Hair Extensions Care Guide

Whether you have clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion extensions, properly caring for your hair extensions is essential to keep them looking fresh, natural, and long-lasting. Gypsy Rose Salon has created this guide to help you maintain your extensions at home, ensuring they remain as beautiful as the day they were first applied.

Brushing & Combing

Why it matters: Brushing and combing your extensions correctly will keep them tangle-free, smooth, and help avoid unnecessary breakage.

  • Use the Right Brush: Invest in a specialized extension brush or a wide-tooth comb designed for use with extensions. These brushes have soft bristles that won’t pull on the bonds or damage your natural hair.

  • Brushing Technique: Always brush from the bottom to the top to gently work through any tangles. This helps reduce unnecessary tugging on the roots or extensions.

  • Combing: When your extensions are wet, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid pulling and damaging the hair. Never tug or yank at tangles.

  • Tip: For extra protection, try applying a leave-in conditioner to help detangle and protect both natural and extension hair.

Washing

Why it matters: Extensions need to be washed less frequently than natural hair, but washing them properly will prevent buildup, tangling, and keep them looking shiny and fresh.

  • Shampooing: Wash your extensions no more than every 3-4 days (or as recommended by your stylist). Use a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain the hair’s moisture balance.

  • Washing Technique: Always wash extensions gently and avoid scrubbing them vigorously. Focus on the scalp, and let the shampoo rinse down the lengths of your hair.

  • Tip: Avoid washing your extensions in hot water, as it can loosen the bonds or make them appear dull. Use lukewarm water instead.

Conditioning

Why it matters: Conditioning is crucial for maintaining softness, shine, and manageability. Proper conditioning ensures your extensions look healthy and prevent dryness or brittleness.

  • Conditioner Type: Use a moisturizing conditioner for added hydration. If you have keratin or tape-in extensions, a silicone-free conditioner is ideal as it won't weaken the adhesive.

  • Application: Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends to avoid weighing down the bonds or tapes. Leave-in conditioner can be used to maintain smoothness and shine.

  • Tip: Deep condition your extensions once every two weeks to restore moisture and strength, especially if they feel dry or damaged.

Products

Why it matters: The right hair care products can keep your extensions looking glossy, free of tangles, and help with styling. Visit us in Salon and shop for your products!

  • Leave-In Conditioner or Detangler: To keep extensions soft and free from tangles, use a light leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. Make sure to choose products that are extension-friendly and don’t contain oils or silicones that can weaken bonds.

  • Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, or blow dryers. Extensions are more sensitive to heat damage than natural hair, so protection is key.

  • Dry Shampoo: To keep your extensions fresh and oil-free in between washes, use a dry shampoo at the roots. This will add volume and help absorb oils without disturbing the bonds.

  • Tip: Avoid using products that contain alcohol or sulfates, as these ingredients can dry out your extensions and cause them to lose their luster.

Styling

Why it matters: Styling adds versatility and personality to your extensions, but it’s important to protect them from excessive heat and unnecessary tension.

  • Heat Styling: When using heat styling tools, always make sure to use a heat protectant. Extensions can be damaged by heat if it's too high or used without protection. Stick to low to medium heat settings.

  • Blow-Drying: Use a blow-dryer with a nozzle attachment to direct air flow and avoid rough drying. Always blow-dry your extensions on a low heat to prevent them from getting frizzy or losing their smoothness.

  • Avoid Tight Styles: Avoid pulling extensions into very tight styles (like high ponytails or buns), as this can put pressure on the bonds and lead to breakage or premature shedding.

  • Tip: When curling or straightening, work in small sections to ensure even styling without over-processing the hair.

Sleeping

Why it matters: Sleeping with your extensions in the wrong way can lead to tangles, knots, and breakage.

  • Loose Braids or Ponytail: To protect your extensions overnight, braid your hair loosely or tie it in a loose ponytail. This helps prevent tangling and breakage while you sleep.

  • Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase helps reduce friction and prevents the extensions from becoming frizzy, tangled, or worn down.

  • Tip: Never sleep with your hair down if it’s long, as friction from the pillowcase can cause the extensions to tangle and break.

Other Tips & Fun Facts

  • Avoid Oil-Based Products: While oil-based serums or sprays are great for natural hair, they can loosen the bonds in your extensions. Always choose products that are free of oils, silicones, and sulfates.

  • Professional Touch: While home care is important, getting your extensions professionally adjusted or checked every few months ensures they are healthy and properly maintained.

  • Moisturize Your Scalp: For those with scalp sensitivity or dry scalps, consider using a scalp oil or scalp massage to keep your skin healthy. Just be careful not to get oil directly on the extensions.

  • Fun Fact: Hair extensions, if properly cared for, can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the type and maintenance level. Taking good care of your extensions will help them look fresh longer!