The Ultimate Guide to Washing Hair Extensions
Book Now Your Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Hair Extensions Step 1: Gently Detangle First things first, before you wet your hair, you need to take
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Washing Hair Extensions
You’ve invested in beautiful, luxurious hair extensions that give you the length and volume you’ve always wanted, now let’s make sure they stay that way! It starts with learning how to properly care for them. With the right care (starting in the shower), your extensions will remain soft, smooth, and seamlessly blended. These washing techniques will protect your investment, keep your extensions looking gorgeous, and extend their lifespan.
At Portfolio, we know that washing hair with extensions can feel intimidating at first. Will the beads slip? Will your extensions tangle? We’ve created this comprehensive guide to walk you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Gently Detangle
First things first, before you wet your hair, you need to take the time to gently detangle it. Grab your loop brush or extension-specific brush (regular brushes can catch and pull). Start from the bottom and work your way up. Hold your hair at the root with one hand to minimize tension near the wefts. This prep work prevents what could become a frustrating (and much longer) detangling session later.
Step 2: Shampoo
Once you’re fully detangled, you can hop in the shower and wet your hair with lukewarm water (hot water can actually damage your hair). Once your hair is fully soaked through, lather a small amount of shampoo between your fingers and gently work it into your scalp. Focus your attention on the roots and around the beads. Take your time rinsing, and make sure you get all the shampoo out. Product residue can cause buildup which leads to irritation or slippage. Choose a high-quality, sulfate-free shampoo. We’re big fans of Oribe, the formulas are luxurious, ultra-hydrating, and perfect for your extensions.
Step 3: Conditioner
Condition with care just from your mid-length to ends. Your extensions don’t get natural oils from your scalp, so they need a little extra moisture and TLC. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends. Keep it far from your weft line, you don’t want to put conditioner directly on your attachments points as it can cause the beads to slip. Let your conditioner work its magic for 2-5 minutes so your hair can absorb that moisture. Then rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal everything in. Always rinse completely until water runs clear to prevent product buildup. If your hair is feeling extra dry, treat yourself with a conditioning mask for extra softness and shine.
Step 4: Post-Wash Detangling
Now it’s time to detangle (yes, again). Wet hair is more vulnerable to tangling and breakage so take extra care here. After rinsing gently squeeze your hair to remove excess water and use a microfiber to pat dry (don’t twist or rub). Then, go back in with your wide-tooth comb or extension brush with the same method–start at the ends and work your way up. A leave-in conditioner can help your brush or comb glide through more easily. Take your time here to prevent unnecessary stress on both your natural hair and your extensions.
Step 5: Blow Dry
Blow dry like a pro to protect your investment. Start by applying a quality heat protectant throughout your mid-lengths and ends and set your blow dryer to medium heat. First focus on drying the attachment points because moisture trapped around the bonds can lead to mold, odor, and loosening over time. Divide your hair into manageable sections and use a round brush as you direct the nozzle downward, following the natural direction of the cuticle to prevent frizz. Work methodically through each section rather than randomly blasting air all over. This approach not only creates a silky-smooth blowout but also prevents you from having to detangle again. While air drying might seem gentler, a proper blow dry is actually healthier for extensions as it helps the cuticle lie flat, reducing tangles and extending the lifespan of your extensions.
FAQs
How often should I wash my hair with extensions?
Aim for 1–2 times per week. Washing too frequently can dry out your extensions, while waiting too long can lead to oil and product buildup around the beads. Pay attention to how your scalp feels and adjust as needed. You can also use dry shampoo to refresh in between washes.
Can I use my regular shampoo and conditioner?
Stick with high-quality, sulfate-free formulas. Heavy oils and harsh ingredients are a no because they can weaken the bonds or cause slippage. We love Oribe for its balance of luxury and performance. Learn more in our step-by-step extension care routine.
Can I let my extensions air dry?
It’s actually best not to. While air drying sounds like it would be better for your hair, leaving hair wet for too long can lead to breakage, and extensions that don’t fully dry can develop mold. Blow drying with proper technique and heat protection actually keeps your extensions looking their best and extends their lifespan.
Perfect Care for Perfect Hair
With these techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your gorgeous extensions day after day. Sure, there might be a little more work involved with all that new hair, but when every day is a good hair day, it’s totally worth it.
At Portfolio, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, natural-looking extensions that seamlessly blend with your own hair. Our stylists are extension specialists who prioritize the health of your natural hair while giving you the length and volume you’ve always wanted.
Ready to wake up with the hair you’ve always dreamed of? Give us a call and book a free consultation today!