You love the versatility and great looks that your hair extensions offer. You find yourself having fun styling them for casual weekday looks and for those glam nights out on the town. But are you taking good care of your hair extensions? Whether your extensions are clip-in or sewn or glued-in extensions, there are some extra care steps that you need to take in order to ensure that they will look their best and stay looking their best for a good while.

It’s important to pay attention to the care instructions that accompany your extensions, as many manufacturers may have their own recommendations for their specific product line. That said, there are some care tips that can help you to keep your extensions looking great, no matter the type or brand.

Bedtime tips for hair extension care

According to information provided by clip-in extension professionals, Jadore Hair Supplies, clip-in extensions should be removed before you go to bed, as they can potentially damage your hair and even hurt you while you sleep. They can also sustain a lot of damage from your tossing and turning in your sleep.

Tape-in, sewn-in or glued-in hair extensions cannot be readily removed for bedtime, but there are some steps that you can take to protect them while you are sleeping. The first thing that you need to do is ensure that you aren’t going to sleep with damp hair. Your hair should be completely dry, otherwise you are increasing the risk for breakage and other damage while you sleep.

Be sure to carefully brush out your hair before bed and consider a loose braid that will help to protect your hair when you’re asleep. A loose braid will also help to prevent tangles.

Some do recommend investing in a silk pillowcase as it will reduce the amount of nighttime friction that your hair will have to deal with. If you’re going to invest in hair extensions, why not invest in a pillowcase that will help to keep them protected and looking their best.

Washing and drying your extensions

Just as you would wash your natural hair, your hair extensions require a good wash in order to keep them looking great and feeling soft. There are a number of haircare products that are made specifically for those who have extensions in place, but you can also use a mild shampoo and conditioner.

Be sure to wash your extensions, whether clip-in or a more semi-permanent option, with warm water versus scalding hot water. Rinse out any styling products that may have been used, and be sure to also rinse out the shampoo and conditioner that you use. The residue from shampoo and conditioner can be like a magnet for dirt and grime that can damage and dull your natural hair and your extensions.

Don’t rub your hair when you are drying it with a towel. Rather pull it up in a turban-style fashion to dry that way, or pat it dry until you are able to use a very low or cool setting on your blow dryer. Your hair should be completely dry before you comb it out, and before you go to sleep.

Pay attention to heat styling

Heat styling is one of the best ways to curl your hair, add flirty waves or straighten your locks. It is best to completely avoid heat styling if you have synthetic extensions as they may melt from the heat. Natural hair extensions can be heat styled, but it’s important that you use a heat protecting spray prior to getting out the styling tools. 

Your extensions should be completely dry prior to being heat-styled, to avoid the potential for damage. Be sure to only use low heat settings and avoid blow drying if you can as it can lead to tangles.

With a bit of care and a few extra steps, you’ll find that it’s really a breeze to have hair extensions. Whether yours are clip-in or use a glue to secure them, you’ll love the added versatility and style options that your extensions offer you.