Hair extensions can be a game changer for anyone looking to augment their hair naturally. They give you thicker, longer, and luscious hair in an instant and can instantly enhance your look. However, most hair extensions don’t last very long.

Hair extensions, like your natural hair, require proper care and attention to maintain their quality and length. However, if you’re not careful, they can quickly become matted, tangled, and damaged. One of the primary reasons why hair extensions don’t last longer is that people don’t take proper care of them.

Excessive heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and neglecting to use heat protectants can all damage your extensions. Using hair extensions in wet or humid environments can also cause them to become matted and tangled. Inadequate treatment and care of hair extensions can lead to the development of split ends and breakage too.

Low quality or synthetic hair extensions also have limited timespan as they can easily get tangled and matted. Human hair extensions have the advantage of being treated like your natural hair and can last longer if treated with the right products and cared for properly. 

Image Source: Human Hair Extensions | Perfect Locks

The Dos & Don’ts of Making Your Hair Extensions Last

Here are some ways to take proper care of your hair extensions and make them last longer:

DO: Use the Right Products

Investing in quality hair care products is important to keep your hair extensions healthy. Use sulfate-free shampoos and leave-in conditioners that are specially formulated for hair extensions. Look for products that are gentle and free of harsh chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and silicones. Using only high-quality hair extensions products will ensure that your hair extensions last for as long as possible and always look their best.

DON’T: Sleep With Wet Hair Extensions

Never sleep with wet hair extensions as this can cause tangling and matting. Allow your hair extensions to air dry completely before going to bed. To avoid matting, wrap your hair extensions in a silk scarf or use a silk pillowcase as cotton can be too rough on your hair extensions.

DO: Brush Your Hair Extensions Regularly

Brush your hair extensions daily using a special hair extension brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid tugging or pulling on the extensions. Be gentle while brushing and avoid using too much force on the extensions as this can cause damage.

You should aim to brush your hair extensions at least once a day, and more often if you wear your hair up or in a ponytail frequently. It’s also a good idea to brush your hair extensions before washing them, as this can help to distribute any natural oils throughout the hair and prevent tangling.

By making brushing a regular part of your hair care routine, you can help to keep your human hair extensions looking their best and ensure that they last as long as possible.

DON’T: Use Excess Water

Avoid using excess water on your hair extensions as too much water can cause tangling and matting. Make sure to dry your hair extensions thoroughly after washing them. Use a deep conditioning treatment every couple of times you wash your hair extensions to keep them soft and healthy.

DO: Take Extra Care During Winter Months

The winter months can be tough on hair extensions as the cold weather, and low humidity can cause the hair to dry out and become brittle. Protect your hair extensions by wearing a hat or a scarf when you go outside. Use a hair oil treatment to keep your extensions soft and moisturized during the winter months.

Don’t Wash Your Hair Everyday

One mistake that some people make when it comes to their hair care routine is washing their hair every single day. While it might seem like a good idea to keep your hair clean and fresh, washing it too frequently can actually cause damage to your hair extensions and make them look dull and lifeless.

That’s because excessive washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping it hydrated and healthy. When you wash your hair extensions too frequently, you’re essentially leaving them with no protection and leaving them vulnerable to damage and dryness.

So, what’s the solution? It’s simple: don’t wash your hair extensions every day. Instead, aim to wash them no more than twice a week, or even less frequently if possible. This will give your hair extensions enough time to recover and regenerate, allowing them to maintain their natural shine and luster.

Of course, it’s also important to keep your hair extensions clean and free of dirt and debris. To do this, you can simply rinse them with fresh water after each use, or use a gentle hair product that’s specifically designed for hair extensions.

You should also take extra care when washing your hair extensions. Be sure to use lukewarm water and avoid over-scrubbing or tangling the hair. 

Do not workout with hair extensions

If you wear your hair extensions while working out, it’s important to remember that your sweat can cause the bonds or clips to loosen. This can cause your extensions to shift or even fall out completely, leading to embarrassment and potentially damaging your natural hair. To prevent this, it’s best to remove your hair extensions before working out.

Avoid Excess Use Of Heat Styling Tools

Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers, help create a variety of hairstyles. However, using them excessively can be detrimental to the health of your human hair extensions. The heat from these tools penetrates your hair shaft and can weaken the bonds that keep your extensions in place. Overuse of heat styling tools can also cause your extensions to dry out and become brittle over time.

To avoid damaging your hair extensions, try to limit your use of heat styling tools. If you must use them, consider lowering the temperature to minimize the damage to your extensions. Also, be sure to use a heat protectant spray or serum to coat your hair and prevent the heat from causing too much damage.

Another tip to help protect your extensions from excessive heat is to let your hair air dry as often as possible. If you need to use a hair dryer, try to use it on a cool setting or low heat. High heat can cause your extensions to dry out quickly.

Remember, the key to maintaining healthy, luscious hair extensions is to treat them with extra care and attention. By following these tips, your extensions will last longer and look more beautiful than ever before!