Extension
Care Guide
Healthy extensions start with proper care. Learn how to care for your extensions at home to maximize their lifespan, protect your natural hair, and keep them looking beautiful between appointments.
Brushing
Brush your extensions at least twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Always begin at the ends and gently work your way up to the roots to prevent unnecessary tension.
Use a soft-bristle or loop brush designed for hair extensions. When brushing near the attachment points, support the roots with your free hand to minimize stress on your natural hair.
Washing
Wash your hair as needed, typically 2–3 times per week for most clients.
Use a sulfate-free, paraben-free, extension-safe shampoo and conditioner to help protect both your natural hair and your extensions.
Gently massage shampoo into your scalp and allow it to rinse through the lengths. Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, avoiding the attachment points.
Rinse thoroughly with the water flowing downward, rather than scrubbing or piling your hair on top of your head.
Drying
After every wash, completely dry your extensions, especially the roots and attachment points. This is essential, whether you're starting your day or heading to bed.
Leaving moisture around the attachment points can lead to tangling, matting, or premature loosening.
If you prefer to air dry the lengths, always make sure the roots and attachment points are fully dry first.
Styling
Your extensions can be curled, straightened, and styled just like your natural hair. Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools.
Whenever possible, keep styling tools below 380°F and avoid placing direct heat on the attachment points.
Avoid applying oils, conditioners, masks, or heavy styling products directly to the attachment points, as they can weaken keratin bonds, adhesive tabs, or bead installations.
Sleeping
Never go to bed with wet extensions.
Before sleeping, loosely braid your hair or secure it in a low ponytail to help prevent tangling.
For added protection, we recommend sleeping in a silk or satin bonnet or on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, minimize frizz, and extend the life of your extensions.
Avoid sleeping with your hair in a tight ponytail or bun, as this can place unnecessary tension on the attachment points.
Swimming
Before swimming, thoroughly wet your hair with clean, fresh water. Hair acts like a sponge, so saturating it first helps reduce the amount of chlorine or salt water your extensions absorb.
Loosely braid your hair or secure it in a low ponytail to help prevent tangling.
After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible, then gently brush and completely dry the attachment points.
Be mindful of sunscreens containing avobenzone or octocrylene, as these ingredients can cause blonde or lighter-colored extensions to discolor. Whenever possible, keep sunscreen away from your hair.
Products to avoid
To help extend the life of your extensions, avoid applying oils, conditioners, masks, or serums directly to the attachment points.
Always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools, and never apply direct heat to the attachment points.
If you wear blonde extensions, use purple shampoo only as recommended by your stylist, as overuse can leave the hair dry or over-toned.
Not sure if a product is extension-safe? Just ask, we're always happy to recommend products that will keep your extensions looking beautiful and your natural hair healthy.
When to come back in
K-tip
3–6 months
Bonds are single-use. Move-up timing depends on your natural hair growth rate.
Tape-in
6–10 weeks
Tape is reusable up to 3 times. Don't wait too long. Loose tape can cause matting.
Wefts
Ask at consult
Interval depends on install type and hair growth. Your stylist will give you a specific schedule.
Questions about your specific install?
Every install is a little different. If something doesn't look right or you're not sure about a product, reach out before it becomes a bigger problem.