Hair Extension Aftercare: Tips to Make Your Extensions Last Longer
Caring for your hair extensions properly is the key to keeping them soft, tangle-free, and long-lasting. Here are my top aftercare tips to help you get the most out of your investment.
1. Wash Once or Twice a Week
Gently wash your extensions once or twice a week. Focus on thoroughly cleansing your scalp to prevent product and dry skin buildup. Always make sure to dry your hair completely after washing to prevent tangling or matting.
2. Condition from Mid-Lengths to Ends
Avoid applying conditioner near the beads or bonds, as this can cause slippage. Instead, condition from the mid-lengths down. Conditioning keeps your extensions soft, shiny, and manageable.
3. Deep Condition Monthly (or More for Blondes)
Apply a deep conditioner or hair mask to dry hair, braid it, and leave it in for at least an hour before rinsing and washing as usual. This method deeply nourishes the hair and extends the life of your extensions.
Pro tip: I recommend the
Cantu Leave-In Conditioner (Use as a Hair Mask)
4. Brush Morning and Night
Use a Tangle teezer brush to detangle your extensions every morning and night. Focus on brushing from the roots down to avoid matting, especially near the scalp.
Recommended tool:
Tangle Teezer Brush – Great for Extensions
5. Watch for Colour Discolouration
Hair extensions can fade or discolour due to sun, chlorine, heat tools, hard water, or cheap shampoo. If your extensions look dull or brassy, try using:
Malibu C Hard Water Sachets – Helps Remove Buildup
6. Use Oils and Serums Regularly
A lightweight serum or oil helps prevent dryness and adds shine. Avoid applying to the root area to protect the bonds, but use daily on the mid-lengths and ends.
7. Always Use Heat Protection
Before using any heat tools, apply a heat protectant. Even on hot days or while on holiday, UV exposure can damage the hair, so use a protectant even if you're not styling with heat.
Suggested product:
Top-Rated Heat Protection Spray
Final Thoughts
With a little care and the right products, your hair extensions can stay soft, shiny, and beautiful for months. Bookmark these tips and revisit as needed for a refresher.
Amazon links to some essential aftercare products:
Shampoo - Cantu - https://amzn.to/4cJAp8F Matrix- https://amzn.to/4irw7Us Beauty works set- https://amzn.to/3Rvh3du Colour wow set- https://amzn.to/4cLJUnK Only curls set- https://amzn.to/3YKClaS
Conditioner's- Only curls conditioner- https://amzn.to/44EYn2B Matrix - https://amzn.to/4lKhIWj Redkin- https://amzn.to/3EIUDTa Colour WOW- https://amzn.to/3ElJiIQ Cantu- https://amzn.to/42sNnEg
Masks- Cantu Leave in (Instead use as a deep mask)- https://amzn.to/3RwSZa8 Beauty works - https://amzn.to/4jrAO20 k18 repair mask- https://amzn.to/4cLzMvb
Brushes- Tangle teezer- https://amzn.to/4cIAyJc https://amzn.to/4cLSa77 Beauty works paddle brush- https://amzn.to/449AhNk Budget brush- https://amzn.to/42MCc8o https://amzn.to/42M2BmD
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