Your extensions are in, they look incredible, and you’re ready to enjoy your new hair. But how you care for your extensions between salon visits will determine how long they look this good — and how long they last overall. Here’s our complete guide to extension aftercare.
Washing Your Extensions
Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. Sulphates strip the moisture from extension hair more aggressively than natural hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Apply shampoo from root to mid-length, gently massaging to clean your scalp. Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only — keep conditioner and oils away from the attachment points, as they can break down adhesive bonds and weaken beads or rings.
Detangling
Always detangle your hair before washing. Use a soft bristle brush or a loop brush designed for extensions, working from the ends upward. Never brush through tangles roughly — this stresses both the extension and your natural hair. Detangle gently and consistently, morning and night.
Drying
Let your hair dry before going to bed. Sleeping with wet or damp extensions can cause matting and tangling that is difficult to reverse. Use a blow dryer on a medium heat setting, directing airflow downward. Always hold the dryer moving — never concentrate heat on one section for too long.
Sleeping With Extensions
Braid your hair loosely before sleeping to prevent tangling. A satin or silk pillowcase is also worth investing in — it reduces friction significantly, which means less stress on your extensions and natural hair overnight.
Avoid These
Heavy oils or serums applied near the roots, salt water without rinsing afterwards, excessive heat styling, and waiting too long between maintenance appointments are the four biggest threats to extension longevity.
Stay On Schedule
Book your maintenance appointments every 6–8 weeks. Your extensions — and your natural hair — will thank you. Book at Iron + Ivy Queenstown.
Ready to visit Iron + Ivy? Explore our Queenstown hair extensions — or book a consultation today.
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