If you’re a professional hairstylist or salon owner, chances are you’ve come across the question: “Can you wash clip in extensions?” It’s a great question, especially when you’re managing clients who want to keep their clip-in extensions looking fresh and fabulous. Let’s dive into the specifics of how to care for clip-in hair extensions, and how you can guide your clients through proper maintenance.

Yes, you can wash clip in extensions, but you need to treat them with extra care. Whether it’s clip in hair extensions made of human hair or synthetic fibers, proper washing techniques can help extend their lifespan. However, there are some important steps and precautions to keep in mind to ensure the extensions stay in top shape.

Want to know how to wash clip in extensions properly without damaging them? Stick with me, I’ll guide you through the best practices for cleaning clip in hair extensions, and I’ll also answer the burning question, can you wash your hair with clip in extensions in?

How to Wash Clip In Extensions the Right Way

Let’s break it down step by step. Here’s how you can wash clip in extensions safely while preserving their quality and longevity:

1. Detangle Before Washing

The first step in washing clip in extensions is to detangle them. Start by using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions. Always begin from the ends of the extensions and work your way up to the clips. Gently detangling will prevent hair breakage and ensure the extensions remain smooth.

2. Use a Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Yes, you can wash clip-in extensions with shampoo, but always opt for a sulfate-free product. Sulfates can strip natural oils, making extensions (especially human hair) dry and brittle. Choose a moisturizing shampoo for human hair clip-ins to maintain their soft texture. For synthetic clip ins, look for a shampoo made specifically for synthetic hair.

3. Wash with Cool Water

It’s important to wash clip in extensions with cool to lukewarm water, never hot. Hot water can damage both the extensions and their bonds. Gently lather the shampoo without rubbing the extensions too roughly. A soft approach ensures the hair remains intact.

4. Condition Carefully

Conditioning your clip in extensions is essential, but avoid over-applying product. Apply a small amount of conditioner to the ends, where the hair tends to dry out the most. Don’t apply conditioner to the clips or root areas, as this can interfere with the adhesive. Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cool water.

5. Air Dry – Don’t Blow Dry

After washing, gently pat the clip in extensions dry with a towel to remove excess water. Lay them flat on a towel or hang them to air dry. Never blow-dry clip-in extensions, as heat can cause irreversible damage. Air drying will maintain their natural texture and prevent frizz.

Can You Wash Your Hair with Clip In Extensions In?

The short answer is, no. It’s not recommended to wash your hair with clip in extensions in. Water and shampoo can loosen the clips, and you risk tangling, breakage, or even losing extensions while you wash. It’s always best to remove the clip-ins before washing your hair. This will keep both your natural hair and extensions safe and clean.

If your clients insist on washing with the clip ins in, make sure to advise them to be extra gentle, keep the water cool, and avoid scrubbing the roots too harshly.

How Often Should You Wash Clip In Extensions?

Clip in hair extensions don’t need to be washed after every use. In fact, over-washing can damage the hair and reduce its lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to wash clip in extensions every 10-15 wears, depending on how much styling product and oil buildup they accumulate. For those who wear clip ins regularly, encourage them to use a dry shampoo between washes to extend the freshness.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Clip In Extensions

1. Proper Storage When not in use, clip in extensions should be stored in a safe and dry place. It’s best to keep them in a container or hanging in a way that prevents tangling. Proper storage keeps them looking salon-ready.

2. Limit Heat Styling Excessive heat styling can damage clip-in extensions over time. If your clients choose to style their clip ins, advise them to use heat-protectant spray and keep styling tools on a low temperature. For synthetic clip-ins, recommend not using any heat at all, as this can melt the fibers.

3. Remove Before Sleeping While it’s tempting, sleeping in clip in extensions isn’t a good idea. The friction from sleeping can cause tangling, breakage, and reduce the lifespan of the extensions. Remind your clients to take them out before bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you wash clip in extensions with regular shampoo?

Yes, you can wash clip in extensions with regular shampoo, but always choose a sulfate-free and moisturizing formula. For human hair clip ins, this will help maintain their softness. For synthetic hair, avoid regular shampoos and opt for those formulated specifically for synthetic fibers.

Q2: How do I know when my clip in extensions need to be washed?

Clip in extensions typically need washing every 10-15 wears, depending on how much product is used. If they start looking dull or oily, it’s time for a wash. Be sure to check for buildup from styling products as well.

Q3: Can you wash clip in extensions in hot water?

No, hot water can damage clip-in extensions, especially synthetic ones. Always use cool to lukewarm water to wash them to prevent any harm to the hair fibers and to maintain their natural texture.

Conclusion

So, can you wash clip in extensions? Absolutely! With the right care, you can keep your clip-in hair extensions looking fresh and healthy. Just remember to detangle them first, use gentle products, wash with cool water, and let them air dry. Always advise your clients not to wash their natural hair with clip-in extensions in, and they’ll be able to enjoy their extensions for a long time. By following these tips, you can help ensure that clip-in extensions continue to provide great results in your salon.