Hair Extensions Care Guide

Your first time with hand-tied is always exciting. They blend better and provide length and thickness that's hard to achieve with other types.

With proper care, our hand-tied & micro weft extensions can last 8 to 12 months. Darker & solid colors last longer than blonde & balayaged wefts.

Our care guide is mainly focused on hand-tied wefts. If you have our micro wefts, Applique Tips, Beach Wave, or Seamless Tabs, you will find some special care considerations that you won't want to miss under our Special Care section below. 

The hair we use is the same for each type, but the bonds are different, so there are some special care considerations that you won't want to miss.

Start with great hair

Your stylist made a choice to use only the highest quality, minimally processed hair. We use only the best Slavic remy silicone-free hair with the cuticle intact for longer life and minimal tangling.

Our wefts are treated to minimize color fading and created to provide maximum thickness and density.

Use the right products

A salon-quality product that's "safe" for extensions may not cause damage, but that doesn't mean it gives your wefts what they need.

Don't settle for safe. Your stylist can recommend products that will nourish and protect your wefts so they last longer and always look their best.

Hot tip: Hair Extension hair does not respond well to high-protein products. 

Brushing

Hold the track (the point where your extensions are sewn into your natural hair) firmly with one hand. With your other hand, gently brush until your hair is tangle-free 3 to 4 times per day. Starting at the ends, gently remove the tangle, moving up slowly towards the attachment site focusing on mid-shaft to ends and be very gentle at the track.

If you have multiple rows of wefts, remember to brush the natural hair between the rows.

Use a light oil every day

The most important thing you can do to keep your wefts healthy is to use a silicone-free lightweight & clear daily oil. We love Oi oil by Davines. Apply oil evenly from mid-shaft to ends and avoid the track.

To prevent staining and build-up that can cause dryness, avoid using dark or heavy oils, such as argan, macadamia, and coconut.

Quick Note! 

Hair extensions aftercare requires specific products. Don't be overwhelmed. You'll get the hang of this quickly, and we have simplified extension care shopping list for you.

Trust your stylist to provide custom-tailored recommendations based on your hair type, climate, and lifestyle.

Pre-wash

Before you shower, gently brush your hair to remove the tangles.

Hydrate

We can't stress enough the importance of using the right shampoo and conditioner. Hair extensions need moisture. The best shampoos for hair extensions are either sulfate-free or have high-quality, gentle sulfates.

A hydrating shampoo with high-quality lightweight oils will help your wefts last longer and look their best.

Avoid silicone

Avoid non-water-soluble silicone. Silicone is a shortcut ingredient that provides quick smoothness and shine, but it can build up, cause dryness, weigh your wefts down, and eventually cause damage.

We don't put silicone on our wefts, and you shouldn't either.

Avoid protein

Always avoid shampoo and other products designed for damaged hair. This includes "bond-builders" like B3, Olaplex and Olaplex oil. Protein will dry your extensions.

Visit our explainer for in-depth information on how and why protein damages hair extensions along with a guide to finding hidden proteins when you're shopping for products.

Shampoo

Let your tangle-free hair fall naturally. Avoid tilting your head forward or backward as the weight of the water will pull on the track. Water should be running straight down your back.

Washing the track

You want to get the track clean without disturbing it or pulling on it. Avoid circular or vigorous movement. Be gentle while massaging the shampoo into your scalp.

Condition

Your daily conditioner should be light yet hydrating enough to maintain the moisture level of your hair extensions. Alternate every third wash or so with a deep conditioner.

Wash less often

Washing hair extensions as little as possible will prolong their life.

Use a dry shampoo to extend the time between washes. There are a few that even have nourishing properties built in.

If you need a refresh, try washing only your scalp, keeping the lather off the rest of the hair.

Remove excess water

Use a micro-fiber towel to pat your hair dry. Sandwich your hair in the towel and press to absorb excess water.

Avoid harsh movements and let your hair fall naturally. Circular or rubbing motions will cause your extensions to tangle.

Remove around 75% of the moisture before you begin brushing. A quick rough-dry with a blow dryer (no brushing yet) can also help.

De-tangle

Whether you blow dry or air dry, you'll want to de-tangle. Use a wet brush or round brush and be gentle. Your stylist can recommend a de-tangler if you need a little extra help. We also find an ionic hair dryer to be a great help in detangling hair. Hairland's staff pick is the Innovator by FHI. 

Prime

The pores in your natural hair are different from the pores in your extensions. As a result, styling products may absorb and spread unevenly. Primers even out the porosity of the hair and make styling easier.

Oil

If styling oils are part of your routine, apply them mid-shaft to ends, never at the track. A little heat will help the oil saturate evenly.

Heat protection

If you plan to use a blow dryer or flat iron, now is the time to apply a heat protector. This is essential to protect both your extensions and your natural hair, especially the ends.

Section your hair by rows. Avoid clipping or styling half of a weft at one time.

Do you typically use a lot of products?

There are some great all-in-one products out there that prime, de-tangle, and provide heat protection. Your stylist is the best person to help you select the best one for you.

Dry

Aim your blow dryer downward. You want water to move through your extensions in the same direction as the cuticle. This will prolong the life of the extensions.

Make sure the track ends up completely dry to prevent mildew. To avoid knots and tangles, don’t tousle your hair. Avoid any heat over 330°F. Avoid ceramic or metal brushes as they can quickly amplify heat.

Avoid blow-dry accelerators

Quaternium 16 • Quaternium 80 • Quaternium 95 are commonly found in products that speed up your blow-dry or reduce drying time. They are known to cause breakage.

Never flat-iron or curl wet hair

A hot iron and wet hair do not mix! Moisture inside the hair shaft turns to steam and expands. This can weaken/damage the hair, which will be especially noticeable as breakage at the ends. Hair should be completely dry before using an iron.

Curl

Before you curl, pre-heat the entire length of your strands to avoid "climbing". This is where the hair in the iron will tighten as it heats.

Do hair extensions require color maintenance?

Our wefts spend up to a month in their color bath and are made to hold their original tone as long as possible. Just like your own hair will experience some fading between salon visits, all human hair extensions will require some touch-ups along the way. Blondes, especially those with low-lights and melts, should expect more maintenance then brunettes.

Toning shampoos

Purple and green toning shampoos often cause dryness and, due to texture differences, pigment grabs in extension hair differently than it would in natural hair. This can cause unpredictable results including staining.

While it is generally okay for a stylist to tone in-salon with a diluted shampoo bath, we do not recommend using toning shampoos, conditioners, or masks at home.

Can my wefts be colored?

The stylist who installed your wefts will have no problem coloring them if you want to go darker. To go lighter, you will likely have to replace your extensions as bleaching the wefts is not recommended.

What should I expect during future salon visits?

That depends on how well you follow the care guide and how frequently you wash. During your move-up appointments, many stylists will do a color gloss to refresh the layer of pigment that neutralizes the underlying warm tones of the hair. Single-color wefts are easier to tone and refresh during future salon visits.

Want to keep your wefts looking great in summertime? 

To keep your wefts looking great during the summer, prioritize hydration, protect them from chlorine and saltwater, and use heat protectant when styling, while also ensuring they are dry before sleeping. 

Can I use sunscreen?

Many types of sunscreen can turn your extensions peachy-orange and it most likely can not be fixed. This is a chemical reaction with the dye that is used in human hair extensions. Any sunscreen with Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) or Octocrylene MUST BE AVOIDED!

Bare Republic makes a few mineral sunscreens that are weft safe and reef-friendly. Zinc Oxide based sunscreen is the safest but be sure it is not mixed with other harmful ingredients. Regardless of sunscreen type, we advise that you pull your hair up before applying and leave it up to keep it off your skin.

Can I swim in a pool & go to the beach?

Swimming and hair extensions aren't great together. Wefts can be affected by pool chemicals, minerals, salt water, and sun exposure. If you swim, use extra precautions to prevent color fade, tangling, staining, dryness, and damage.

Salt-water & chlorine will dehydrate the wefts and significantly reduce their life expectancy. You can't know exactly what's in the water and often, your hair will absorb harmful chemicals and residual sunscreen from other swimmers.

Before you swim, pre-wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to help prevent the absorption of harmful water and chemicals. Use a protective product with added UV protection to prevent damage from salt, chlorine, and other chemicals. Braiding your hair before a swim will help prevent tangles.

Wash and condition directly after swimming. Unfortunately, no hair extensions company can provide a warranty for hair that has been stained or changed color after a swim. Learn more about why wefts can change color after swimming and for some advice if you find yourself in this situation.

How about tennis, running & regular workouts?

If you will be outside, use a UV protective product. Brush, wash, and condition after intense physical activity. Sweat is basically salt water and can dry out the hair and weaken the weft. 

Can I spray tan or use self tanners?

Spray tans can stain your hair. Wear your hair up and don't let it come in contact with your skin until you've showered.

Rotate your wefts

Your natural hair gets trimmed for a fresh, healthy look at the ends. Extensions don't grow, so they don't get trimmed. You have to maintain the ends of your wefts for up to a yea,r and that's difficult, even with a perfect after-care routine. Over time, the wefts will wear and lose length.

Many of the top install methods and educators are now teaching that replacing some wefts at your 6-month maintenance visit can help maintain a more consistent length, color, and fullness.

Is there anything I should do before bed to care for my extensions?

Treat yourself to a silk pillow-case to prevent snags and matting during sleep. Avoid sleeping with wet hair. This can cause tangles and stress on the hair. A loose braid or a bun before bed will also help prevent tangles and pulling.

Do you have hard water?

Hard water & well water are very rough on your hair. They can strip, stain, or damage the color and cause dryness, leaving the hair dull and frizzy.

Soft water makes your hair and skin look and feel dramatically better. It also helps your shampoo lather, and it helps fight frizz. Consider a shower filter for better long-term results at home.