Hair Extension Care Routine: Daily Checklist
Taking care of hair extensions doesn’t have to be hard. A consistent routine ensures they stay soft, shiny, and last longer. Here’s a simple daily guide to keep your extensions in great shape:
- Morning: Gently detangle starting from the ends, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, and use a heat protectant if styling. Avoid the roots to prevent slippage.
- Daytime: Protect extensions by tying them back during activities, check for tangles midday, and avoid touching them too often.
- Evening: Brush thoroughly before bed, ensure hair is dry, and secure it in a loose braid or low ponytail to prevent tangling overnight. Clip-in extensions should always be removed and stored properly.
Stick to sulfate-free products, use the right tools like soft-bristle brushes, and avoid heavy oils or silicones. Weekly washes (2–3 times) with gentle shampoos and deep conditioning are also important for long-term care. By following these steps, you’ll keep your extensions looking healthy and natural.
HOW TO: WASH, STYLE, MAINTAIN HAIR EXTENSIONS
Morning Care Routine
Kick off your day with a simple routine to protect your extensions and keep them looking their best.
Detangling and Brushing
How you brush your extensions can make or break their longevity. Always start at the ends and work your way up toward the roots in small sections. This technique avoids unnecessary pulling at the attachment points and minimises breakage. If you hit a knot, hold the hair above it and gently work the brush through to reduce tension on the bonds.
Using the right brush is key. The Hair Wonderland Tangle Tamer Brush is a great choice, thanks to its flexible bristles that glide smoothly without snagging. Stay away from regular paddle brushes with ball-tipped bristles - they can catch on the bonds and cause damage. If you’re wearing tape-ins or wefts, take extra care around the areas where your natural hair meets the extensions.
Make it a habit to brush your extensions at least twice a day - once in the morning and again before bed. If your extensions are long or your hair tangles easily, you might need to brush more often during the day.
After brushing, it’s time to add moisture to keep your extensions soft and manageable.
Applying Leave-In Products
Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t get the benefit of your scalp’s natural oils. This means they need extra hydration to stay smooth and healthy. Lightweight leave-in sprays are perfect for detangling and moisturising without adding weight. Focus on applying these products to the mid-lengths and ends of your extensions, steering clear of the roots and attachment points to avoid slippage - especially for tape-ins. Choose formulas that are free of sulfates, alcohol, silicones, and parabens to prevent buildup and dryness.
For damp hair, a leave-in spray works wonders. Once your extensions are fully dry, you can follow up with a small amount of hair oil or a silicone-free serum on the ends to enhance shine and tame frizz. Be sparing with these products to avoid a greasy look.
Safe Heat Styling
Heat styling can help your extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair, but it requires a gentle approach.
"Never use heat on wet hair extensions. Wait until your hair is completely dry before styling."
Once your hair is dry, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your extensions from damage. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, and give the product a moment to absorb before using any heat tools.
Stick to low to medium heat settings to avoid overheating your extensions. When using a flat iron or curling wand, keep the heat away from the tape or bonds to prevent melting the adhesive or causing slippage. For even heat distribution, opt for ceramic or tourmaline tools.
On days when a full style isn’t necessary, try heat-free options like braids or buns to give your extensions a well-deserved break.
Daytime Maintenance
Taking care of your extensions during the day is key to keeping them looking their best. A few simple habits can prevent damage and ensure they stay flawless from morning to night.
Preventing Tangles During the Day
Tangles can sneak up on you, especially around the nape of your neck, where friction from clothing and movement tends to cause knots. Make it a habit to check your extensions for tangles by midday, giving extra attention to this area.
If you're heading out on a windy day or planning to exercise, secure your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail. This not only protects the attachment points but also prevents the wind from turning your hair into a tangled mess. A relaxed braid is a great option - it’s comfortable and keeps your extensions in place.
After any physical activity, it's important to address sweat and moisture right away. Damp extensions can trap product buildup and tangle more easily. Use a towel to gently pat your hair dry, focusing on the roots and attachment areas.
For quick touch-ups during the day, keep the Hair Wonderland Tangle Tamer Brush in your bag. Pair it with a lightweight leave-in spray for instant moisture and detangling power when your extensions need a little pick-me-up.
As the day goes on, don’t forget to protect your extensions from the elements.
Protection from Environmental Factors
Australia's sun, saltwater, and chlorine can be tough on extensions. UV rays can weaken the keratin structure and fade colour over time, so it’s important to take precautions. Apply a UV-protectant spray and wear a hat to shield your hair from sun damage.
If you’re planning to swim, preparation is everything. Before getting in the water, brush and detangle your hair, then style it in a low, loose plait or ponytail. Avoid high buns or top knots, as they can create tension at the attachment points. Applying a leave-in cream or conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends before swimming can create a barrier to help protect against salt and chlorine.
If swimming is a regular part of your routine, consider wearing a protective cap to shield your extensions. This is especially important for glue-bonded extensions like tape-ins or u-tips, as these methods need to be dried immediately after getting wet to maintain their strength.
After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water, then shampoo and follow up with a hydrating treatment. If you're an ocean lover, clip-in extensions might be a better option for beach days, sparing your permanent extensions from repeated exposure to saltwater.
Humidity is another factor to keep in mind. Excess moisture in the air can lead to frizz and tangling. Avoid unnecessary wetting of your extensions during humid weather, and if they do get damp from sweat or humidity, dry them quickly with a microfibre towel to prevent matting.
Finally, using the right products throughout the day can make a big difference in keeping your extensions in top shape.
Product Guidelines
The products you use during the day are just as important as your morning routine. Stick to sulfate-free and alcohol-free formulas to keep your extensions hydrated and soft. These gentler ingredients prevent dryness and brittleness.
When reapplying products, use small amounts and focus on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots and attachment points to prevent slippage or buildup, which is particularly critical for tape-in extensions, as residue can weaken the adhesive.
Steer clear of heavy silicones and waxes - they can weigh your extensions down and attract dirt. A light, silicone-free serum is fine for the ends, but avoid anything too heavy that could leave your hair looking greasy.
Dry shampoo is a popular quick fix, but use it carefully. Only apply it to your natural hair at the crown, keeping it away from attachment points to avoid buildup.
Hair oils and serums should also be used sparingly. A tiny amount on the very ends can help tame frizz and add shine, but too much will make your extensions look oily. Remember, extensions don’t benefit from your scalp’s natural oils, so they require far less product than your natural hair.
Evening and Sleep Routine
Taking a few moments to care for your extensions before bed can make a world of difference. A proper evening routine helps prevent overnight damage, matting, and tangling, keeping your extensions looking their best.
Brushing Before Bed
Brushing your extensions thoroughly before sleep is a must. Throughout the day, tangles can form due to movement, friction, and exposure to different elements. If you don’t address these knots, they can worsen overnight, especially at the base of the weft.
Before you start brushing, ensure your extensions are completely dry. Sleeping with damp hair can lead to increased matting and may weaken the bonds. If you’ve washed your hair in the evening, let it air dry or use a blow dryer on a cool setting.
When it’s time to brush, choose the right tools. A soft-bristle brush, loop brush, or wide-tooth comb specifically designed for extensions is ideal. Avoid regular paddle brushes on bonded or taped areas as they can snag and loosen the extensions.
"Brushing your hair extensions is essential; use the right tools to avoid damage", says Shakira Dickinson.
Start brushing from the ends and work your way up gradually to the roots. This approach minimises pulling and reduces stress on the bonds. Use your other hand to support the top of the weft near your scalp to avoid unnecessary tension.
Pay special attention to areas prone to tangling, like the nape of your neck, where friction from clothing or pillows often causes knots. If you encounter a stubborn tangle, apply a detangling spray and gently work it out with your fingers to avoid breakage.
Take your time while brushing - rushing can lead to unnecessary pulling and damage.
Protective Styling for Sleep
After detangling, it’s time to style your extensions for the night. Leaving your hair loose can lead to friction, tangling, and even damage as you toss and turn. A protective style keeps your extensions secure and manageable.
A loose braid or plait is a great option. Keep it relaxed to avoid placing tension on the bonds. Start the braid at the nape of your neck and secure it with a soft, fabric hair tie - steer clear of elastic bands that can snag or damage the hair.
If braids aren’t your thing, a low ponytail is another excellent choice. Again, keep it loose and comfortable. Avoid high buns or top knots, as they can put unnecessary strain on the bonds and lead to breakage.
Even your pillowcase can play a role in protecting your extensions. Consider switching to a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps prevent tangling and frizz while you sleep.
For clip-in extensions, follow these extra steps to complete your evening routine.
Storing Clip-In Extensions
If you use clip-in extensions, always remove them before going to bed. Sleeping in clip-ins can cause unnecessary tugging and stress on both your natural hair and the extensions, which can shorten their lifespan.
Once removed, gently brush your clip-ins, starting at the ends and working your way up to the base. Make sure all clips are securely closed before storing them to avoid snagging.
Ensure the extensions are completely dry before storage to prevent mould or damage. If they need washing, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, then let them air dry fully.
To keep your clip-ins in pristine condition, consider using a storage solution like the Hair Wonderland Clip In Bag. This bag protects your extensions from dust, tangles, and damage. Lay the extensions flat or hang them gently in the bag - avoid folding or crushing them to prevent creases. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
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Daily Checklist Summary
This checklist highlights the key daily habits that help maintain the quality and longevity of your extensions.
Morning care is all about setting your hair up for the day. Start by gently detangling your extensions, working from the ends upward. Apply a leave-in product to the mid-lengths and ends to keep your hair hydrated and manageable. If you're using heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature below 180°C to avoid damage.
Daytime maintenance is focused on prevention. Keep your hair loosely tied back during activities like exercising or when you're out in windy conditions to minimise tangles. Try to avoid touching your extensions too often, as this can lead to knots and transfer oils to the hair. If you need to apply products during the day, choose lightweight formulas and avoid the bond or tape areas. Should tangles form, brush them out immediately to stop them from worsening.
Evening preparation ensures your extensions are protected overnight. Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles from the day. Make sure your hair is completely dry before bed to prevent matting or bond damage. Style your hair into a loose braid or low ponytail to minimise friction while you sleep. The table below summarises these daily tasks for quick reference:
| Time of Day | Key Task | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Detangle gently from ends to roots | Prevents knots from worsening and reduces stress on bonds |
| Morning | Apply leave-in products to mid-lengths and ends | Keeps hair hydrated and manageable throughout the day |
| Morning | Use heat protectant before styling (max 180°C) | Protects hair fibres from heat damage and maintains extension quality |
| Daytime | Tie hair back during activities | Reduces friction and prevents tangles |
| Daytime | Limit touching your extensions | Minimises knotting and keeps oils off the hair |
| Evening | Brush thoroughly before bed | Removes tangles and prevents overnight matting |
| Evening | Ensure hair is completely dry | Protects against matting and bond damage during sleep |
| Evening | Create protective style (loose braid/ponytail) | Reduces overnight friction and keeps extensions secure |
If you're wearing clip-in extensions, add an extra step to your evening routine: remove the clips before bed. Gently brush them and store them in a protective bag, like the Hair Wonderland Clip In Bag ($54.00). This not only prevents pulling on your natural hair but also helps maintain the extensions' condition.
Think of this checklist as a small daily commitment that pays off in the long run. A little care each day can save you from bigger issues down the track.
Weekly Care Adjustments
Your daily routine does a great job of keeping extensions looking their best, but weekly care is where the real upkeep happens. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t need frequent washing - overwashing can strip them of moisture and shorten their lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to wash your extensions 2–3 times a week, depending on your lifestyle and how much product buildup you notice. These weekly care sessions work alongside your daily habits, giving your extensions a deeper clean and refresh.
Wash days call for a more careful approach than your day-to-day routine. Start by thoroughly detangling your hair. Since extensions are more fragile when wet, removing all knots beforehand is crucial to avoid stressing the bonds or wefts. Work section by section, starting at the ends and moving upward, taking extra care to be gentle.
When it’s time to wash, stick to sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates can dry out extensions and weaken the bonds holding them in place. Focus on cleansing your scalp and natural roots, allowing the shampoo suds to flow down the extensions without scrubbing them directly. This method keeps the hair clean without causing tangles or damage.
Use lukewarm water during the wash. Hot water can loosen bonds and create frizz, while cold water isn’t necessary for this process. After shampooing, apply a deep conditioning mask from the mid-lengths of your hair to the ends - steer clear of the roots to avoid weighing them down. Leave the mask on for 5–10 minutes, depending on how dry your extensions feel. If you’ve been using heat tools often or notice extra dryness, go for the full 10 minutes to restore moisture.
Rinse thoroughly to prevent any residue from building up, and gently squeeze out excess water. For drying, pat your hair with a microfibre towel to reduce friction. If you prefer using a blow dryer, stick to low heat, keep it at least 15 cm away, and always apply a heat protectant first.
It’s a good idea to plan wash days early in the day to allow enough time for your extensions to dry completely. Damp extensions can weaken bonds, so never go to bed with wet hair. If needed, finish drying with a blow dryer on a cool setting to ensure everything is fully dry.
Between washes, stick to your daily routine to keep your extensions in good shape. How often you need to wash will depend on your activities and environment. If you exercise regularly or live in a humid area, you might need to wash more frequently. Otherwise, twice a week is often enough. Pay attention to how your extensions feel - if they seem heavy, look dull, or have noticeable buildup near the roots, it’s time for a wash, even if it hasn’t been long since the last one.
Being gentle with wet hair and adjusting your routine based on your extensions’ condition will go a long way. The care you put into these weekly sessions directly impacts how long your extensions last and how great they continue to look.
Hair Wonderland Tools for Daily Care
Hair Wonderland offers a range of specialised tools designed to make caring for your extensions easier and more effective. These tools are thoughtfully crafted to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, helping to protect and maintain the quality of your extensions.
The Tangle Tamer Brush ($21.95) is perfect for gently detangling hair without damaging bonds, tapes, or wefts. To use it, start brushing from the ends of your hair and work your way up, holding the section just above where you’re brushing to avoid pulling at the attachment points. Direct tugging can loosen bonds or even cause breakage, so this method is key. The Tangle Tamer is best used on dry hair, as wet extensions are more prone to damage. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, so you can detangle on the go. Brushing at least twice a day - once in the morning and again before bed - keeps tangles at bay and makes each session quicker and more manageable.
For a more thorough brushing session, the Detangle Brush ($29.95) is an excellent companion. This brush works well with all hair types, including extensions, and is ideal for your morning routine when you need to ensure your hair is completely smooth before styling. It helps minimise tangles while evenly distributing natural oils and any leave-in products you’re using. Like the Tangle Tamer, use the bottom-up method and support your hair as you brush to avoid unnecessary strain on the attachment points.
If you’re using clip-in extensions, the Clip In Bag ($54.00) is a must-have for keeping them organised and in great condition. This storage bag prevents tangling and protects your extensions from dust when they’re not in use, ensuring they’re ready to go whenever you need them.
These tools work together to simplify your daily care routine. The brushes take care of detangling and maintenance while your extensions are in, and the storage bag keeps clip-ins in top shape when not in use. By investing in the right tools from the start, you’ll not only save time but also extend the life of your extensions, ensuring they look their best for months to come. Proper care makes all the difference!
Conclusion
Stick to your daily care routine to keep your extensions looking fabulous and lasting longer. A little consistent effort goes a long way in maintaining their beauty.
Brush with care. Use the Tangle Tamer Brush ($21.95) for quick fixes or the Detangle Brush ($29.95) for a more thorough session. Always start brushing from the ends and work your way up, holding the hair near the attachment points to minimise strain and prevent tangles.
Keep them hydrated. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t benefit from scalp oils, so it’s important to apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray daily to the mid-lengths and ends - just steer clear of the attachment points. Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and lightweight products to maintain moisture without leaving behind residue.
Protect them daily. At bedtime, secure your hair in a loose plait or low ponytail to avoid tangling while you sleep. For clip-ins, store them in the Clip In Bag ($54.00) to keep them clean and dust-free. When styling, always use a heat protectant to shield your extensions from heat and external damage.
Using the right tools and products is key to preserving the softness, shine, and overall look of your extensions. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you’ll ensure your extensions stay healthy, vibrant, and natural-looking for as long as possible.
FAQs
What’s the best way to stop my hair extensions from tangling during the day?
To keep your hair extensions smooth and free from tangles, make it a habit to brush them gently 2–3 times a day with a soft-bristle or detangling brush. Before heading to bed, try braiding your hair or tying it into a loose ponytail to cut down on friction. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can also work wonders in reducing frizz and tangles. And don’t forget - make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping, as wet hair is more likely to get damaged or knotted.
How can I wash my hair extensions without causing damage?
To care for your hair extensions during washing, start by gently detangling them with a wide-tooth comb before introducing any water. When you're ready, use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo, applying it with care - no scrubbing or twisting! Once the shampoo is rinsed out thoroughly, follow up with a moisturising conditioner, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. If your extensions are attached, avoid applying conditioner to the roots to prevent slippage or build-up. Make sure to rinse completely to keep them clean and fresh.
When it comes to drying, use a soft towel to pat the extensions dry. Avoid rubbing or wringing them out, as this can cause damage. Letting them air dry is the safest option, but if you need to use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to minimise the risk of damage. With consistent and gentle care, your extensions will stay looking their best for longer.
What should I look for in a leave-in conditioner for hair extensions?
When selecting a leave-in conditioner for your hair extensions, go for a sulfate-free option with a lightweight formula tailored for extensions. Ingredients like argan oil or jojoba oil are excellent choices, as they provide hydration and softness without leaving behind unwanted buildup. Steer clear of heavy or silicone-based products, which can weigh the hair down and increase the risk of tangling.
To keep your extensions looking their best, apply the conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends daily. This routine will help maintain smoothness, hydration, and prevent knots, ensuring your extensions stay in great condition for longer.
