How to Wash Hair With Extensions (Without Tangling, Slipping, or Regret)
Youâve just had your extensions installed, and your hair looks like something out of a shampoo commercial. Itâs fuller, longer, and turning heads everywhere. But now comes the question every extension-wearer has faced:
How do I actually wash this stuff?
Because letâs be honest â extensions arenât exactly âwash and go.â And if you go in with your usual scrub-and-rinse routine? You might end up with tangles, slippage, or worse â ruined bonds.
Whether youâre rocking tape-ins, sew-ins, keratin bonds, or hand-tied wefts, this guide is your no-nonsense, stylist-approved routine for washing hair with extensions â without messing them up.
First: Know What Kind of Extensions Youâre Washing
Different types = different rules. Hereâs a quick refresher:
Extension Type | Can You Wash Like Normal? | Key Caution Areas |
---|---|---|
Tape-Ins | Almost | Avoid oils near tapes |
Keratin Bonds | Yes, gently | No pulling near bonds |
Sew-Ins / Wefts | Yes, with care | Fully dry braids underneath |
Hand-Tied Wefts | Yes | Use gentle motion over rows |
Clip-Ins | â Remove before washing | Wash separately when needed |
Halo / Flip-Ins | â Not worn during wash | Store clean and dry |
This guide focuses on semi-permanent extensions worn during regular washing (tape, bonded, sew-in, hand-tied).
𧴠Step-by-Step: How to Wash Hair With Extensions
1. Brush Before You Even Think About Water
Detangle everything before you step into the shower.
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Use a loop brush or wide-tooth comb
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Work from ends to roots gently
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Support the extension area with your hand while brushing
Pro Tip: Brush daily, especially before washing. Tangles + water = knots from hell.
2. Wet Gently â No Scrubbing, No Tossing Your Head
Start with lukewarm water and let it run straight down. No flipping your head over the tub or tilting sideways â thatâs how you tangle the bonds.
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Use fingertips, not nails
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Avoid swirling or scrubbing the hair in circular motions
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Donât soak your head like laundry
3. Use Extension-Friendly Shampoo
Translation: sulfate-free, gentle, and moisturizing.
Look for:
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Keratin-safe
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Color-safe (if applicable)
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Low-foam or creamy formulas
Avoid:
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Clarifying shampoos (they strip oils and loosen bonds)
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Protein-heavy products (can make hair stiff if overused)
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Products with silicone near roots (especially for tape-ins)
4. Wash in Sections
This isnât the time for shampoo slapdashery. Divide your hair into two or more sections and gently cleanse each part.
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Use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp between extensions
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Donât tug or pull at the roots
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Let the shampoo run down the lengths of the hair without rubbing it in
Be patient â it takes a little more time, but itâll save you hours of detangling later.
5. Condition Smartly
Apply conditioner from mid-shaft to ends only.
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Never apply conditioner near the bonds, clips, or tapes â it can cause slippage
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Use a moisturizing mask once a week, focusing only on the lengths
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Rinse thoroughly to prevent buildup
Optional: Finish with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
6. Towel Dry Like a Human, Not a Maniac
Stop scrubbing your hair dry. Just stop.
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Use a microfiber towel or old t-shirt
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Gently press and squeeze the water out
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Never twist or rub â it stresses the bonds and causes frizz
7. Dry the Roots â Always
Leaving wet roots is a huge no-no with extensions. It can lead to mildew, itchy scalp, or slipping extensions.
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Blow-dry your roots using medium heat, directing air downward
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Use a nozzle to avoid frizz
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Dry the bonds, rows, or tapes thoroughly â the lengths can air dry if you like
If youâre tight on time, prioritize the root zone. You can diffuse or air-dry the ends later.
Bonus Tips: Washing Hair With Extensions Like a Pro
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Wash your hair 2â3 times a week max â overwashing dries both your real hair and the extensions
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Use dry shampoo between washes â especially at the roots
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Sleep with hair in a braid or ponytail to avoid tangles overnight
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Avoid heat styling daily â extensions are more vulnerable to damage than your natural strands
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Clarify your scalp once every 3â4 weeks (only the roots!) if you feel buildup
FAQs: Washing Extensions Without Losing Your Mind
1. Can I wash extensions upside down in the sink?
Please donât. Thatâs a shortcut to tangles, matting, and bond stress. Always wash with your head upright in the shower.
2. What happens if I donât dry the roots properly?
You risk mildew (yes, itâs a thing), itchy scalp, and your bonds or tapes slipping early. Dry them fully, always.
3. Can I use purple shampoo on extensions?
Yes â but sparingly and only on human hair extensions. And never on the roots or bonds. Test a strand first!
4. How soon after getting extensions can I wash my hair?
Most stylists recommend waiting 48â72 hours after installation before the first wash. This gives bonds or tapes time to fully set.
5. Can I co-wash (conditioner only)?
Not with semi-permanent extensions. You still need a gentle cleanser to remove scalp oils and buildup â otherwise, youâre headed for slip-city.
Final Thoughts: Wash With Love, Not Force
Washing your hair with extensions isnât complicated â but it is intentional.
Take your time. Use the right products. Skip the scrubbing. And for the love of everything glossy, dry your roots.
Because when you treat your extensions right? Theyâll treat you to flawless hair â day after day, wash after wash.
And honestly? You deserve that kind of luxury, every time you lather up.