If you’re a professional stylist or salon owner, you know maintaining hair extensions is key to keeping your clients happy and your reputation stellar. Stick around—I’m going to give you practical, stylist-approved strategies that’ll keep your extensions flawless and your clients coming back.
Proper hair extension care includes avoiding harsh products like sulfates and alcohol-based formulas, gently brushing regularly, protecting extensions at night with silk pillowcases or braids, careful handling during holidays and sun exposure, and always using specialized shampoos.
But trust me—there’s much more to hair extension care than just the basics. Let’s dive deeper.
Essential Hair Extension Care: What Stylists Need to Know
Taking care of hair extensions professionally means knowing exactly what keeps them healthy—and what could ruin them instantly. The key lies in your daily aftercare routine, the products you choose, and how you educate your clients.
Let’s break it down clearly:
1. Products to Absolutely Avoid
Certain products are an absolute no-go when it comes to extensions. Always double-check labels and steer clear of ingredients like:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, SD Alcohol 40
- Isopropyl Alcohol, Propanol, Propyl Alcohol
These harsh chemicals strip natural oils, causing dryness, tangling, and matting. Remind your clients: the wrong shampoo can mean disaster.
When recommending what shampoo to use on hair extensions, stick to moisture-rich, sulfate-free shampoos. Brands like Pureology, Olaplex, or MoroccanOil Moisture Repair Shampoo consistently deliver the best results.
2. How to Look After Hair Extensions Properly (Everyday Tips)
Educate clients about gentle care routines. Extensions are durable—but they aren’t indestructible. Make sure your clients understand:
- Brush gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or a specialized soft-bristle brush, starting from ends and moving upwards.
- Minimize washes: Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t benefit from frequent washing. Aim for washing 1-2 times per week or when there’s product build-up.
- Hydrate regularly: Recommend daily moisture sprays or lightweight oils such as argan or jojoba oil to keep extensions silky.
A quick DIY tip: suggest mixing essential oils (like lavender or rosemary) with water in a spray bottle—instant hydration and freshness.
More Pro Tips for Specific Situations
How to Look After Hair Extensions at Night
Nighttime friction is one of the biggest culprits behind tangling. To prevent waking up to tangled extensions, suggest clients:
- Fully dry their extensions before bed—sleeping with wet hair extensions is asking for trouble.
- Braid hair loosely or secure it in a gentle ponytail.
- Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to drastically reduce friction.
These simple nighttime practices will significantly extend the lifespan of extensions.
How to Look After Hair Extensions on Holiday
Sunshine, chlorine, and saltwater might scream relaxation, but for hair extensions, it’s more like a horror movie. To protect extensions on holiday, clients should:
- Use mineral-based sunscreen sprays containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. (Avoid chemical sunscreens containing Avobenzone or Octocrylene, which can stain blonde extensions.)
- Immediately rinse out chlorine and saltwater after swimming.
- Apply a hydrating hair mask post-swim to restore moisture.
Trust me, your clients will thank you when their extensions survive that tropical getaway.
How to Look After Hair Extensions in the Sun
Sun exposure can cause severe dryness, color fading, and brittleness. Suggest these practical steps:
- Wear hats or scarves to physically shield extensions from direct sunlight.
- Use UV protection sprays formulated for hair—brands like Color Wow Dream Coat provide excellent protection.
How to Look After Hair Extensions for the First Time
First-timers are likely anxious about extension maintenance. Ease their minds by handing out a detailed hair extension aftercare sheet covering basics:
- Washing frequency and recommended products.
- Brushing techniques and tools.
- Signs that their extensions need professional attention.
How to Look After Hair Extensions at Home
Empower clients to maintain their extensions effortlessly at home by recommending weekly treatments:
- Deep conditioning masks (like Olaplex No.8).
- Gentle heat styling with heat protectants.
- Regular inspecti
- lippage or damage at the bonds.
Remember, great extensions aren’t just created—they’re maintained.
Preventing Hair Extension Tangling and Matting
Here’s something most stylists don’t tell their clients clearly enough: extensions naturally tangle due to friction, heat, humidity, and sweat. Educate clients that tangling isn’t a sign of poor-quality hair—it’s natural.
Combat tangles by advising:
- Brushing extensions gently multiple times daily, especially at the nape.
- Tying hair up during high-activity days or windy conditions.
- Using hydration products daily to minimize dryness and friction.
Providing your clients with practical solutions builds trust—and fewer complaints.
Can Hair Extensions Be Colored?
Coloring extensions is tricky territory. Always recommend professional coloring services only, and strictly advise against:
- Bleach or high-level peroxide treatments (these severely damage extension hair).
- Using anything stronger than a semi-permanent color to darken or refresh shades.
Only trusted professionals should handle color changes on extensions to avoid costly disasters.
Swimming and Hair Extensions: The Dos and Don’ts
Swimming can be extension-friendly if done right:
- Always rinse hair immediately after swimming.
- Wash with silicone-free shampoo and apply a hydrating mask afterward.
- Encourage wearing extensions in a loose braid or a gentle ponytail to minimize tangles.
Clients will appreciate clear guidance on enjoying water without ruining their investment.
How Often Should Extensions Be Washed and Dried?
Since extensions don’t absorb scalp oils, washing too often is unnecessary and harmful. Washing once or twice per week, or when noticeable buildup occurs, is plenty.
For drying:
- Avoid daily blow-drying; air dry when possible.
- If blow-drying, use heat protectant sprays and dry on cool or low settings.
- Never brush extensions when soaking wet; wait until at least 90% dry to avoid breakage.
Follow these tips, and clients will notice healthier, longer-lasting extensions.
Hair Extension Aftercare Quick Reference Sheet
Here’s a quick-reference hair extension aftercare sheet for your salon:
| Aftercare Tips | Quick Advice |
| Shampoo & Condition | Always sulfate- and alcohol-free |
| Daily Maintenance | Gentle brushing, daily hydration sprays or oils |
| Night Care | Dry fully; loose braid or silk pillowcase |
| Sun & Holiday Protection | Mineral sunscreen; UV sprays; rinse chlorine/saltwater |
| Swimming | Rinse immediately; silicone-free shampoo; mask after swim |
| Coloring | Professional only; no bleach or peroxide |
| Drying | Air-dry ideally; cool setting when blow-drying |
Now, you’ve got everything you need to know about how to look after hair extensions professionally, day and night, at home or on holiday. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll keep your clients—and their extensions—looking flawless every day.
