Dec 05, 2025

7 Ways to Make Hair Extensions Last Longer

Hair extensions are a big investment, often costing between $400–$600. To make them last longer and keep them looking great, proper care is essential. Here’s a quick guide to maintaining their quality:

Buy high-quality human hair extensions: Opt for 100% Remy or virgin hair for durability and a natural look.
Use the right brush and technique: Gentle brushing with tools like loop or detangling brushes prevents damage.
Wash with sulfate-free products: Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners to keep extensions soft and moisturised.
Limit heat styling damage: Use heat protectants, keep tools under 180°C, and avoid applying heat near attachment points.
Keep extensions moisturised: Regularly apply lightweight oils and deep conditioning treatments to prevent dryness.
Protect while sleeping and exercising: Use silk pillowcases, braid hair loosely, and rinse sweat off after workouts.
Store clip-ins properly: Keep them clean, dry, and stored in a satin bag or protective case away from sunlight.

Hair Extension Care and Maintenance | 5 Tips!

1. Buy Quality Human Hair Extensions

The longevity of your hair extensions begins with your purchase. Opting for premium human hair extensions over cheaper alternatives can make a noticeable difference in how long they last and how good they look.

High-quality human hair extensions can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of extensions and how well you maintain them. Clip-in extensions, for example, typically hold up for 9–12 months with occasional use, while semi-permanent options can be reused for up to a year [2, 11]. Investing in quality extensions sets the stage for a routine that prioritises both style and durability.

Here’s why material quality is so important: premium extensions are made from 100% human hair, such as Remy or virgin hair. These have intact, aligned cuticles, which help prevent tangling and make the hair easier to manage. You can style, wash, colour, and treat these extensions just like your natural hair. On the other hand, synthetic extensions may seem like a budget-friendly option, but they lack heat tolerance and wear out quickly with frequent washing or styling.

Australia's climate can be tough on hair extensions. The combination of harsh sunlight, high humidity, and dry inland conditions can cause wear and tear. However, premium human hair extensions are better suited to withstand these challenges, retaining their texture and colour over time.

While premium extensions might cost more upfront, they’re often the more economical choice in the long run. Their durability allows for multiple restylings, professional refitting, and extended use, making them a worthwhile investment.

For even greater longevity, consider double-drawn Russian or Mongolian hair extensions. These are known for their impressive durability and consistent thickness from root to tip, which means less tangling and a more natural look - even with regular styling.

When shopping, check that the extensions are labelled as 100% human hair with intact cuticles. Look for terms like "Remy" or "virgin hair" and don’t hesitate to ask about sourcing and processing methods.

Up next, learn how proper brushing techniques can help keep your extensions looking their best.

2. Use the Right Brush and Technique

How you brush your hair extensions can greatly impact how long they last. Using the proper brush and brushing method helps protect the bonds, minimising tangling and breakage.

Pick the right brush. Not all brushes are suitable for extensions. Look for tools like loop brushes, detangling brushes, or soft boar bristle brushes. For example, Hair Wonderland offers excellent options like the Tangle Tamer Brush ($21.95) and The Detangle Brush ($29.95). These brushes are perfect for maintaining extensions and are widely available in Australia. Once you’ve got the right brush, focus on using gentle techniques to keep your extensions in top shape.

Start from the ends and work upwards. Always begin brushing at the ends of your hair, and slowly work your way up towards the roots or the bonds.

Support the bonds as you brush. When brushing near the bonds or attachment points, hold the hair just above the bonds with your free hand. This provides extra support and reduces strain on the extensions.

These steps can help reduce damage and keep your extensions looking great for longer.

Detangle before showering or bedtime. Gently brushing your extensions before washing or sleeping helps remove knots and prevents them from tightening when wet, keeping your extensions in better condition.

Take your time with tough knots. If you encounter a stubborn tangle, hold the hair above the knot and work through it slowly with short, gentle strokes. Patience is key to avoiding unnecessary damage.

3. Wash with Sulfate-Free Products

Once you've mastered proper brushing, the next step is picking the right shampoo. The products you use to wash your hair extensions can make all the difference in how long they last. Extensions don’t benefit from the natural oils your scalp produces, which leaves them more prone to damage from harsh ingredients. Here’s why what’s in your shampoo matters.

Why sulfates are a no-go
Sulfates, found in many shampoos, are notorious for stripping away moisture and essential oils. While this might not be a big deal for natural hair, it’s a serious problem for extensions. Sulfates can leave them dry, frizzy, and even weaken the bonds on tape-in or keratin extensions.

Ingredients to steer clear of
Keep an eye out for alcohol-based products - they’ll rob your extensions of moisture, making them brittle. Also, avoid parabens, silicone, and heavy oils, especially near the attachment points. Protein or keratin-heavy formulas might seem like a good idea, but they can actually harm extensions.

Stick to gentle, extension-friendly options
Look for shampoos and conditioners that are clearly labelled as sulfate-free and alcohol-free. These are designed to clean without stripping away the moisture your extensions need to stay soft and shiny.

Be cautious with purple shampoo
If you’ve got blonde extensions, purple shampoo can help maintain your colour, but don’t overdo it. Using it more than once every two weeks can expose your extensions to unnecessary chemicals.

4. Limit Heat Styling Damage

After proper cleansing and brushing, managing heat exposure becomes a crucial step in caring for your hair extensions. While heat styling tools can transform your look, they also pose risks to extensions, which, unlike natural hair, cannot repair themselves. To style your extensions safely, follow these tips.

Temperature matters
For human hair extensions, the ideal styling temperature is between 150°C and 180°C. Going beyond this range can weaken the bonds and dry out the extensions. While lower heat settings might take a bit longer, they’ll help maintain the quality and longevity of your extensions.

Always use a heat protectant
Before using any heat styling tool, apply a heat protectant. This creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of dryness and breakage.

Mind the bonds and tapes
Avoid applying heat directly to the attachment points of your extensions. Naomi Panizza, a stylist based in Perth, WA, explains:

"Some common misunderstandings that we find in these check ups is how to style the extensions using heating tools, while also ensuring they are not hitting the keratin bonds. We provide complementary sectioning clips to each new client to help guide where to curl or straighten from, this helps prevent melting the bonds. Often we find that clients are unaware of hitting the bonds as the extension does not start shedding for a few days or often weeks after. This is the case depending on how bad the bonds have been melted – once the bonds seal is broken this is when shedding occurs."

When blow-drying, keep the dryer at least 15 centimetres away from your extensions. For tape-in extensions, avoid using hot tools directly on or near the adhesive areas, as heat can soften the tape and cause it to slip or fall out .

Smart styling techniques
Work in small sections to ensure even heat distribution. Make sure your extensions are completely dry before applying any heat . If you’re styling bonded extensions, such as tape-ins or keratin bonds, focus on blow-drying the roots with medium heat, directing airflow away from the bonds to prevent moisture from disrupting them .

Give your extensions a break
Reducing heat exposure can significantly extend the lifespan of your extensions. Incorporate non-heat styling methods like braids or buns to maintain the quality of clip-ins and other types of extensions. Taking breaks between heat styling sessions will go a long way in keeping your extensions looking their best.

5. Keep Extensions Moisturised

Taking care of your extensions goes beyond just washing and avoiding heat damage. Keeping them hydrated is just as important. Unlike your natural hair, extensions don’t benefit from the oils produced by your scalp. They rely entirely on external care to stay soft, shiny, and manageable. Regular moisturising helps prevent dryness, brittleness, and tangling.

Why moisture is important

"Extensions are 100% Remy European human hair, but they require moisture and care". Since they don’t receive nutrients from your scalp, consistent external hydration is necessary to maintain their quality and appearance.

Daily and weekly hydration tips

Daily care: Apply 2–3 pumps of treatment oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your extensions every evening. This helps restore the moisture lost throughout the day.
Weekly routine: Oil your extensions weekly, increasing the frequency if you live in a dry climate or use heat tools frequently. After washing, work 2 pumps of argan oil into the mid-lengths and ends while they’re still damp to lock in moisture.
For fusion extensions: Use argan oil or a diluted lightweight oil on the ends every 1–2 nights to keep them from drying out.

A consistent moisturising routine lays the foundation for additional care, like weekly deep conditioning and leave-in treatments.

Deep conditioning treatments

Weekly deep conditioning masks are a must for keeping your extensions soft, shiny, and free of tangles.

Leave-in products for added protection

Leave-in conditioners and lightweight oils create a protective barrier that helps maintain shine, reduce frizz, and make brushing easier. These are especially helpful before swimming or when facing harsh environmental conditions.

Products to avoid

Stay away from products containing protein, keratin, sulfates, or high alcohol content. These can strip your extensions of moisture and weaken the bonds or attachment points.

How to apply moisturising products

Focus on the mid-lengths and ends when applying oils, conditioners, or masks. Avoid the roots and bonds, as product buildup in these areas can lead to slippage or weaken the extensions' attachment. Use your fingers to gently distribute the product evenly without pulling or tugging.

Your local climate can also impact your routine. For example, what works well in humid Brisbane may not be ideal for the drier conditions of Perth. Speak to your stylist for personalised advice based on your hair type, lifestyle, and environment to keep your extensions looking their best.

6. Protect Extensions While Sleeping and Exercising

Hair extensions face two common issues during sleep and exercise: friction and moisture. These can lead to tangling, breakage, and faster wear. The good news? A few easy adjustments can keep your extensions in great shape.

Sleep Protection

Tossing and turning at night can create friction between your hair and the pillowcase, leading to tangles and unnecessary stress on your extensions. To minimise this, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials are much gentler on hair compared to cotton .

Another helpful tip is to loosely braid your extensions or tie them in a low, soft ponytail before bed. This keeps the hair contained, reduces tangling, and makes morning styling much easier.

Workout Protection

Exercise presents its own set of challenges for hair extensions. Sweat contains salts that can dry out your hair, while movement during workouts can cause friction and tangling. To protect your extensions:

Secure your hair in a braid, ponytail, or bun before exercising. Avoid tight styles that pull on the roots, and opt for a silk scrunchie or spiral hair tie for a gentle hold .
Use a sweat-absorbing headband to manage moisture and apply dry shampoo beforehand to help combat sweat buildup.

After your workout, it’s essential to rinse your hair thoroughly to remove sweat and salt residue. Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo and follow up with a nourishing conditioner to maintain hydration. Be gentle when washing around the extension attachment points to avoid loosening them.

With these simple habits, you can keep your extensions looking flawless - whether you're braving Sydney's summer heat during an outdoor run or enjoying a relaxing yoga class in Melbourne’s cooler weather. A little care goes a long way in maintaining both the beauty of your extensions and your confidence.

7. Store Clip-In Extensions Properly

Taking care of your clip-in extensions by storing them correctly can make a big difference in how long they last. It helps shield them from dust, tangling, and other damage caused by their surroundings.

Dust and air exposure can settle into the hair fibres, while too much sunlight may lead to dryness and fading. To avoid these issues, keep your extensions in a protective case or bag.

Before storing, make sure your extensions are completely dry. Storing damp extensions creates the perfect environment for mould and bacteria to grow. Brush through each weft gently, starting at the ends and moving towards the roots, to remove any knots. If you're using a storage box, stack the wefts and roll them carefully to help them maintain their shape.

Pick a storage spot that’s cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A drawer, wardrobe shelf, or a dedicated storage box works well - just steer clear of areas like bathroom windowsills or spots near heating vents, especially during Australia's hot summers.

For everyday storage, a satin or silk bag is ideal. These materials are gentle on the extensions and reduce friction, which helps prevent tangles. If you're looking for a specific option, Hair Wonderland offers a Clip In Bag for $54.00. It's designed to keep your extensions organised and protected when not in use.

Good Habits vs Bad Habits for Hair Extensions

Your daily routine plays a huge role in how long your hair extensions stay looking their best. With the right care, you can keep them in great shape for much longer. Let’s look at the habits that help - and the ones that harm - your extensions.

Choose the Right Products

Hair extensions don’t get natural nourishment from your scalp, so they’re more sensitive to harsh chemicals than your own hair [7, 11]. That’s why your product choices matter.

Stick to sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners. Avoid anything with sulphates, alcohol, or heavy proteins, as these can weaken the bonds and cause your extensions to shed prematurely [7, 17].

Brush the Right Way

Brushing might seem simple, but the wrong technique can damage your extensions. Use tools like a loop brush, detangling brush, or wide-tooth comb specifically designed for extensions. Start at the ends and work your way up, supporting the bonds as you go [12, 13, 11]. Steer clear of regular paddle brushes or fine-tooth combs on the bonded areas, and never brush wet hair roughly - it’s a recipe for breakage.

Handle Heat, Moisture, and Daily Protection with Care

Before styling, always apply a heat protectant to shield your extensions from damage. Since extensions don’t produce natural oils, regular conditioning treatments are key to keeping them hydrated.

At night or during exercise, protect your hair by tying it in a loose braid or low ponytail. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and prevent tangles.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your human hair extensions is key to protecting both your style and your investment.

Start by choosing high-quality extensions and pairing them with the right tools, like a gentle detangling brush and sulphate-free products. Simple habits - brushing from the ends upward, minimising heat exposure, and keeping your extensions hydrated - can make a big difference in how long they last. These small steps go a long way in maintaining their look and feel.

Keep in mind, extensions won’t fix themselves. Handle them with care, whether it’s during sleep, storage, or your daily routine.

Hair Wonderland offers premium double-drawn Russian and Mongolian human hair extensions that are designed to last and blend naturally. They also provide tools to help you care for your extensions properly.

No matter if you’re new to extensions or a seasoned pro, choosing quality and following these care tips will help you enjoy beautiful, natural-looking hair for longer.

FAQs

How can I tell if hair extensions are genuine human hair, and why does it matter for their durability?

To spot authentic human hair extensions, pay attention to these characteristics: they can be heat-styled, washed, and even coloured, behaving just like your own hair. On the other hand, synthetic extensions tend to melt or get damaged when exposed to heat or harsh chemicals.

Opting for 100% human hair is important as it provides longer-lasting wear, a natural look, and the freedom to style however you prefer. This makes them a reliable and practical choice that holds up over time.

What are the best non-heat styling techniques to protect hair extensions from damage?

To keep your hair extensions looking their best, opt for non-heat styling methods. For instance, braid your hair before bed or tie it up in a loose bun. These simple techniques help preserve the shape of your extensions while reducing unnecessary tension on the hair.

If you're after some waves or added texture, flexible rollers or foam curlers are excellent options. They create gorgeous styles without exposing your extensions to heat. Just make sure your extensions are fully detangled and dry before styling to prevent any strain or damage.

How can I care for my hair extensions in humid or dry climates?

To keep your hair extensions in top shape, it's important to tweak your care routine based on the climate you're in.

In humid conditions, frizz can be a common issue. Opt for lightweight, anti-humidity products like serums or leave-in conditioners to keep your extensions smooth and shiny. Steer clear of heavy products, as they can make your extensions feel weighed down.

In dry climates, focus on keeping your extensions hydrated. Use nourishing oils or leave-in conditioners to maintain softness and prevent dryness. Gently brushing your extensions helps spread the product evenly, reducing the risk of brittleness.

Adjusting your routine to match the environment will help your extensions stay beautiful and last longer.