How Do You Brush Your Hair With Extensions?
If you’ve just invested in beautiful hair extensions—whether tape-ins, halos, micro-links, or sew-ins—you probably know the golden rule already: treat them gently. But brushing? That’s where most clients get a little nervous. How do I brush my hair without pulling the extensions out? Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the proper way to brush your hair with extensions so they last longer and keep your natural hair healthy. We’ll dive into tools, technique, stylist tips, and even lifestyle scenarios so you feel confident every time you pick up that brush.
Choose the Right Brush
Not all brushes are extension-friendly. The wrong tool can tug at bonds or tapes, causing damage.
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Loop brush: Specially designed for extensions with looped bristles that glide over bonds.
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Wide-tooth comb: Great for detangling wet hair.
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Soft bristle brush: Gentle for smoothing and finishing styles.
Stylist tip: Avoid metal-bristle brushes—they can snag and weaken bonds. Invest in at least two brushes: one for detangling and one for styling.
Client story: One of my clients switched from a regular paddle brush to a loop brush and was amazed—her tape-ins lasted weeks longer because she stopped pulling on the adhesive.
Start at the Bottom, Work Your Way Up
Brushing extensions isn’t about ripping through tangles. The technique matters:
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Hold your hair firmly at the root to support bonds or tapes.
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Start detangling from the ends of your hair.
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Gradually move upward in sections.
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Once the ends are smooth, brush from root to tip with controlled strokes.
Pro reminder: Rushing this process is what causes shedding and slipping. Patience keeps both your natural hair and extensions safe.
Brush in Sections
Extensions add thickness, which means more hair to manage. Divide your hair into manageable sections before brushing. This ensures you’re not over-pulling or missing areas.
Stylist note: Sectioning is especially important for sew-ins and micro-links since tangles tend to form near the nape and crown.
Frequency Matters
How often should you brush extensions? More than you might think.
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Recommended: 2–3 times a day
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Best times: Morning, before bed, and after workouts
Why: Regular brushing prevents tangling and matting, especially at the nape of the neck where extensions can bunch up.
Extra advice: Carry a travel-size detangling brush in your bag. A quick midday brush keeps hair polished and prevents buildup of knots.
Wet Hair Requires Extra Care
Wet hair is fragile, and extensions are no exception.
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Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
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Apply a leave-in conditioner for slip.
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Never yank at knots—gently work them out.
Stylist hack: Always brush before washing to minimize tangles during shampooing. After washing, pat hair dry instead of rubbing with a towel—rubbing causes friction and mats extensions.
Lifestyle note: For swimmers, it’s even more important to brush gently after rinsing out chlorine or salt water. Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner before combing.
Protect Your Extensions at Night
Nighttime tangles are common, but brushing before bed helps:
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Detangle hair gently.
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Put hair in a loose braid or ponytail.
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Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Stylist insider note: Suggest silk pillowcases to clients—less friction, fewer tangles, and even better skin benefits.
Pro hack: For long sew-ins, wrap hair in a silk scarf before bed to maintain neat braids underneath.
Seasonal Brushing Tips
Different seasons bring different extension challenges:
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Summer: Sweat, humidity, and pool days = tangles. Brush more frequently and keep hair braided for outdoor activities.
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Fall: Increased shedding means brushing gently, especially near roots.
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Winter: Dry air leads to static. Use a soft bristle brush and finish with a hydrating spray.
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Spring: Rainy days cause frizz—brush hair into a low bun or braid to stay smooth.
Lifestyle Tips
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For athletes: Brush after workouts to prevent sweat-related tangles. Tie hair in a braid before exercising.
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For travelers: Pack a loop brush and small spray conditioner—perfect for long flights.
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For brides: Schedule a brushing tutorial with your stylist before your big day. Stress and styling can cause tangling—practice makes perfect.
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For teens with extensions: Teach daily brushing habits early to avoid mats. A quick morning and night routine makes a big difference.
Do’s and Don’ts of Brushing Extensions
Do:
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Hold hair at the root while brushing.
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Brush regularly to avoid tangles.
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Use the right brush for wet vs. dry hair.
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Brush gently before and after washing.
Don’t:
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Yank or force knots out.
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Use brushes with sharp bristles.
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Ignore the nape area—it tangles fastest.
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Brush too aggressively right over bonds or tapes.
FAQs on Brushing Hair With Extensions
1. What’s the best brush for extensions?
A loop brush is ideal—it slides over bonds and tapes without snagging.
2. How often should I brush my extensions?
2–3 times a day is best to prevent tangles and matting.
3. Can I brush wet extensions?
Yes, but only with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Start from the ends.
4. Do I need to hold my hair at the root when brushing?
Yes—this reduces tension on the bonds and keeps extensions secure.
5. What happens if I don’t brush enough?
Extensions can tangle, mat, and even pull at natural hair, causing breakage.
6. Can brushing extend the life of my extensions?
Absolutely. Regular, gentle brushing keeps extensions smooth, reduces shedding, and helps them last longer.
7. Should I brush extensions differently depending on the method?
Yes—tape-ins and fusion require extra care near bonds, while halos are more forgiving. Always ask your stylist for specific instructions.
Smooth Strokes, Healthy Hair
Brushing with extensions doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With the right tools, gentle technique, and consistent routine, your extensions will stay sleek, smooth, and healthy—without compromising your natural strands.
At Cooviphair, we don’t just provide extensions—we guide you on how to care for them every step of the way. Ready for longer, smoother, worry-free hair? Reach out today and let’s keep those strands flawless.
