How to wash hair extensions.

March 22, 2023

How to wash hair extensions.

If you invested in hair extensions, it is important to care for them properly to ensure they remain looking luscious, smooth, and shiny. If given the proper care they deserve, they can last anywhere from 3-6 months, or even up to a year or longer! But depending on the type of extensions you have they require a different approach. So in this blog I give tips for Clip-In hair extensions (for example from Luxy Hair which are truly great quality and look gorgeous) and on the other permanent hair extensions.

How to wash permanent hair extensions.

Step 1: Start By Brushing Your Hair Extensions

Before you get your extensions wet to shampoo you need to properly brush them out. This will minimise tangles and knots after washing. Wet hair is very prone to breakage so the less you need to brush when wet the better. Always start brushing from the bottom and work your way up to the scalp. Only trust a high-quality natural boar bristle hairbrush on your extensions in order not to ruin them. Depending on your hair texture and/or the texture of your extensions pick the hairbrush that matches. I highly recommend the brand Delphin & Emerence. If you don’t know which natural boar bristle hairbrush is right for you then check THIS PAGE for more guidance.

Step 2: Wash and Shampoo-condition Your Extensions

Make your hair and extensions wet using only lukewarm water. Once your extensions are wet, use the right amount of a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Be careful not to wash and rub the hair too vigorously, especially near the bonds or clips. Rinse properly and apply a sulfate-free conditioner on the ends of the hair. Avoid applying conditioner on the roots and near the bonds of the extensions. Thoroughly rinse.

Step 3: Brush your hair

Gently brush your wet hair but again: don’t forget to use the right tools! This will avoid damaging the vulnerable wet hair. See above for instructions and ALWAYS use a high-quality natural boar bristle hairbrush.

Again, brush the hair from the top and slowly work your way up. You can now also style your extensions and natural hair using a straightener or curling iron. For those with clip-in extensions, if you won’t be applying the hair right away, store them in an appropriate bag or box, or place them on an extensions hanger.

Step 4: style your extensions

If you keep a natural style then I prefer to let it air-dry so hair and scalp are protected from heat damage. If you do style daily or on some days then brush your hair first with a natural boar bristle hairbrush and then style with your favourite products (less is more) and a blowdryer that protects your hair. (for example Dyson)

How to Wash Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions made from 100% remy human hair like from Luxy Hair, however, since they don't receive natural oils (sebum) from the scalp like our own hair does, they don't need to be washed as often as your own hair. The less you wash your clip-in extensions the longer you will enjoy them. You can use your best judgment on how often to wash them, however, brands like Luxy Hair recommend only washing them once there is a lot of product build-up.

When you notice your extensions feel like they’re becoming increasingly difficult to style, then product build-upmight be the reason and a sign they need to be washed. This is how you wash clip-in hair extensions.

Step 1: Brush your extensions

It is highly recommended to brush your extensions out before getting them wet. Wet hair is prone to breakage! (see my other article on that) This step will minimize tangling during and after you have washed the hair. When brushing your extensions, start from bottom to top. I highly recommend using a natural boar bristle hairbrush, like from Delphin & Emerence, on your hair extensions, one that is a match with your hair type. Check out HERE on how to find a brush for your hair.

Bundle your wefts on top of each so the hair does not tangle with the clips during the washing process.

Step 2: Prepare your sink for washing your extensions

The sink you are going to wash your extensions in needs to be squeaky clean. Fill sink with lukewarm water. Mix about 2-3 pumps of sulfate free shampoo into the water.

Step 3: Shampoo and condition each clip-in weft

When washing your extensions with shampoo, wash one weft at a time, to prevent tangling and to ensure each weft is washed thoroughly. To wash: submerge it into the water, working the shampoo in gently swirling them around in the soapy water. Once you have washed the weft with shampoo, set it aside neatly on a towel and repeat the same steps for the other clip-ins. Then rinse properly in clean water.

After shampooing use some conditioner and let it work in for a couple of minutes just like you would do on your own hair. One some days you can also opt to only use conditioner. But always rinse thoroughly and close with a cold rinse to close cuticles in order to prevent damage.

Step 4: Air dry your extensions

Gently squeeze out any excess water and never ever (!) rub your extensions dry with a towel, as this will lead to breakage and damage. After washing brush them gently and ONLY with a natural boar bristle hairbrush like from Delphin & Emerence. Then when air drying, lay them on top of a (micro-fibre) towel.

If you like to blow-dry your extensions, use a heat protectant spray. But the less you style the better.

Step 5: Brush each clip-in

After drying clip the extensions back into your hair and again brush with a natural boar bristle hairbrush.

To end: hair extensions are expensive so proper care they deserve! Only invest in high-quality products and a natural boar bristle hairbrush from Delphin & Emerence to brush them. Your extensions will thank you and your wallet too. Click the beautiful picture of a natural hairbrush below to find out more about these beauties.