hair, squeeze excess water and let hair and extensions air dry. To remove water faster, purchase a micro-fibre towel. Lay clip-in extensions on a flat surface and pat dry to avoid pulling. If needed, apply heat protection spray before blow-drying on a cool setting. Start drying the roots of hair and extensions, working your way down to the ends. For tips on how to get more volume in wavy hair, use a diffuser attachment while blow-drying.
Brush and Detangle
After you’ve finished rinsing your hair extensions, gently squeeze out excess water from root to tip using a microfibre towel to remove moisture. Never rub dry with a towel, as this can cause knots and damage hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to smooth and eliminate tangles. For extra softness, use a leave-in conditioner before drying. Knowing these hair salon terms can help maintain your extensions.
Blowdry Your Hair
Gently blot and squeeze excess water from your hair with a microfibre towel. Use a heat protector before you begin to blowdry. We suggest using a round blow dry brush to fully dry each section in a downward motion. Should you braid wet hair? It’s not recommended.
Leave to Air Dry
The best way to dry clip-in hair extensions is by leaving them to dry naturally. Setting them on a towel or flat surface, or hanging in a well-ventilated area, helps them air dry. Switching on a hair dryer might be tempting for a quicker solution, but it can cause damage. For the best hairstyles for working out, air-dried extensions are ideal.
Finish Your Hair with Argan Serum
After blow drying hair, tame flyaways and lock in shine with Argan Serum. Rub drops of serum into your hands and smooth through your hair. For extra deep treatment, use a hair mask like our Restore Mask once a week. Always use Heat Protection Spray before heat styling. Remember, it’s simple to wash hair extensions properly for the best results.
Conclusion
Properly caring for hair extensions ensures they remain smooth, shiny, and long-lasting. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can maintain the quality of your extensions. From brushing gently before washing, using sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, to air drying and applying nourishing treatments, these practices will keep your extensions in top condition. Remember to handle them with care, avoid excessive heat, and use protective products to prevent damage. Regular maintenance and mindful care will allow you to enjoy your extensions for months, keeping them as beautiful as the day they were installed.
FAQ’s
How should I wash my hair extensions?
Wash your hair extensions with lukewarm water. When extensions are wet, use 2-3 pumps of sulfate-free shampoo. Be careful not to wash vigorously, especially near the bonds or clip.
What should you not wash hair extensions with?
Never use a moisturizing shampoo or one for dry, damaged hair. Avoid Pantene, Tresemme, Timotei, and other supermarket shampoos. Use a lightweight, good-quality conditioner on the ends of your hair, never on the root.
How soon can I wash my hair after extensions?
Don’t wash your hair for at least 24 hours; the ideal time is 48 hours. This gives the bonds time to seal better and helps prevent slippage by reducing the chance of moisture getting between bonds.
Are hair extensions washable?
They are made to be washed and worn like natural hair. Some are reusable with in-salon maintenance, while others need to be replaced every 4-6 months. There are four types of semi-permanent hair extensions on the market, each with its own set of requirements.
