Taking Care of Extensions: A Simple Guide to Gorgeous Hair

Understanding Your Hair Extensions

Every type of hair extension has unique characteristics that affect how you maintain, wash, store, and style them. Knowing the differences will help you maximise their lifespan and keep them looking ultra glossy, soft and fresh between wears.

Clip In Hair Extensions

Ideal for instant length and volume, clip-ins are:

• Perfect for beginners and occasional wearers
• Applied and removed in minutes
• Low maintenance because they aren't worn 24/7

Clip-ins need special attention during storage and styling because they spend much of their life off the head. Proper storage prevents tangling and helps them hold their shape for longer.

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Tape In Hair Extensions

Tape ins are:

• Lightweight and flat, making them highly discreet
• Installed using medical-grade adhesive
• Suitable for both fine and thick hair
• Semi-permanent, lasting 6-8 weeks per application

Because tape-ins sit close to the scalp, oils and heavy products can break down the adhesive. They also require careful brushing, so the tapes don’t tug or bend.

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Weft Hair Extensions

Wefts offer:

• Strong hold
• Great for long length transformations on medium to thick hair
• Long wear between move-ups

Wefts can be installed using braids, beads, thread, or hybrid professional methods. Since they’re sewn or beaded in, it's important to dry the attachment area completely to prevent mildew or tension.

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Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions: Nanos, I-Tips & Flat Tips

Each uses a different bonding system:

Nano Rings

• Ultra-small, discreet rings
• Ideal for those with fine or thinning hair
• No heat or glue
• Easy maintenance and comfortable wear

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I-Tips

• Applied with micro rings (no heat)
• Reusable hair
• Great for adding length & volume
• Perfect for wearing the hair up

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Flat Tips

• Keratin-based bond applied with heat tools
• Long-lasting and secure
• Blend seamlessly with natural hair
• Require heat protection and gentle washing

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These methods allow for incredibly natural movement, but their bonds must be kept clean, dry, and free of conditioner near the attachment areas.

Daily Hair Extension Care

Daily maintenance and hair extension care is essential for preventing tangling, matting, and dryness – three of the most common extension issues.

Brushing

Use an extension-friendly detangling brush, bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to avoid snagging the hair.

Best brushing practice:

• Support the roots with one hand to reduce tension
• Brush in small sections from the ends upward
• Brush morning, night, and before washing
• Brush before sleeping or swimming

For permanent extensions, brushing the root area gently helps prevent matting around the bonds or tape tabs.

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Washing Hair Extensions Correctly

Your washing schedule depends on your extension type. With clip-in hair extensions, you should aim to wash them every 10-15 years. When it comes to permanent extensions, you should aim for every 2-3 days.

Shampooing

• Use sulphate-free, gentle shampoo
• Work the product downward and avoid scrubbing
• Focus on roots for permanent extensions
• Avoid rubbing or twisting the hair

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Conditioning

• Apply from mid-length to ends only
• Never apply conditioner near tapes, rings, or bonds
• Leave for 2–5 minutes for hydration

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Deep Conditioning

Use a hair mask weekly on the lengths only to maintain softness.

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Learn more in our blog: How to Wash Hair Extensions

Drying Hair Extensions

Extensions are more delicate when wet, so drying them correctly is crucial.

Towel Drying

• Squeeze the hair, try not to scrub
• Use a microfiber towel to reduce frizz
• For clip-ins, dry each piece flat on a towel

Blow Drying

• Always use heat protection
• Use medium heat and keep airflow downward
• Ensure attachment points are 100% dry
• Round-brush the ends for a polished finish

Leaving attachments damp can lead to slippage, frizzing, and scalp irritation.

Styling Hair Extensions

Extensions can be styled just like your natural hair, but with care.

Heat Styling

• Keep tools under 180°C
• Always apply a heat protector
• Avoid applying direct heat to bonds, rings, or tapes

Curling & Straightening

Clip-ins are easier to style using an extension hanger. For permanent hair extensions:

• Work in small sections
• Curl away from the face
• Set styles with a lightweight spray

Recommended Products

• Lightweight serums and sprays
• Hydrating oils on the mid-lengths and ends
• Alcohol-free styling sprays

Avoid:

• Heavy waxes
• Strong-hold sprays
• Root oils on semi-permanent Remy hair extensions

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Sleeping with Hair Extensions

Protect your hair overnight by reducing friction and preventing matting.

Clip Ins

Always remember to remove before bed as this extends their lifespan significantly.

Permanent Extensions

• Braid hair into a loose plait
• Use a silk scrunchie
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase

These steps reduce tangling, dryness, and pressure on the bonds.

Swimming & Holiday Care

Chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on both natural hair and extensions.

Before swimming:

• Coat mid-lengths and ends with a leave-in conditioner
• Tie hair into a low braid or ponytail
• Avoid soaking your head if you wear tapes or keratin tips

After swimming:

• Rinse immediately
• Condition the ends
• Brush gently once dry

Limit exposure as much as possible for the longest extension lifespan.

Storage: Keep Extensions Silky Between Uses

The Cliphair Extension Hanger & Carrier Bag

This section has been added to reflect your new products.

Using a hanger:

• Keeps extensions perfectly organised
• Prevents tangling and friction damage
• Makes blow-drying and styling clip-ins much easier
• Ideal for travelling

Using the carrier bag:

• Protects from dust
• Keeps hair smooth
• Preserves styling (curls/waves stay intact)
• Extends lifespan by preventing dryness and exposure

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How to Store Extensions Properly

• Make sure they are completely dry
• Brush thoroughly
• Hang them or store in the carrier storage bag
• Keep them away from sunlight or humidity

Product Do’s & Don’ts

Use:

• Sulphate-free shampoo
• Hydrating conditioner (mid-lengths down)
• Weekly masks
• Heat protectant
• Lightweight oils

Avoid:

• Strong alcohols
• Heavy root oils
• Over-washing
• High heat settings
• Dry shampoo near bonds

Your product choices influence your extension longevity just as much as your washing routine.

Maintenance Appointments

Keeping up with installation or move-ups is essential for preventing matting or strain. Here’s a typical professional maintenance schedule:

• Tape-ins: every 6-8 weeks
• Nanos: every 8-10 weeks
• I-tips: every 8-10 weeks
• Flat tips: every 10-12 weeks
• Wefts: every 8-10 weeks

This ensures bonds stay secure and your natural hair remains healthy.

How to Resolve Common Hair Issues

Dryness

• Increase hydration masks
• Use leave-in conditioner after every wash
• Reduce heat usage

Slipping Bonds

• Avoid oily products at the roots
• Dry attachment points fully after washing

Tangles & Matting

• Brush twice daily
• Sleep with hair braided
• Keep maintenance appointments on schedule

Frizz

• Use serums and sprays sparingly
• Switch to a silk pillowcase
• Reduce friction from scarves or coats

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Conclusion:

Follow these expert-approved hair extension maintenance steps and your extensions will remain smooth, glossy, and beautiful for months!

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