Proper aftercare keeps your hair extensions soft, smooth, and long-lasting. Using gentle products and the right routine helps maintain both your natural hair and extensions for flawless, everyday wear.
Failure to follow the recommended aftercare guidelines may impact the overall performance and longevity of your hair extensions. Below is information on how you can upkeep, protect, and make your extensions flourish.
1. Brushing
You must use an extension-safe hairbrush designed to gently glide through the hair without placing tension on the bonds.
Never:
- Pull or drag a brush through the hair, especially when knots are present.
- Brush extensions when they are wet.
When brushing:
- Always brush from the ends upwards to the roots
- Work in small sections
- Support the hair at the root when brushing
This method helps to:
- Prevent unnecessary tension on the bonds
- Reduce breakage and snapping (snippage)
- Avoid tangling and matting
2. Shampoo & Conditioner
Hair extensions should only be washed when absolutely necessary. We recommend washing every 7–10 days, or longer where possible.
Over-washing can lead to:
- Dryness
- Loss of softness
- Reduced lifespan of the hair
You can maintain your natural hair between washes by:
- Washing the top section only (avoiding the lengths)
- Using dry shampoo to refresh the roots
Choosing the right shampoo & conditioner is important, it must be a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that is clarifying or detoxing, while also being moisturising, it is important to understand that cleansing and moisture must work together.
A shampoo that is too harsh can strip the hair, while one that is too heavy can cause build-up — both will negatively affect the longevity of your extensions.
Avoid shampoos that leave the hair feeling overly “squeaky clean,” as this often indicates the hair has been stripped of essential moisture.
Shampooing Routine
When washing your hair extensions, your focus should always be on the scalp — not the lengths.
- Shampoo the scalp only
- Do not shampoo the hair extensions directly
- Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the mid-lengths and ends
As you rinse the shampoo out, it will naturally flow through the lengths, which is sufficient to cleanse the extensions without causing unnecessary dryness or friction.
This method helps to:
- Prevent dryness and over-stripping
- Maintain softness through the lengths
- Reduce tangling and matting
- Protect the overall condition of the hair
Always allow the water and product to run downwards, and avoid piling or twisting the hair during washing.
3. Treatment Mask
Hair extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp, meaning moisture must be replaced manually to maintain softness, shine, and longevity.
- Use a deep conditioning mask every 7-10 days (or as needed)
- Apply to mid-lengths and ends only
- Avoid the roots area, bonds or tapes
- Leave on for 5-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
Focus on keeping the hair hydrated to prevent:
- Dryness
- Tangling
- Dullness
4. Drying
Hair extensions must always be dried correctly after washing to prevent matting, tangling, and damage.
- Never leave hair extensions to air dry completely
- Never sleep with wet or damp hair
- Always ensure the root area, bonds, or tapes are fully dry after washing
Towel Drying
- Do not rub the hair with a towel
- If using a towel, use a microfibre towel only
- Gently squeeze and pat the hair to remove excess water
Blow Drying
- Always blow-dry the root area thoroughly
- Mid-lengths and ends can be blow-dried using a brush or left slightly natural once roots are fully dry
Leaving the root area damp can lead to matting and may affect the longevity of your extensions.
5. Heat Protection
Heat protection is essential for maintaining the quality, colour, and condition of your hair extensions.
Always use an effective heat protectant before:
- Heat styling (straighteners, curling wands, blow drying)
- Sun exposure (holidays, warm weather, beach days)
- Sunbeds or UV exposure
Apply evenly through the mid-lengths and ends before any exposure.
Not all heat protectants provide the level of protection required for hair extensions. Using a high-quality, effective formula is essential to prevent dryness, colour fading, and damage.
6. Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioner helps maintain moisture, softness, and manageability, supporting the overall condition of your hair extensions.
- Can be applied to damp hair before drying
- Can also be used on dry hair between washes
- Spray lightly through the mid-lengths and ends
- Avoid the root area, bonds, or tapes
- Allow the product to absorb into the hair, do not rinse.
Usage guidance (important balance):
- Can be used daily or as needed
- Use a light amount to avoid product build-up
7. Hair Oil
Hair extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp, making daily hydration essential to maintain softness, shine, and smoothness.
- Use a lightweight, argan-infused oil for best results
- Apply to the mid-lengths and ends only
- Avoid the root area, bonds, or tapes
- Apply a small amount once in the morning and once in the evening
- Can be used throughout the day if needed, using minimal product
8. Heat Styling
Heat styling should always be carried out using controlled, moderate temperatures to protect the condition and colour of your hair extensions.
- Avoid using heat tools on the highest temperature settings
- Always opt for a lower or medium heat setting
- Hair will still style effectively without excessive heat
- Use straighteners, curling tools, and blow-dryers carefully
- Avoid applying direct heat to bonds, tapes, or attachment points
Excessive heat can lead to dryness, colour fading, and reduced lifespan of the hair.
Failure to use controlled heat may also cause unnecessary stress to the hair, increasing the risk of breakage.
9. Daily Brushing
Regular brushing is essential to prevent tangling, matting, and unnecessary stress on the hair.
- Brush your hair 2-3 times daily as a minimum
- Always use an extension-safe brush
- Carry a suitable brush with you when out, especially in; wind, busy environments, long days out
- Gently brush through the hair throughout the day to keep it smooth and tangle-free
10. Sleeping
Proper night-time care is essential to prevent tangling, matting, and unnecessary stress on the hair.
- Before bed, ensure the hair is fully brushed through and free from tangles
- Secure the hair in a loose braid or two loose braids
- Use silk or satin scrunchies (avoid tight or elasticated bands)
- Wear a silk or satin bonnet where possible
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
11. Lifestyle & External Factors
Environmental factors can significantly affect the condition, colour, and longevity of your hair extensions.
Sun Exposure & UV
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause dryness, colour fading, and brassiness
- Always apply a heat protectant before sun exposure
- Where possible, keep hair protected when in strong sunlight
Sunbeds
- UV exposure from sunbeds can lead to dryness, fading, and colour change
- Always apply a heat protectant before use
- Wear a silk or satin bonnet to protect the hair during use
12. Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can dry out the hair and may also cause unwanted colour changes, particularly in lighter shades.
- Avoid submerging hair in water where possible
If unavoidable:
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or regular conditioner before swimming
- Tie the hair up securely
- Leave the conditioner in while swimming to create a protective barrier
After swimming:
- Rinse the hair thoroughly as soon as possible
- Follow with your usual cleansing and conditioning routine
13. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your hair extensions looking and performing at their best.
- Attend maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks
- Do not leave extensions in beyond the recommended timeframes
- Professional repositioning and upkeep is required to prevent: matting, tangling, and excess tension on natural hair
Important Information
Hair extensions are a luxury product and require consistent, correct aftercare to maintain their quality and lifespan.
- Extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp and must be maintained manually
- Improper aftercare can lead to: dryness, tangling and matting, colour fading, and reduced lifespan
Support your extensions with the right aftercare
To help keep your hair soft, healthy and looking its best for longer, shop our extension-safe aftercare essentials — designed to nourish, protect and extend the life of your hair.