Extension Aftercare Guide

Your complete guide to maintaining beautiful, healthy extensions that last 8-12+ months

Why Proper Aftercare Matters

Your hair extensions are a significant investment that, with proper care, will last 8-12+ months and keep you looking beautiful every day. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to protect your investment and maintain gorgeous hair.

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Protect Your Investment

Proper care extends the life of your extensions from months to over a year

✨

Maintain Beauty

Keep your extensions looking silky, tangle-free, and stunning every day

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Prevent Damage

Avoid matting, tangling, and damage to both extensions and natural hair

Daily Care Routine

Your everyday habits that make all the difference

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Morning Routine

  • Gentle brushing: Start at the ends, work up using a loop brush
  • Check bonds: Ensure no tangles around attachment points
  • Style as desired: Use heat protectant if using heat tools
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Throughout the Day

  • Gentle brushing: Use your loop brush whenever needed
  • Avoid pulling: Be gentle when touching or adjusting hair
  • Protect from friction: Be mindful of bag straps, seat backs
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Before Bed

  • Thorough brushing: Remove all tangles before sleeping
  • Protective styling: Low pony tail or loose braid when sleeping and silk pillowcase optional
  • Avoid sleeping wet: Always ensure hair is completely dry

Washing Your Extensions

The complete step-by-step washing routine

Important: Always wash twice to get a proper cleaning

1

Pre-Wash Preparation

  • Brush thoroughly with loop brush from ends to roots
  • Remove all tangles completely before wetting
  • Secure hair loosely to prevent tangling
2

Shampooing (2x per week max)

  • Use sulfate-free shampoo only
  • Focus on scalp and roots, not the extensions
  • Gently massage scalp - don't scrub or rub extensions
  • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
3

Conditioning

  • Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only
  • Avoid getting conditioner on bonds/attachment points
  • Leave for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly
  • Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute if needed
  • Add oil to ends on a daily basis
4

Drying Process

  • Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring)
  • Wrap in microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt
  • Dry roots first and dry rest of extensions until almost dry before brushing from ends up to roots
  • Always use heat protectant if blow drying

Safe Styling Practices

How to style your extensions without causing damage

✅ DO

  • Always use heat protectant spray
  • Keep heat tools below 350°F (175°C)
  • Use ceramic or titanium tools
  • Style extensions the same as your natural hair
  • Use leave-in conditioner for extra protection
  • Brush before and after styling

❌ DON'T

  • Apply direct heat to bonds/attachment points
  • Use tools above 350°F (175°C)
  • Sleep with wet or damp extensions
  • Use products with alcohol or sulfates
  • Pull or tug on extensions when styling
  • Over-process with chemicals or bleach

Maintenance Appointment Schedule

Regular maintenance is crucial for extension longevity and hair health

I-Tips & Nano Extensions

5-6 weeks Maintenance move up
8-10 weeks Removal and reinstallation

Weft Extensions

5-6 weeks First maintenance visit
8-10 weeks Removal or reinstallation

Fusions/K-tips

4 months Full removal (no maintenance required)

Note: No maintenance required and Fusions stay up to 4 months then full removal

Will Extensions Damage My Hair?

Understanding the truth about extension safety and how to prevent damage

The answer is yes and no - and this is why I will educate you so no damage will occur.

No Damage Will Happen If:

You follow proper aftercare, attend maintenance appointments on time, and go to a certified extension technician.

1

Go to a Certified Extension Technician

Make sure you see pictures of their work and verify their certifications

2

Attend Your Maintenance Appointments

Regular maintenance every 5-6 weeks is vital for hair health

3

Follow Your Aftercare Routine

Proper washing, brushing, styling, and sleeping routine with extension-specific products

My Commitment to Education

I educate all my clients on:

  • Which extension method suits your hair type and lifestyle
  • Proper aftercare routines for washing, brushing, styling, and sleeping
  • The importance of using products specifically designed for extensions
  • Why maintenance appointments are crucial for hair health

Remember: Damage can happen with any method if these 3 main guidelines are not followed. Proper education and care will allow your extensions to last longer, and since your extensions are a huge investment, taking care of them means they will look beautiful and feel silky all the time.

Recommended Products

The best products to keep your extensions healthy and beautiful

Shampoo & Conditioner

  • Sulfate-free shampoos only - protects both hair and bonds
  • Moisturizing conditioners - for mid-lengths and ends
  • Clarifying shampoo - monthly deep clean (avoid bonds)

Styling Products

  • Heat protectant spray - essential for all heat styling
  • Leave-in conditioner - daily moisture and protection
  • Light oils or serums - for shine and smoothness

Tools & Accessories

  • Loop brush - prevents snagging on bonds
  • Silk pillowcase - reduces friction while sleeping
  • Microfiber towel - gentle drying

What to Do If Problems Arise

Quick solutions for common extension issues

🔗 Loose or Slipping Bonds

Schedule maintenance immediately

  • Avoid pulling on loose extensions
  • Secure loose pieces with gentle clips
  • Book maintenance appointment ASAP
  • Don't attempt to fix yourself

Questions About Your Extension Care?

I'm here to help you maintain beautiful, healthy extensions. Book a maintenance appointment or consultation anytime.

Book Maintenance