How To Make Your Clip In Hair Extensions Last Longer

In over 17 years of helping customers get the most out of their clip-ins, we've often been asked how to care for clip-in hair extensions. The good news is that it doesn't have to be complicated.

There are lots of things you can do to protect your prized clip-ins from general wear and tear. Follow these tips and your set will stay looking salon-fresh for as long as possible.

How Long Do Clip In Hair Extensions Last?

What to expect from your set

We get it, you love your clip-ins. You might well reach for them on a daily or near-daily basis to add volume, length or even colour. In this situation, they should typically last about three to six months with proper care.

As all the clip-ins we sell are made from 100% Remy human hair, they respond to care in the same way as natural hair. This means they can potentially last up to 12 months with just occasional use.

Seamless (AAAAA grade) sets tend to outlast Classic and Double Weft sets when cared for correctly.

So, how long do clip-in hair extensions last in practice? To see how this differs with different extension types, check out our hair extension lifespan blog article.

What shortens the lifespan

It's important to know how to wash clip-in hair extensions. Don't wash yours too frequently or with harsh chemicals like bleach or dye.

Resist the temptation to rough brush your clip-ins, especially when they're wet. You don't have to avoid heat-styling clip-in hair extensions, but you do need to remember to apply a heat protection spray to them beforehand.

Can you sleep in clip-in hair extensions? This is a big no-no, especially if the clip-ins are still wet. Your resting head will put undue pressure on the clips, which can also easily become tangled as you toss and turn in bed.

Do Clip In Extensions Damage Your Hair?

The honest answer

There are many types of hair extensions, but when worn correctly, clip-ins are one of the least damaging. They're removed daily, so there's no continuous tension or bonding.

This is especially true with Cliphair clip-ins, which use snap-open, snap-close clips designed not to grip too tightly.

So, do clip-in extensions damage hair at all? The issue isn't the extensions themselves but instead how they're applied and removed.

How to wear clip ins without damaging your hair

Here are some quick clip-in hair extensions care tips. Obviously, which clip-ins you go for will depend on your specific needs. For example, if you're seeking the ponytail look, clip-in ponytail extensions are worth a look.

To avoid damaging your hair, though, you'll want clip-ins that are just the right weight for your hair type. Ultra Volume clip-ins should be reserved strictly for thick hair. These clip-ins are too heavy for very fine hair. If that's what you've got, go for Classic clip-ins instead.

Double Weft clip-ins strike a nice middle ground, making them suitable for most hair types. Indeed, the same can be said of many clip-ins we offer, such as our fringe clip-in extensions.

Whatever clip-ins you do opt for, avoid clamping the clips into the same spot on your hair every day. The trick is to rotate placement slightly every time.

Always remove your clip-ins before going to bed, but don't rip them out. Instead, open the clip fully before sliding out.

How To Brush and Detangle Your Clip In Extensions

The right brush matters

Another essential is knowing how to detangle clip-in hair extensions. You'll need the right brush for the job. Find a loop brush or detangling brush specifically designed for extensions. The Cliphair Detangling Hairbrush is one attractive option.

When your extensions are dry, never go through them with a fine-tooth comb. However, when your extensions are actually clipped in, a regular paddle brush will suffice.

How to brush without causing damage

It's crucial to always brush your clip-ins before washing them, not afterwards. Otherwise, the strands can too easily break. When you do need to brush them, here's a step-by-step guide to getting it right:

1. Start from the ends of the hair and work upwards. Never drag the brush from the root to the tip.
2. Hold the weft at the top while you brush. This reduces tension.
3. Each time you remove the clip-ins, brush them gently before storing them. That way, you can prevent knots from setting in.

How To Wash Your Clip In Extensions

How often should you wash them?

Key to knowing how to wash clip-in hair extensions is knowing how often to wash them. As a general rule, you should avoid wearing them more than 15 to 20 times in a row before you start running the tap. Do it sooner if you notice product buildup or a change in texture.

The mantra "less is more" often applies to clip-in hair extension maintenance. Washing clip-ins every day strips the hair and shortens their lifespan. In any case, you'll know it's time to clean when the hair feels heavy or stiff, or less smooth than usual.

Step-by-step washing guide

Our how to restore extensions after party blog article shows, well, how to do exactly that. Once you've memorised the following steps, you'll know off by heart how to wash clip-in hair extensions effectively.

1. Follow our brushing tips first. It's important to detangle your clip-ins before wetting them.
2. Run both hot and cold water from the tap until you've got a bowl of cool or lukewarm water. You don't want it hot.
3. Apply shampoo (we recommend Cliphair's Deep Moisture Shampoo) from the mid-lengths to the ends of the fibres, avoiding the wefts and clips.
4. Rinse thoroughly before applying conditioner (we recommend Cliphair's Deep Moisture Conditioner or Deep Conditioning Hair Mask). Avoid the roots/weft area.
5. Leave this conditioner on the clip-ins for two to three minutes before rinsing.

For a detailed rundown of the full cleaning method, please read our how to wash clip-in hair extensions blog article.

Products to avoid

As our clip-ins are made from 100% Remy human hair, many products from our hair care collection can be used on them.

Some cleaning products, though, need to be kept well away from your clip-ins. Avoid shampoos that go heavy on the sulphate. These strip moisture out of your clip-ins and leave them prone to tangling.

You won't want heavy silicone conditioners, either, as these leave residue on the clips. Dry shampoo is okay, but don't use it directly on either the clips or the weft.

How To Dry Your Clip In Extensions

Air drying is always best

After washing your clip-ins, resist the urge to hang them, as they'll stretch. Just lay them flat on a dry towel, where you can leave the extensions to fully dry.

Yes, it's best to air dry them. If time is tight and you need to use the same extensions again urgently, you can speed up the air-drying process by using a hairdryer on a cool or low setting.

In any case, it's vital to fully dry your clip-ins before storing them. Putting damp extensions in a box provides just the right conditions for mildew and damage.

If you need to use heat

On the whole, you won't want to subject your clip-ins to heat too often. However, if you need to do this for one treatment or another, always use a heat protectant first. We recommend Cliphair's Moisturising Silky Spray.

Also take other precautions, such as using the lowest effective heat setting. Don't switch to high heat in a bid to rush the drying process. This is the fastest way to dry out Remy hair.

Leave your clip-ins to air dry regardless, and avoid directing heat onto the metal part.

Heat Styling Your Clip In Extensions

Can you heat style clip in hair extensions?

Yes, heat-styling clip-in hair extensions is a definite option. That's because the clip-in hair extensions we offer consist of 100% Remy human hair. This means they can be curled, straightened and blow-dried just like natural hair.

Our hair extension experts are often asked if heat-styled clip-ins will hold this style permanently. The honest answer is no, so you'll need to restyle each time you wear them.

Some sets, though, do handle heat styling better than others. Our Double Weft and Seamless clip-in extensions especially excel in this regard.

Tips for heat styling without damage

Again, always use a heat protectant, like Cliphair's Moisturising Silky Spray, on your extensions before using any heat tool on them.

When you do reach for a heat tool, have a maximum temperature in mind. We recommend not going above 180°C for most sets and 150°C for lighter, finer sets.

Along the way, avoid exposing the weft seam or clips to direct heat. Also, allow heated curls to cool before you start unwrapping them. This sets the style and prevents frizz.

How To Store Your Clip In Extensions

Storage dos and don'ts

Keen to know how to store clip-in hair extensions? Here are some quick dos and don'ts:

• DO: Store your clip-ins in the box or bag they came in, or in a dedicated extension hanger.
• DO: Make sure they're fully dry before putting them away.
• DO: Brush them gently before storing them.
• DON'T: Leave them on a surface where they can get tangled with other items.
• DON'T: Store your clip-ins in direct sunlight or a steamy bathroom, as ultraviolet (UV) rays and moisture can dull and damage the fibres.

For further inspiration, check out our comprehensive how to store hair extensions blog article.

Travelling with clip in extensions

Staying somewhere away from home overnight with your clip-ins? A silk or satin pouch is the ideal thing to keep them in.

Lay your clip-ins flat in the bag where possible, rather than scrunching them into it. Also, be careful not to pack them in the same bag as perfume and hairspray.

Can You Sleep in Clip In Extensions?

The short answer: no

No, and here's why. Clip-ins are designed to be removed daily. It's what makes them a low-commitment option that is gentle on your hair. Sleeping in them causes tangling, especially around the nape. It also puts pressure on the clips, and can break both the extensions and your natural hair.

Besides, the clips themselves can be uncomfortable to sleep on. Want extensions you can actually take with you to bed? Consider permanent hair extensions.