The best ways to care for your hair extensions

If you have sew-ins, tape-ins, clip-ins, microlinks, keratin extensions, or other styles of hair extensions you probably already know that all of the above need special care to avoid tangles, mats, and damage, including to your natural hair. Here are our tips to extend the life of your hair extensions.  

Treat them like real hair

Care for your added hair as your care for your natural hair and scalp. Use the shampoo and conditioner products you usually use. Wash your hair with shampoo, condition for about 10 minutes, and rinse with cold water. 

Be gentle with your roots, and don’t over-shampoo them. Choose sulfate-free hair-care products that hydrate and have mild detergents.  

But we recommend washing and conditioning your hair only every other week. You can push this process to once per month. 

Maintain moisture 

Moisturize those gorgeous locks! Consider using a leave-in conditioner. 

Avoid harsh chemicals and heating tools. Use dry shampoo sparingly because it dries out your extensions. 

After washing and conditioning your hair, allow it to air dry. And don’t be rough with that towel! A gentler drying process will allow for overall hair and scalp health, as well as longer-lasting extensions. 

If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest setting. For curly extensions, use a diffuser instead of a blow dryer.  

Brush your hair 

Gently brush your hair and extensions in the morning when you wake up. If you sleep on a silk pillowcase, you’ll notice fewer tangles. Brush again at night before you prep your hair for sleep.

Replace them regularly 

You need to replace most extension types every six to eight weeks. Otherwise, you risk tangling and matting your hair. 

Of course, this timeline varies for hair growth. Hot tip: clip-ins require less upkeep because you can take them out at night. 

Use products sparingly  

Use only the hair products you need and only when you need them. Don’t use up your goo hoard! Less is more for hair extensions.   

Sleep on silk

Cotton, wool, and other pillowcase fabrics are rough on extensions and hair. Silk pillowcases are smooth, and made of naturally occurring, woven protein. 

So, sleeping on silk won’t tangle, mat, dry, or damage your hair. This material avoids sapping the moisture from your hair. Silk is best for your skin, too, because it helps you maintain your face’s natural moisture.   

Use silk hair scrunchies 

Do not use nylon, elastic, cotton, or spandex hair ties on your extensions. These materials are harsh on both your natural and extension hair. Instead, use silk! For your daytime styles, use silk hair scrunchies, either in large sizes or skinny sizes. 

At night, for a wavy look, sleep with loose pigtails tied in silk hair scrunchies. A silk scarf, wrapped around the back of your head and tied up front, can protect your extensions and hair, too. 

Bold & Brave is here for your hair, extensions, and skin needs! Switch to silk and see the difference in your hair and skin health.

Switch to Silk