How do I look after my extensions properly? Dos & don'ts for long-lasting enjoyment of your hair extensions

The right extension care determines how long you can enjoy your hair extensions. Whether bonding, tape-in or clip-in - without targeted care, even high-quality hair extensions quickly lose their quality and shine. With the right techniques, your extensions will stay as good as new for months and your own hair will be optimally protected.

Why is the right extension care so important?

Hair extensions are made from human hair, which no longer receives any natural nourishment. Without the right care, the hair becomes brittle, loses its lustre and can become matted. At the same time, incorrect care practices can weaken the bonds and drastically reduce the durability of your extensions. Professional hair extension care not only extends the life of your hair extensions, but also ensures that they always look natural and well-groomed.

Do's: How to care for your hair extensions properly

The right brushing technique for extensions

Gentle brushing is the be-all and end-all extension care. Only use special extension brushes. Always start at the tips and slowly work your way upwards. This technique gently loosens knots and prevents unnecessary pulling at the connection points.

Brush your hair extensions several times a day, especially before washing and before going to bed. For bondings, hold the roots while brushing to protect the keratin bonds.

The ideal shampoo for extensions

Choosing the right shampoo is crucial for hair extension care. Only use mild, moisturising and silicone-free shampoos that are also free from sulphates, parabens, alcohol and oils. These ingredients can dissolve the connection points of tape-in extensions or weaken bonds.
Shampoos with pH-neutral values between 4.5 and 6.5 are particularly recommended. They cleanse gently without drying out the hair and optimally preserve the natural hair structure of your extensions.

The perfect washing routine for extensions

Caring for hair after extensions also means finding the right washing frequency. Only wash your hair extensions 2 to 3 times a week - more frequent washing can weaken the bonds and dry out the hair.

Never wash upside down, always stand up in the shower. Let the water flow over the hair from top to bottom and avoid circular movements when shampooing. Gently squeeze the shampoo in instead of rubbing or scrubbing.

Important: It is essential to blow-dry the connection points of tapes and bondings, while you can also air-dry the lengths and ends.

Apply conditioner and masks correctly

For extension care, the correct application of care products crucial. Only apply conditioners, treatments and masks to the lengths and ends - never to the joinings or roots. This applies particularly to tape-in extensions, as oily products can loosen the adhesive.

Allow care products to work for the specified application time and rinse them out thoroughly. Product residues can weigh down the hair structure and make the extensions appear dull.

Heat protection and gentle styling

Hair extensions need special protection from heat. Use a high-quality heat protection spray before styling with a hairdryer, straightener or curling iron. Set styling appliances to medium temperatures - maximum 160 degrees for extensions.

Never use hot styling appliances directly at the connection points. Keep at least 2-3 cm away from bondings or tapes. Air drying is the gentlest method - allow your extensions to dry naturally whenever possible.

Sleeping properly with extensions

Prepare your Hair extensions every evening in preparation for the night. Brush them thoroughly and tie them into a loose plait or plait. This prevents tangles and friction during sleep.

Use a satin or silk pillow as these materials generate less friction than cotton. With tape-in extensions and bonding, it is particularly important never to go to sleep with wet hair, as moisture can weaken the bonding points.

Don'ts: You should avoid these mistakes when maintaining extensions

Too frequent washing damages the extensions.

The most common mistake when caring for hair extensions is washing them too often. Daily washing dissolves glue, weakens keratin bonds and dries out the hair considerably. Extensions do not produce sebum naturally and therefore require less frequent cleaning than your own hair.

Avoid the wrong care products

Avoid products with oils, alcohol or silicones in extension care products. These ingredients can drastically reduce the durability and impair the appearance. Dry shampoos should also only be applied sparingly and never directly to the connection points.

Dandruff shampoos are taboo, as they usually contain highly degreasing surfactants that can attack both the extensions and the connection points.

Never brush wet.

An absolute no-go when grooming hair after extensions is brushing when wet. Wet hair is particularly sensitive and breaks easily. Wait until your hair is at least towel-dried before you reach for the brush.

Avoid washing upside down

Washing upside down creates unnatural tension at the joints and often leads to tangles. When caring for hair extensions, you should always stand upright in the shower and let the water flow from top to bottom.

Rough towel drying damages extensions.

Rubbing and rubbing vigorously with a towel destroys the hair structure and can loosen bonds. Instead, gently press the hair extensions into a soft towel and pat them dry.

Special care tips for different types of extensions

Maintaining bonding extensions

Bonding extensions are particularly robust, but require special care. Always hold the keratin bonds firmly when brushing and avoid pulling downwards. When shampooing, do not allow oily products to reach the bonds.

Correct treatment of tape-in extensions

Tape-in extensions are particularly sensitive to oils and products containing alcohol. Never use hair masks or leave-in conditioners in the root area. After washing, carefully pat the tapes dry, never rub them.

Gentle clip-in extensions

Although Clip-in extensions are only worn temporarily, they also need Extension care. Store them on an extension hanger and brush them thoroughly before each use. After wearing, gently clean and allow to dry completely.

Professional extension care in the salon

Regular check-ups with a professional are an essential part of hair extension care. An experienced stylist can recognise at an early stage when joints need to be treated or extensions need to be replaced.

Have your hair extensions professionally checked every 6-8 weeks. The extensions are thoroughly cleaned, repositioned if necessary and the health of the hair is checked. This investment pays off with significantly longer durability.

Mastering special situations

Extensions and sport

During sporting activities, always tie your hair extensions together to minimise sweat contact with the connection points. Brush your hair immediately after sport and wash it if you sweat a lot.

Swimming with extensions

Chlorine and salt water can severely damage hair extensions. It is therefore essential that you avoid swimming with extensions in salt or chlorinated water. Always put your hair up or braid it to protect it as much as possible. After contact with water, the hair should be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water immediately and then washed with a mild shampoo.

Maintaining extensions on holiday

UV radiation, salt water and chlorine are particularly damaging to hair extensions. Use UV protection sprays for hair and rinse extensions immediately after any contact with sea or pool water. Intensive hair treatments in the evening help with regeneration.

How do you recognise that extensions need professional care?

Certain signs indicate that your extension care needs to be intensified or that a salon visit is necessary:

• Knotting occurs more frequently than usual.
• Extensions feel rough or straw-like.
• The lustre diminishes noticeably.
• You can recognise it when the extensions break up or become whitish
• Individual strands come loose

If you notice these warning signs, you should make an appointment with your extension specialist immediately.

To summarise: Long-lasting pleasure through proper extension care

Proper hair extension care is not rocket science, but it does require consistency and the right products. With the techniques described, you can significantly extend the life of your extensions while protecting your own hair.

Invest in high-quality care products suitable for extensions and attend regular check-ups. This way you can enjoy perfect-looking hair extensions that look like your own hair for months to come.

Remember: Caring for your hair after extensions means not only treating the extensions themselves, but also keeping your own hair healthy. Only healthy roots can optimally support extensions and ensure natural results.

With the right extension care, your hair extensions will become a long-term investment in your appearance and your self-confidence.