Human hair extensions can be exposed to many of the same things that affect natural hair, including heat styling, brushing, washing, chemical processing, chlorine and salt water.
Good aftercare cannot prevent every sign of normal wear, but gentle, consistent care can help reduce unnecessary dryness, tangling, matting and stress on both the extension hair and fitted attachment areas.
Remember: Hair extensions do not receive natural oils directly from the scalp in the same way as growing hair, so the lengths and ends benefit from careful handling and suitable aftercare products.
1. Brush Hair Extensions Gently
Aggressive brushing can place unnecessary tension on extension hair and, with professionally fitted methods, on the natural hair supporting the attachment.
Start at the ends and gradually work upwards. Support fitted extensions close to the attachment area and never force a brush through a stubborn knot.
Using a suitable extension brush can make everyday detangling easier. Browse our Hair Extension Brushes & Combs for suitable care tools.
2. Avoid Excessive Heat
Human hair extensions can be styled with straighteners, curling tools and hairdryers, but repeated high temperatures can contribute to dryness and make the hair more difficult to manage over time.
Use a suitable heat protection product, choose the lowest effective temperature for your style and avoid repeatedly passing heated tools over the same sections.
With professionally fitted extensions, keep straighteners, curling tools and concentrated high heat away from bonds, tapes and other attachment points.
3. Wash Extensions Carefully
Before washing, gently detangle the hair. Wash with your head upright using lukewarm water and avoid rubbing, twisting or scrubbing the extension hair together.
Apply conditioner mainly through the mid-lengths and ends. Oils, conditioners and rich treatments should generally be kept away from fitted bonds and tapes unless the particular product and fitting method state otherwise.
Don't Over-Wash
Avoid unnecessary frequent washing. How often you need to wash will depend on your scalp, lifestyle and fitting method rather than one fixed rule for everyone.
Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure shampoo and conditioner are properly rinsed from the hair so product residue is not left through the extensions or around fitted areas.
4. Dry Hair Extensions Properly
Wet hair is more vulnerable, so avoid rubbing the extensions backwards and forwards with a towel. Instead, gently blot or squeeze away excess moisture.
If using a hairdryer, use controlled heat and avoid concentrating high temperatures directly onto fitted attachment points.
Most importantly, make sure bonds, tapes and other fitted attachment areas are completely dry. Never go to bed with fitted extensions while they are wet or damp.
5. Avoid Colouring, Bleaching & Toning
HairXtensions recommends choosing the closest suitable extension shade before fitting rather than chemically processing the hair afterwards.
Avoid bleaching, lightening, colouring, toning or using colour-altering shampoos on the extensions. Additional chemical processing can affect the colour, texture, condition and lifespan of the hair.
If you're unsure which shade to choose, visit our Colour Match Guarantee before ordering.
6. Take Extra Care Around Swimming Pools & Sea Water
We recommend keeping hair extensions out of swimming pool and sea water wherever possible. Chlorine, pool chemicals and salt water can contribute to dryness, tangling, matting and colour changes.
If your extensions do become wet while swimming, rinse them with fresh water as soon as practical, gently detangle and dry both the hair and fitted attachment areas thoroughly.
7. Protect Extensions While Sleeping
Make sure fitted extensions are completely dry before bed and brush gently through the hair first.
Longer extensions can be worn in a loose plait or low ponytail to help reduce movement and tangling overnight. Avoid tight styles that place unnecessary tension on the attachment areas.
Removable extensions such as Clip-Ins and Ponytails should normally be removed before sleeping.
8. Use Suitable Aftercare Products
A good routine may include shampoo, conditioner, leave-in care and heat protection designed or recommended for human hair extensions.
Oils and richer treatments can be useful through the lengths and ends, but should generally be kept away from fitted attachment points.
Browse our Hair Extension Aftercare Products for our current care range.
9. Keep Up With Professional Maintenance
Professionally fitted extensions require ongoing maintenance as your natural hair grows and the attachment points gradually move further away from the scalp.
Follow the maintenance schedule recommended for your fitting method, keep attachment areas separated and seek advice from your extensionist if you notice persistent tangling, excessive slippage or unusual tension.
Look After Your Hair Extensions From Day One
Gentle brushing, suitable products, controlled heat, careful washing and drying, and regular maintenance all work together to help keep human hair extensions soft, manageable and looking their best.
Read Our Aftercare Guide Shop Aftercare Products Browse Brushes & Combs