Learning how to take care of hair extensions after you leave the salon is essential! If you love your new extensions and want your gorgeous strands to last, it’s all about your hair extensions care and maintenance routine. This includes washing, conditioning, brushing, and sleeping with your new hair extensions. Each step makes a difference in how long your wefts will last before having to replace them.
If you’re wondering, “How long do hair extensions last?” the answer also depends on your maintenance routine. Better care equals longer-lasting hair. If you’re not sure what to do to make your hair extensions last, I’m giving you all the answers you need.
How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?
With the NBR and IBE hair extension application methods I use at my salon, how long the hair lasts comes down to how well you follow the after-care instructions. After your initial application appointment, I always recommend booking a follow-up every 4-8 weeks to move up, tighten, and secure your extensions. This will ensure the longevity of your extensions and keep them looking their best. The actual hand-tied hair will last anywhere from 6-12 months with proper maintenance. (That’s right. It’s possible to keep your extensions for as long as a year if you take great care of them!)
How to Take Care of Hair Extensions
After your hair extensions appointment, it’s important to keep up with your care routine to avoid matted hair or damage resulting in dull, brittle strands. The goal is to keep your hair looking as healthy and fresh as the day you step out of my salon with these at-home hair care tips. Here’s how to take care of hair extensions for long-lasting locks with my aftercare guide.
Cleanse
Keep your hair extensions clean and fresh by washing them 1 to 3 times per week. You want to establish a balanced routine for your hair, so you don’t overwash your strands.
Before showering, brush your hair to remove any tangles and prevent hair matting.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner without harsh chemicals to prolong your hair color and extensions (I recommend using lles Formula).
Start shampooing by massaging all of your natural hair and carefully washing in between your hair extension rows.
Don’t scrub your hair vigorously, as this can damage your extensions. Instead, shampoo twice and massage gently to fully clean your hair.
Rinse your hair well and don’t leave any shampoo behind.
Apply your conditioner (again, I highly recommend lles Formula). For even distribution and to seal down the cuticle, use a wet brush and brush the conditioner through your hair and extensions.
Rinse your hair thoroughly to make sure all product is entirely out of your hair.
Use a weekly hair mask (like olive oil) to strengthen and nourish your tresses.
Brush & Blow Dry
After washing and conditioning, brush your hair using a wet brush. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to avoid causing matted hair.
Once you reach the top of the hair extension weft, stop brushing.
Clip everything up except your natural hair underneath your bottom row, and start brushing.
Drop down your bottom row and brush that out.
Continue row by row, alternating between your natural hair and your extensions until you get to the top layer.
Finally, release and brush through your natural hair that’s on top to complete the brushing process.
Before blow drying, apply a heat protectant like Iles Formula #3 Finishing Serum.
Rough dry your hair 80% of the way. Use only your hands and fingers as you dry. Using a round brush or comb at this point will tug at the extensions.
For a faster blow dry, section out each row and rough dry them separately.
You can use a round brush and a small amount of tension to smooth your hair and the extensions in the last 20% of your blow dry.
Sleep
Before bed, brush your hair thoroughly and make sure your hair is completely dry.
Wear your hair in a high bun with a silk scrunchie or a loose low pony to prevent hair matting.
Sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk head wrap for your hair to protect it from frizz and breakage.
Quick Tips
For the best results when curling your hair, make sure you’re curling clean hair. (Avoid curling your hair when dirty.)
If you’re headed out in the sun, use a sunblock that is non-avobenzone. This ingredient can cause irreversible discoloration damage to the hand-tied hair.
Take a break from heat styling when you can, and try some heat-free styling techniques.
Use a purple shampoo if your hair starts to look a bit brassy to keep your blonde hair bright. Try my Blonde Juice shampoo to bring your hair back to life!
Fresh Locks That Last
And there you have it! Once you master how to take care of hair extensions the right way, you’ll get the longest wear time while achieving ultimate hair health. I love to give my clients the full salon experience, and that extends into home care for natural-looking strands.
Ready to get your hair extensions applied or adjusted? Request your appointment today, so I can make your hair dreams a reality.
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