The Ultimate Guide to Hair Extension Aftercare

Keep Your Extensions Healthy, Beautiful, and Long-Lasting

Hair extensions are an investment in your confidence and style—and like any investment, they need the right care to get the best return. Whether you’re wearing Keratin Bonds, Wefts, Tape-ins, or a custom blended application, proper aftercare is essential for keeping your extensions looking flawless and preventing damage to your natural hair.

This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your hair extensions post-install—from washing and styling to sleeping and swimming. Let’s dive in!

💡 Choose the Right Method for Your Lifestyle

Before we get into care tips, it’s important to know how your preferred hairstyle can affect extension longevity:

• If you love wearing high ponytails or upstyles, Keratin Bonds are your best option. They offer a 360° range of movement and are less likely to create tension or become loose.

• Wefts and Tape-in extensions, while seamless and effective, may loosen if pulled tightly into styles like high buns or ponytails. To avoid stress on the hair and scalp, we recommend:

  • Pulling and adjusting at the roots after styling.

  • Using Keratin Bonds around the face to reduce pull and increase flexibility.

🧴 Prepping for Your First Wash

For the first 48 hours after installation, do not wash your hair. The bonds need time to set properly for a secure, long-lasting hold.

Before Washing:

• Always brush your hair thoroughly with a gentle detangling brush.

• Use a soft bristle brush or wide-tooth comb and start at the ends, working your way up.

🚿 How to Wash Hair Extensions Properly

Washing extensions incorrectly can lead to tangling, buildup, and even slippage. Here’s how to get it right:

Wash in Sections:

If you have multiple rows (especially with wefts):

1. Part your hair horizontally between the rows.

2. Clip the top half up.

3. Wet, shampoo, and rinse the bottom section thoroughly.

4. Repeat with the top.

🔄 Massage Gently Along the Wefts or Bonds:

• Use your fingers horizontally to clean between rows.

• Avoid scrubbing up and down—this creates tension and can loosen the extensions.

• Tape-ins and Bonds: Gently pull apart before washing for thorough cleansing.

🧴 Conditioner Care:

• Apply hydrating conditioner from mid-lengths to ends only.

• Avoid the roots, bonds, or tapes to prevent slippage.

• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb while conditioner is in.

💤 Nighttime Care Routine

Taking care of your hair while you sleep is crucial for avoiding matting and damage.

✅ Brush your hair before bed

✅ Apply a light hydrating serum or oil to the mid-lengths and ends

✅ Secure hair in a loose braid or plait

✅ Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction

🚫 Never go to bed with wet hair. This can cause matting, mould and hair slipping out.

🛠 Extension Maintenance Schedule

To keep your extensions looking flawless, regular maintenance is a must:

• Keratin Bonds: Refit every 3–4 months

• Weft Extensions: Move up every 6–8 weeks

• Tape-ins: Refresh every 6–8 weeks

Missing maintenance appointments can lead to matting, slippage, and poor blend with your natural hair.

💧 Product & Styling Tips

Use Only Extension-Safe Products:

✔ Sulfate-free✔ Paraben-free✔ Protein-free

❌ Avoid “repairing” or “reconstructing” formulas that can make extensions brittle

❌ Avoid blonde shampoos (they can overtone or darken extensions)

Styling:

• Always use a heat protectant

• Keep heat tools below 180°C (350°F)

• Limit hot tools to prolong hair health

Daily Routine:

• Brush twice daily, starting from ends upward

• Separate bonds/tapes/wefts with fingers daily to prevent tangling

• Oil the ends regularly to prevent dryness and knotting

🏖 Swimming & Outdoor Care

Extensions and water don’t always mix, but here’s how to minimize damage:

Salt water and chlorine can weaken bonds and dry out hair. Rinse hair immediately after swimming. Wear a loose braid while in water. Use UV protectant sprays if you’ll be in direct sunlight. Some sun creams chlorine and salt water can change the colour of blonde extensions. so take care when swimming or wearing sun cream.

Hair extensions are more than just a beauty service—they’re a confidence booster, a transformation, and a commitment. With proper care and maintenance, your extensions will look stunning, feel comfortable, and last as long as possible.

Need help deciding what’s right for you or want personalized aftercare tips? Reach out or book a consultation—we’re here to help you feel your absolute best.

Book your appointment or find more aftercare tips at kirbyhairbeauty.com