Human hair extensions are washed much like natural hair, but with extra care around the attachments and with less friction. The most important rule is to avoid rubbing the lengths together and to keep conditioner, masks and oils away from the attachment points.
How should you wash them correctly?
- Detangle the hair before showering, starting from the ends.
- Wet the hair with your head in a natural upright position rather than flipping it over.
- Apply shampoo mainly to the scalp and roots, massaging with your fingertips without tangling the attachments.
- Let the lather run through the lengths without rubbing them together.
- Apply conditioner or a mask to the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding keratin bonds, tape tabs, rings and other attachment points.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Blot the hair without twisting it and dry the attachment area completely.
Can extensions be left to air-dry?
The lengths can finish drying naturally, but the attachments of fixed extensions should not remain wet for long. Persistent moisture and sleeping with wet hair encourage tangling and mechanical stress.
Which products should you use?
Choose gentle cleansing products and nourishing care for the lengths. Avoid oils, very rich masks and slippery products directly on the attachment points, especially with adhesive systems.
The routine varies slightly according to the method. To understand the system you are caring for, read Human Hair Extensions: Which Method Should You Choose?.