Washing hair extensions correctly is an important part of keeping them clean, manageable and looking their best.
The ideal routine depends on whether your extensions are professionally fitted or removable, as well as your scalp, lifestyle and chosen fitting method. The most important thing is to wash gently and avoid unnecessary pulling, rubbing or tangling.
Brush extensions before washing, keep fitted hair flowing downwards, use suitable hair extension shampoo and conditioner, avoid rubbing the hair together, keep conditioner and oils away from fitted bonds or tapes and dry attachment areas thoroughly afterwards.
How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?
There isn't one washing schedule that suits every extension wearer. How often you need to wash fitted extensions depends on your scalp, lifestyle, styling products and extension method.
Washing more often than necessary can increase styling and heat exposure, but leaving the scalp excessively oily or allowing significant product build-up isn't ideal either.
Follow the advice provided for your fitting method and adjust your routine according to how your scalp and hair behave.
Before Washing Your Extensions
Detangle First
Gently brush through the lengths before washing so you're not trying to deal with existing knots once the hair is wet.
Check the Attachments
With fitted extensions, make sure neighbouring bonds, rings or fitted sections aren't tangled together before getting the hair wet.
Use Suitable Products
Choose shampoo and conditioner designed or recommended for use with human hair extensions.
Stay Upright
Wash fitted extensions with your head upright rather than flipping long extension hair upside down.
How to Wash Fitted Hair Extensions
Wet the Hair Gently
Use lukewarm water and allow it to flow down the hair in its natural direction. Avoid bunching or twisting the extensions together.
Shampoo the Scalp
Gently massage shampoo through the scalp using your fingertips. Avoid aggressive circular rubbing around fitted attachments.
Clean the Lengths Carefully
Allow the shampoo and water to flow through the extension lengths rather than rubbing the hair backwards and forwards.
Rinse Thoroughly
Take a little extra time to rinse fitted extensions because their additional volume can make it easier for product residue to remain.
Condition the Lengths
Apply conditioner mainly through the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying conditioner or oily products directly onto keratin bonds or Tape-In attachments.
Rinse Again
Rinse thoroughly until the hair feels clean and there is no obvious conditioner residue left through the lengths.
Dry Carefully
Gently squeeze or blot away excess water instead of rubbing with a towel, then make sure fitted attachment areas are completely dry.
Important: Never go to bed while professionally fitted hair extensions or their attachment areas are wet or damp. Moisture combined with overnight movement can increase the risk of tangling and matting.
Where Should You Apply Conditioner?
Conditioner is most useful through the extension mid-lengths and ends, where hair is more likely to feel dry.
With keratin-bonded and Tape-In extensions, avoid saturating the attachment areas with conditioner, oils or rich treatments because these products can interfere with some attachment methods.
Apply products carefully and always follow the instructions supplied with both your extensions and aftercare products.
How Should You Dry Hair Extensions After Washing?
Avoid vigorously rubbing wet extensions with a towel. Instead, gently blot or squeeze away excess moisture.
A hairdryer can be used on human hair extensions. Use controlled heat, apply suitable heat protection and avoid concentrating very high heat directly onto bonds or attachment areas.
With fitted extensions, pay particular attention to drying the roots and attachment areas completely.
Washing Clip-In & Removable Hair Extensions
Clip-In extensions, Ponytails and other removable pieces don't need to be washed on the same schedule as fitted extensions because they aren't worn continuously against the scalp.
Wash them when product build-up, dirt or general wear means cleaning is required rather than automatically washing them after every use.
Before washing, remove the extensions from your hair and gently detangle them. Wash carefully in the natural direction of the hair, condition the lengths and make sure they are completely dry before storing.
Hair Extension Washing – Do & Avoid
Do
- Brush before washing
- Use lukewarm water
- Wash fitted hair upright
- Massage the scalp gently
- Condition the mid-lengths and ends
- Rinse products thoroughly
- Dry fitted attachments completely
Avoid
- Scrubbing extension hair together
- Piling long hair on top of the head
- Using extremely hot water
- Applying oils onto bonds or tapes
- Rubbing wet hair aggressively with a towel
- Sleeping with damp fitted extensions
- Forcing a brush through wet tangles
Choose Suitable Hair Extension Aftercare
Shampoo is only one part of looking after extensions. Conditioner, leave-in care, heat protection and the correct brush can all form part of a regular extension-care routine.
Browse our current Hair Extension Aftercare Products or read our Complete Hair Extension Aftercare Guide for more care advice.
Shop Aftercare Products Browse Brushes & CombsWash Hair Extensions Gently
Good washing technique is about more than simply choosing a shampoo. Detangle beforehand, wash gently, condition the correct areas, rinse thoroughly and make sure professionally fitted attachments are completely dry afterwards.
Read Our Aftercare Guide Shop Aftercare Products```