How do I care for extensions so they last between maintenance visits?

Treat extensions like your own hair at its most delicate: brush gently, wash carefully, protect them at night and never skip maintenance. Do that and they stay smooth and blended until your next visit. Here is the routine we teach every extension guest.

Key takeaways

• Brush from the ends up, with a loop brush made for extensions.
• Keep conditioner and oils away from the bonds and tapes.
• Book maintenance every 6 to 8 weeks, even if they still look good.

How should I brush my extensions?

Brush gently and start at the ends, then work upward in small sections. Holding the hair near the roots with one hand keeps a tug from landing on your scalp. Do it a few times a day, and always before bed and before you wash.

Use a soft brush made for extensions. Rough brushing is the fastest way to loosen bonds and tangle the blend where your hair meets the extension. Wet hair is fragile, so detangle it with a wide tooth comb instead of a brush.

How do I wash hair extensions?

Wash them gently, with warm water and a shampoo your stylist recommends. Keep shampoo on the lengths and scalp, and rinse thoroughly so nothing builds up near the roots. Never scrub or twist the hair into a knot on top of your head.

Conditioner placement

Apply conditioner from the mid lengths to the ends. Keep it away from the tape, the bond or the weft track, because slippery product near the attachment can loosen it. We carry professional products from Redken, Wella, Keune and Kevin Murphy, and your stylist will pick the ones that suit your hair and your method.

Drying

Let your hair dry fully before you sleep or style it. Damp roots can tangle and hold moisture around the attachment points. A blow dry on a cool or low setting speeds it up, with the nozzle pointed down the length of the hair.

How do I sleep with extensions?

Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or a low, soft ponytail. This keeps the lengths from rubbing into knots against the pillow. A silk or satin pillowcase helps too.

Avoid going to bed with wet hair. Avoid tight elastics, too. A snug band pulls on the same few bonds all night.

Can I heat style and color extensions?

You can heat style them, with care. Use a heat protectant, keep the tool a few inches from the roots and lower the temperature than you might use on your own hair. Extensions cannot recover moisture the way your scalp does for your own hair, so go gently.

For color, talk to your stylist before anything changes. We plan your own color and your extensions together so the shades stay matched. Free consultations are available if you are thinking about a big change, and every color service is finished with a blowout or haircut.

What should I avoid with extensions?

A few habits cause most of the trouble we see. Here is the short list.

• Oils, serums and masks applied near the roots or the attachment
• Hot water and hard scrubbing in the shower
• Sleeping or swimming with wet, loose hair
• Pulling on the hair when you work out or get dressed
• Putting off your maintenance visit

Chlorine and salt water can dry out the lengths, so rinse and brush right after a swim.

How often are maintenance visits needed?

Plan on a maintenance visit every 6 to 8 weeks. As your own hair grows, the extensions move away from the scalp, and that is when tangles start. At the visit, your stylist moves or reapplies them and checks how everything is holding.

New to extensions? Start with the Custom Hair Extensions page, and compare methods in hair extensions in 2026. For a seasonal angle, see the summer extensions survival guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a week can I wash my extensions?

Most guests do well washing two or three times a week. Washing too often can dry the lengths, and too rarely lets oil and product build up near the roots. Your stylist can give you a rhythm that fits your hair type and your method.

Can I use dry shampoo on extensions?

Yes, in small amounts, sprayed on the roots of your own hair and brushed through. Heavy layers can build up around the bonds. Wash it out at your next shower rather than letting it sit for days.

What if one of my extensions slips or comes loose?

Do not try to fix it yourself with glue or by pulling it out. Call us at (513) 229-8818 and we will tell you whether it needs a visit. Reapplying a piece the right way protects your own hair.

Can I go swimming with extensions in?

You can, with some planning. Wet your hair with clean water first, braid it loosely, and rinse right after you swim. Brush gently once the hair is dry so the ends do not knot.

Will extensions last if I skip a maintenance visit?

They may look fine for a little while, but regrowth pulls the attachments away from your scalp and tangles start. Keeping to the 6 to 8 week schedule protects your hair and your investment in the extensions.

Book Your Next Visit

Due for maintenance, or ready to start? Book online or call (513) 229-8818, and check current pricing on the Service Menu.