If you’ve just treated yourself to real hair extensions, you’ve officially entered the world of fuller ponytails, bouncier waves and that dramatic hair flip we all secretly rehearse. Whether you’ve gone for tape-ins, clip-ins, or sewn-in wefts, proper care is absolutely essential if you want them looking gorgeous for months to come. Luckily, caring for them isn’t rocket science, but there are definitely some dos and don’ts of taking care of real hair extensions you need to know about!

Related: Hair Extension Brands: Give Your Hair A Glow-Up This Wedding Season

Washing: Less is more

Hair extensions don’t get natural oils from your scalp like your own hair does. That means they can dry out quite easily, so you don’t want to overwash them. Twice a week is generally plenty if you’re wearing them all day, every day. When you do wash them, always use sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates are harsh and will strip the hair, leaving your extensions looking dull and lifeless. Apply shampoo gently in a downward motion, avoiding scrubbing or bunching the hair up on top of your head like you might with your natural hair.

For conditioner, steer clear of the bonds or tape if that’s what you’ve got. Conditioner on the attachment points can cause slippage, which is the last thing you want.

Drying and other heat styling

Pat your extensions dry with a towel; never rub vigorously. Always brush your extensions before blow-drying. Start from the ends and work your way up gently. Use a heat protectant spray before any heat styling — this is non-negotiable. Your extensions have already been processed, so they need that extra shield from damage. Always keep temperatures below 180°C. Higher than that and you risk damaging the hair cuticles permanently.

When blow-drying, use a medium heat setting rather than blasting them on high. Point the nozzle downward to keep the cuticles smooth and shiny. If you can bear it, let them air dry about 70 per cent before finishing with the hairdryer.

Brushing: Your daily ritual

Get yourself a proper loop brush or a soft-bristle brush designed for extensions. Brush at least twice daily, morning and night, to prevent matting. This is especially important if you’ve got tape-ins or bonded extensions. Always brush from the bottom up, holding the hair above where you’re brushing to avoid putting tension on the bonds. If you hit a tangle, don’t yank through it. Work it out gently with your fingers first, then brush through.

How you sleep matters

Never, ever go to bed with wet extensions. Seriously, this is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Wet hair tangles, and you’ll wake up with a proper bird’s nest. Braid your hair loosely or put it in a low, loose ponytail before bed. Some people swear by silk pillowcases, and honestly, they do make a difference. The smooth surface creates less friction than cotton, which means less tangling and frizz.

Swimming and exercise

Chlorine and salt water are absolutely brutal on hair extensions. If you’re going for a swim, braid your hair and wear a swimming cap if you can. If not, rinse your extensions thoroughly with fresh water immediately afterwards and apply a leave-in conditioner.

At the gym, tie your hair up in a loose braid or bun to prevent it from getting sweaty and tangled. The salt from sweat can dry out extensions over time, so you might need to wash them a bit more frequently if you’re working out a lot.

Products to avoid

Steer clear of anything with alcohol, sulphates, or heavy oils near the bonds. Oil-based products can cause tape-ins to slip and weaken other types of bonds. Dry shampoo is fine to use on your roots, but try to keep it away from the attachment points.

Avoid leave-in treatments that are too heavy or greasy. Extensions need moisture, but they also need to stay light and bouncy.

Storing your extensions properly

If you’ve got clip-in extensions or any removable type, proper storage is essential. Always make sure they’re completely clean, dry, and brushed before storing them. Any moisture can lead to mould, which will ruin them completely. Store your extensions in a breathable container, a satin pouch, or the original box they came in. Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and damp areas like bathrooms. For clip-ins, you can lay them flat or hang them up using a dedicated hanger. If you’re storing them for a while, apply a light leave-in conditioner first to keep the hair moisturised.

Real hair extensions are an investment, and like any investment, they deserve proper care.

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