As a professional stylist or salon owner, one of the most crucial things you’ll deal with is keeping your clients’ sew-in extensions looking fresh and flawless. So, how do you wash sew-in hair extensions without causing damage? Don’t worry; I’m here to walk you through the process with all the tips and tricks you need to get the best results every time.

When washing sew-in extensions, the key is to treat the hair carefully, avoid excessive tangling, and keep the roots clean. Start by using the right shampoo and conditioner, gently massaging the scalp, and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to avoid harsh scrubbing and minimize the use of hot tools afterward.

If you’re looking to refresh your knowledge on how to wash a sew-in or take care of hair extensions sewn in, keep reading. I’m going to break it down for you, step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Sew-In Hair Extensions

1. Pre-Wash Prep: Detangle the Hair

Before getting the hair wet, start by carefully detangling it. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush and gently work from the tips to the roots. This will prevent unnecessary breakage or tangling when the hair is wet. Be gentle around the weft area to avoid any pressure that could loosen the extensions.

2. Choose the Right Products

Using the correct products for hair extensions sewn in is crucial. Make sure you choose sulfate-free and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that won’t strip the hair of essential oils or moisture. For human hair sew-ins, it’s best to use high-quality products that are free of alcohol and sulfates. If you’re working with synthetic extensions, you’ll need to select products specifically designed for synthetic hair.

3. Wet the Hair Gently

When you’re ready to wash the extensions, wet the hair with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as it can lead to damage and cause the wefts to loosen. Let the water flow gently over the hair rather than aggressively soaking it, which can lead to tangling.

4. Apply Shampoo to the Roots

Apply a generous amount of shampoo directly to the roots, where the natural hair meets the extensions. Gently massage the scalp to cleanse it without disturbing the sew-in wefts. When washing hair with extensions sewn in, you don’t want to rub the hair too harshly, as it could loosen the bonds or cause tangling.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

After working the shampoo into the scalp and hair, rinse thoroughly, allowing the water to flow from root to tip. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this could weaken the sew-in wefts and shorten the life of the extensions.

6. Condition the Hair

Apply a moisturizing conditioner from mid-length to the ends of the hair. Avoid putting conditioner near the roots, as it may cause the hair to become greasy or weigh it down. If you’re working with human hair sew-in extensions, a deep conditioning treatment once a month will keep the hair soft and shiny.

7. Rinse the Conditioner Thoroughly

Once you’ve applied conditioner, rinse the hair thoroughly, ensuring there’s no product residue left. Leftover conditioner can make the hair feel weighed down and greasy, and it could attract dirt more quickly.

8. Dry the Hair Gently

After washing, gently towel dry the hair by patting it rather than rubbing it. This will help prevent breakage and tangling. For sew-in hair extensions, avoid heavy blow-drying as it can cause frizz and damage. Instead, allow the hair to air dry. If blow-drying is necessary, use a heat protectant to shield the hair from heat damage.

9. Style with Caution

Once the hair is dry, you can proceed to style as usual. If your client prefers to add curls, straighten, or even wear the hair straight, always use a heat protectant to avoid damaging the extensions. Remember, if you’re working with synthetic sew-in extensions, they cannot withstand high heat, so make sure not to use heated styling tools on them.

How to Wash Sew-In Extensions: Additional Tips

Avoid Over-Washing: Washing sew-in extensions too frequently can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing it to look dull and dry. Wash it no more than once a week, or less if the client is using a lot of styling products.

Gentle Handling: Always be gentle when handling extensions to avoid tangling or damaging the natural hair and extensions.

Oiling for Shine: After drying, you can apply a light leave-in oil or serum to give the extensions extra shine and to lock in moisture.

FAQ: Sew-In Extension Washing

Your clients ask these daily. Nail these answers, and you’ll become their haircare hero.

1. “Can I Wash My Sew-In Extensions Like Natural Hair?”

Nope. Sew-ins need TLC:

Flip hair upside down to wash roots without tugging tracks.

Never pile hair on top of the head (hello, matting!).

Use a nozzle brush for targeted scalp cleansing.

2. “Can I Use Dry Shampoo on Sew-Ins?”

Yes—but strategically:

Spray only at the roots 6+ inches away.

Avoid aerosol buildup near tracks (use a toothbrush to dust off residue).

3. “Why Does the Hair Feel Rough After Washing?”

Cause 1: Hard water deposits. Install a shower filter.

Cause 2: Over-conditioning. Use a chelating shampoo monthly.

3. “How to Detangle Without Pulling the Wefts?”

Section hair into 4 parts with butterfly clips.

Start at ends with a wet brush (not wide-tooth comb—it snags tracks).

Hold the base of each weft while brushing to reduce tension.

4. “Can I Dye Sew-In Extensions After Installation?”

Risky, but possible:

Human hair: Use demi-permanent color (no bleach!).

Synthetic hair: Absolutely not—it’ll melt or fray.

Pro Move: Pre-color extensions before installing to avoid disaster.

5. “Client Has a Sensitive Scalp—Washing Tips?”

Swap shampoo for diluted baby wash (pH-balanced).

Replace conditioner with aloe vera gel on ends.

Blot roots dry with microfiber cloth—no rubbing.

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your clients’ sew-in extensions stay fresh and healthy, giving them the longevity and smooth texture they love.