The Best Hair Care Tips for When You Have Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can feel like pure magic—suddenly your hair is longer, thicker, and styled just the way you’ve always imagined. But here’s the catch: extensions need love, too. Whether you’re rocking tape-ins, halos, sew-ins, or fusion bonds, how you care for them makes all the difference between weeks of fabulous hair or a tangled mess. Let’s walk through the best hair care tips to keep your extensions (and natural hair) looking flawless, with pro insights, seasonal care, and even lifestyle-specific advice.

Gentle Washing is Key

Extensions don’t produce their own oils, so they dry out faster than natural hair. Washing correctly is crucial:

  • Choose sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping moisture.

  • Focus on your scalp—use fingertips, not nails, and rinse thoroughly.

  • Condition only the mids and ends; avoid adhesive areas like tapes or bonds.

  • Frequency: 1–2 times per week is usually enough.

Stylist tip: Tilt your head back in the shower instead of flipping hair forward—this prevents unnecessary tangling.

Lifestyle note: Gym-goers who sweat a lot may want to rinse hair with water in between washes to freshen up without over-shampooing.

Detangle Like a Pro

Tangles are the enemy of smooth extensions. The right tools and technique matter:

  • Use a loop brush or wide-tooth comb.

  • Hold hair at the root to reduce tension.

  • Start brushing at the ends and work your way up.

  • Detangle before washing and again before bed.

Pro advice: Never yank through knots. Spritz a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to ease stubborn tangles.

Stylist insight: I once had a bride come in panicked because of a matted section before her big day. With patience and proper brushing, we saved both her extensions and her sanity. A reminder: prevention is always easier than correction.

Protect Hair While Sleeping

Nighttime is often when damage happens. A little prep saves a lot of trouble:

  • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.

  • Put hair in a loose braid or ponytail.

  • Avoid sleeping with wet hair—it weakens both natural strands and extensions.

Stylist insider note: Suggest silk pillowcases to clients—less friction, fewer tangles, and even better skin benefits.

Extra hack: For long-term wearers like sew-in clients, a silk bonnet or scarf layered over the braid works wonders.

Limit Heat Styling

Extensions can be styled just like natural hair, but too much heat shortens their lifespan.

  • Always use a heat protectant.

  • Stick to lower temperature settings (below 350°F/180°C).

  • Try heatless styles like braids, rollers, or overnight waves.

Fun fact: Heatless curl kits are trending and they’re perfect for extensions—soft, bouncy waves without any damage.

Lifestyle note: For influencers or professionals constantly on camera, alternating heat with no-heat days is the secret to longer-lasting extensions.

Keep Up With Maintenance

Professional upkeep is non-negotiable if you want extensions to last:

  • Tape-ins: Reapply every 6–8 weeks.

  • Fusion bonds: Replace every 3–4 months.

  • Micro-links: Tighten every 6 weeks.

  • Sew-ins: Refresh braids and wefts every 6–8 weeks.

Stylist reminder: Always book your next appointment before leaving the salon—prevents emergencies when extensions start slipping.

Client case: One regular who skipped her tape-in move-up came in with serious matting. After two hours of detangling, she vowed never to miss maintenance again. Extensions are commitment!

Nourish From the Inside

Healthy natural hair supports healthy extensions:

  • Eat protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, and beans.

  • Incorporate healthy fats (avocado, salmon, nuts).

  • Stay hydrated—water is as important for hair as it is for skin.

  • Consider biotin or collagen supplements (check with a doctor first).

Stylist perspective: I often remind clients that their hair health starts at the grocery store, not the salon chair.

Protect Extensions From the Elements

Everyday life can wear extensions down faster if you’re not careful:

  • Swimming: Chlorine and salt water weaken adhesives—wear a swim cap or braid hair.

  • Sun exposure: Use UV-protectant sprays.

  • Wind: Secure hair in braids or buns to prevent tangling.

Stylist tip: Keep a small travel-size leave-in conditioner in your bag—perfect for taming dryness on the go.

Seasonal advice:

  • Summer: Prioritize hydration masks to fight dryness from heat and UV rays.

  • Winter: Static and dryness call for silk scarves and richer conditioners.

  • Spring/Fall: Transitional weather is ideal for experimenting with balayage tape-ins or halo refreshes.

Say Yes to the Right Products

Not all products play nicely with extensions:

  • Avoid anything oil-heavy near adhesive areas.

  • Skip sulfates and parabens—they dry extensions.

  • Look for lightweight, moisturizing leave-in sprays.

  • Use a clarifying shampoo once a month (away from bonds) to remove buildup.

Stylist recommendation: Brands like Olaplex or Pureology are extension-friendly favorites in many salons.

Lifestyle-Specific Care Tips

  • For brides: Schedule your move-up appointment 1–2 weeks before the wedding to ensure perfect placement and blending.

  • For athletes: Opt for styles like braids or buns during workouts to reduce sweat tangles.

  • For frequent travelers: Pack a mini detangling spray and silk scrunchie for in-flight touch-ups.

FAQs on Hair Extension Care

1. How often should I wash my extensions?

1–2 times a week is ideal. Washing too often strips essential moisture.

2. Can I use hair masks with extensions?

Yes, but keep them on mids and ends—never near tapes or bonds.

3. What brush is best for extensions?

A loop brush or wide-tooth comb—they glide through without tugging at bonds.

4. Do I need to take breaks from extensions?

Occasional breaks can benefit scalp health, but with proper care, long-term wear is safe.

5. Can I color my extensions?

Only if they’re 100% human hair. Synthetic extensions don’t take color well.

6. Do extensions need different products than natural hair?

Yes, products should be lighter and sulfate-free to keep both natural hair and extensions healthy.

7. What’s the number one mistake clients make?

Skipping professional maintenance or brushing too aggressively.

Healthy Hair, Happy You

Extensions are an amazing way to boost confidence and creativity—but they’re an investment worth protecting. With gentle washing, mindful styling, and consistent upkeep, your extensions will stay gorgeous for weeks (or months) while keeping your natural hair safe.

At Cooviphair, we’re here to guide you with the best extension products, maintenance advice, and professional services. Ready to keep your extensions looking flawless? Reach out today and let’s make your hair care routine as beautiful as your new look.