How Often Should You Wash Extensions?

‘How often should I wash my hair with extensions?’ is one of the most frequently asked questions we get from our customers so today we’ve dedicated an entire blog to it! As certain extensions require different maintenance, we’ve covered all the types from clip-ins and ponytails to permanent varieties such as tapes and nano rings. Over washing your hair extensions can actually cause them to deteriorate faster whilst not washing them enough can also be harmful, its important to know the recommended wash cycle to keep them healthy and looking there best. Read on to find out!

Factors to Consider

Before getting hair extensions you should seriously consider your lifestyle and hair type to make sure they will work with you and your natural hair. If you’re someone that usually washes their hair everyday or has a very oily scalp then permanent hair extensions may not be the best choice. The more you wash your extensions the faster they will weaken as they are no longer connected to their root, meaning they do not receive the vital nutrients and oils they need to survive. With every wash more and more of these natural oils are removed from the hair which in time will leave them feeling dry, brittle and in need of replacing. This is the normal life cycle of hair extensions, no matter how high the quality after time they will need replacing, however over washing them does speed this process up. If you need to wash your hair more than 3 times per week, Clip-In Hair Extensions would be a more suitable option for you as they are removed before you clean your own hair.

Hair Extension Washing Frequency Guidelines

Protecting your hair extensions isn’t the only reason that daily washing is not recommended, its also abit of a mission as the drying and washing time is much longer when you have extensions attached. Most people tend to put this off for an extra day or two as doing it more than twice a week can become a major chore! For the days you simply can’t muster up the energy or haven’t the time, Dry Shampoo is your new best friend, this product works to remove grease and oil from the roots to leave the hair looking clean and feeling fresh for another day.

How Often Should You Wash Tape Hair Extensions?

For Tapes the recommended wash frequency is 1-2 times per week. This is the perfect amount to keep your own hair clean as well as the extensions. Always avoid conditioner near the roots when washing Tape extensions as the substance can loosen the stickiness of the tabs causing them to slip.

How Often Should You Wash Nano Ring And Micro Ring Hair Extensions?

Just like with Tape-Ins you only need to wash your hair 1-2 times per week with micro-ring methods, however, if you feel you have a lot of product build up or it has been a particularly warm week then 3 times per week is the maximum.

How Often Should You Wash Weave Hair Extensions?

As Weaves take longer to dry and can be trickier to wash most wearers prefer to wash their hair no more than once per week. If the natural hair feels a little greasy in between a dry shampoo can be used or you can even separate the top area and wash separately. Its super important to fully dry the tracks and roots of your weave and own hair after washing to prevent any mildew from forming in the weft.

How Often Should You Wash Clip-In Hair Extensions?

Since Clip-Ins are worn less frequently than permanent hair extensions they require much less washing, this is because they are not in as close contact with the natural oils from the scalp so they do not become as greasy. Typically, you should aim to wash your clip-ins every 12-15 uses. If before this time you notice the hair becoming very knotty, hard to manage or it feels as though there is a build up of product you should wash them before this time frame. Check out our blog specifically for washing clip in hair extensions here.

How Often Should You Wash Wrap Around Ponytail Extensions?

As Ponytail hair extensions are only worn occasionally and do not have direct contact with the scalp, they only need washing every 15-20 uses. But, if they feel very difficult to brush or feel unclean before this time then you can wash them sooner.

Proper Washing Techniques For Hair Extensions

Washing your extensions correctly is also vital to keep them happy and healthy! We’ve listed the top dos and don’ts on this topic but for a more in-depth explanation read our full guide in ‘How to wash all types of human hair extensions’.

Do’s

• Use Sulphate free shampoo.
• Brush your hair extensions before every wash.
• Use a deep conditioning hair mask at least once every two weeks to keep the hair hydrated.

Don’ts

• Don’t Wash your hair tipped over the bath or sink. This can cause matting.
• Don’t use conditioner near your extension bonds or tabs.
• Don’t use alcohol-based products, this will dry out the extensions.

Drying and Styling Extensions

Its super important after washing any permanent hair extension type such as a weave, tapes, nanos or micro-rings to make sure the attachments are fully dry to prevent any mildew forming around the attachments. Its absolutely fine to allow clip-ins to dry naturally as they are not attached to your hair, if anything its much better for them as it requires less heat. Always use heat protection spray before using any heated tools on hair extensions to avoid any heat damage. Click here for the ‘Best ways to dry hair extensions’.

Conclusion: Maintaining Hair Extensions

Following the correct washing cycle and procedures for your specific extension style is crucial to keep them looking and feeling their best for as long as possible. 1-2 times per week is plenty for professional extensions and every 12-15 uses for clip-ins is the general rule of thumb. Our range of haircare products here at Cliphair are specially designed for use on hair extensions as well as your own hair.