How to Care for Hair Extensions Between Visits
By Bella Garcia · · 5 min read
Extensions can give you length, volume, and a fuller look almost instantly, but how they look a few weeks later depends a lot on what happens at home. Good hair extensions care between visits usually means fewer tangles, less shedding, and a smoother blend with your natural hair. Here is the routine we suggest to keep them looking their best.
Why hair extensions care looks different from regular hair care
Extension hair does not get natural oils from your scalp the way your own hair does. That means it can dry out faster, especially toward the ends. At the same time, the attachment points near your scalp need to stay clean and dry without getting pulled or loosened.
So the goal is a balance: keep the lengths moisturized and the bonds or wefts gentle and tidy. Most problems we see, like matting at the root or frizzy, straw-like ends, come from one side of that balance getting ignored.
Washing your extensions the gentle way
You likely do not need to wash as often as you think. Many people with extensions do well washing two or three times a week, but your scalp type and lifestyle matter.
- Brush before you wash. Detangling first keeps knots from tightening once hair is wet.
- Wash upright. Washing in the shower with your head tilted back is easier on attachments than flipping hair forward over a sink.
- Focus shampoo on the scalp. Massage gently between rows with your fingertips, then let the suds rinse down the lengths.
- Keep conditioner off the attachment points. Apply it from the mid-lengths down. Heavy product at the root can cause slipping.
- Choose gentle formulas. Sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are usually a safe choice for extension hair.
Drying: do not go to bed with damp roots
This is one of the most important habits. Damp attachment points can lead to matting and may weaken bonds over time. After washing, gently squeeze water out with a soft towel or a microfiber wrap. Do not rub or twist.
Then blow dry the root area fully, using a low or medium heat setting and keeping the dryer moving. The lengths can air dry partway if you prefer, but the roots should always be completely dry before you sleep or tie your hair up.
If drying a full head of extensions feels like a workout, you are not alone. Our wash + blowdry with extensions is $85 and takes about 1 hr 30 mins, so the roots get dried properly without you holding a dryer over your head for an hour. On Fridays only, the Friday blowdry special also works for extensions, with an added charge for the extra hair. Washed at home already? A quickdry skips the wash and goes straight to styling, though extensions still add to the cost.
For regular visits, both membership tiers come in an extensions version with two or four blowouts a month in any style, and one unused blowout rolls over each month. Here’s how the extension memberships compare.
Hollywood waves and updos are priced separately from these blowouts, and you can see current rates on our extension-friendly styling menu.
Brushing without pulling
Brushing once or twice a day keeps extension hair from tangling around itself and around your natural hair. A few tips make it much easier:
- Use a soft-bristle or loop brush made for extensions, or a wide-tooth comb.
- Hold your hair at the root with one hand to support the attachments.
- Start at the ends and work up in small sections, rather than brushing from the top down.
- Gently separate any bonds or rows with your fingers if you feel them sticking together.
Heat styling and extensions
Most human-hair extensions can be heat styled, but they cannot repair themselves the way your growing hair slowly replaces damaged ends. Damage on extension hair tends to be permanent until the hair is replaced.
- Always use a heat protectant first. Here’s how much protectant to use and where.
- Keep flat irons and wands on a moderate temperature.
- Avoid clamping hot tools directly on bonds, tape, or wefts.
- Give extensions heat-free days with braids or loose waves when you can.
Nighttime and everyday habits
A lot of extension wear happens while you sleep or go about your day. Small adjustments help:
- Sleep in a loose braid or low ponytail to keep hair from knotting against the pillow.
- Try a silk or satin pillowcase to cut down on friction.
- Protect hair in pools and the ocean. Wet it with clean water and add a light leave-in first, wear it braided, and rinse well afterward.
- Go easy on oils near the roots. Use lightweight serums only on the lengths and ends.
- Avoid tight high ponytails that can put extra tension on attachments.
Signs it is time to come back in
Even with great care, extensions need regular attention. It is usually time to check in with your stylist when you notice:
- Attachments that have grown down and are starting to show
- Matting near the roots that brushing will not loosen
- Ends that feel dry or rough even after conditioning
- Your natural hair and the extension hair no longer blending well
Beya Studios washes, dries and styles extensions; if you have questions about whether we can work with your specific install type before you book, get in touch with us.
FAQ
How often should I wash hair extensions?
Many people do well with two or three washes a week. Washing too often can dry out extension hair, while waiting too long can lead to buildup at the roots. Your scalp and activity level will usually guide the right rhythm.
Can I sleep with wet extensions?
We do not recommend it. Damp roots are one of the most common causes of matting. Make sure the attachment area is fully dry before bed, then sleep with your hair in a loose braid.
Is a salon blowout safe for extensions?
Yes, when it is done gently and with heat protection. A professional wash and blowdry can actually be easier on extensions than rushing through it at home, because roots get dried properly and the lengths are styled with care.
Book with Beya Studios in El Monte →