How to Look After Your Hair Extensions

Professional hair extensions are an investment, and the fitting is only the start. The products you use, how you wash and dry the hair, how you brush it and whether you keep up with your maintenance appointments can all affect how well your extensions wear and how long the hair remains usable.

At Wigs & Warpaint in Sheffield, we work with Remi Cachet and Beauty Works across several professional methods, including Tape-In, Mini Tip, Nano Tip / Nanobond, LA Weave and other weft systems.

There is no single aftercare routine that is correct for every extension system, so your stylist will give you advice for the exact hair and method fitted.

Use the Right Aftercare for Your Extension System

This matters more than simply buying a shampoo labelled “for extensions”. Different attachment methods and manufacturers can require different products.

Remi Cachet recommends using its own professional extension aftercare range to help maintain the hair and protect its longevity. Beauty Works also recommends using its dedicated aftercare products for its professional extension systems.

For example, Beauty Works currently recommends its sulphate-free Pearl Nourishing shampoo for professional Tape, Nanobond, Stick Tip and Flat Tip extensions, while its professional weft systems require its standard Pearl Nourishing shampoo to help remove product build-up.

We’ll tell you exactly which products are appropriate for your particular extensions at your fitting.

Washing Your Hair Extensions

  • Follow the post-fitting waiting period your stylist gives you. Remi Cachet currently advises avoiding washing for the first 48 hours after application so the attachment or adhesive can settle correctly.
  • Brush before washing. Gently detangle the hair from the ends upwards before getting it wet.
  • Wash upright. Shampoo in the shower rather than turning your hair upside down, which can encourage tangling around the attachment areas.
  • Be gentle at the roots. Do not aggressively scrub or twist the attachment areas.
  • Rinse thoroughly. Product left behind can contribute to build-up, tangling and a waxy or sticky feel.
  • Condition the mid-lengths and ends. Keep conditioner, oils and masks away from attachment areas unless your stylist or manufacturer specifically advises otherwise.

Both Remi Cachet and Beauty Works recommend limiting unnecessary washing. Beauty Works currently advises washing professional extensions around two to three times per week depending on scalp, hair type and lifestyle.

Drying Your Extensions Properly

Never go to bed with wet extensions and do not routinely leave professional extensions to air dry.

After washing, gently squeeze excess water from the hair with a towel rather than rubbing it. Apply the recommended leave-in or heat protection product to the appropriate areas and then carefully blow-dry the extensions.

Pay particular attention to the root and attachment areas. Leaving these damp can encourage tangling and matting and may affect some attachment systems.

Brushing Without Pulling on the Attachments

Use an extension-friendly brush recommended for your system.

Start at the ends and work gradually upwards, supporting the hair close to the attachment area with your other hand so you are not repeatedly pulling against the natural hair.

Regular brushing helps prevent loose natural hairs from becoming caught around the extension attachments and forming tangles or matting.

Remi Cachet recommends brushing thoroughly at least once or twice each day and regularly separating attachment areas where appropriate.

Heat Styling

You can style professional human-hair extensions with heated tools, but excessive heat can shorten their lifespan.

Both Remi Cachet and Beauty Works currently recommend keeping styling temperatures at or below 180°C and always using suitable heat protection.

Keep straighteners, curling irons and other direct heat away from tapes, rings, bonds and attachment areas.

Sleeping With Hair Extensions

Brush your extensions before bed and make sure they are completely dry.

A loose plait or low ponytail can help prevent unnecessary movement and tangling overnight. A silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction through the lengths and ends.

Swimming, Holidays & Sun

Chlorine, salt water, UV exposure and certain sunscreens or cosmetic products can all affect extension hair.

Beauty Works advises keeping extensions out of salt water where possible and warns that chlorine may contribute to dryness, tangling and colour changes. Strong sunlight can also fade extension hair.

If you are going on holiday, swimming regularly or using a pool or spa, ask your stylist for advice before you travel.

Can I Colour or Tone My Hair Extensions?

Do not assume extension hair can be treated in exactly the same way as your natural hair.

Both manufacturers place restrictions around colouring and chemical alteration. Beauty Works specifically advises against colouring or toning its extension hair because additional chemical processing may affect the result and lifespan. Remi Cachet also advises against altering its extensions with colouring, tinting or chemical treatments.

If you want to change your colour, speak to us before applying toners, silver shampoos or colour products to the extensions.

Keep Up With Your Maintenance Appointments

Your maintenance schedule depends on the extension method, the manufacturer’s guidance, your natural hair growth and how the hair is wearing.

Maintenance is not the same thing as replacing the extension hair. Many professional systems can be removed and refitted while the hair itself is reused, provided it remains in suitable condition.

Leaving attachments to grow too far away from the scalp can increase tangling, matting and unnecessary strain on the natural hair. Your stylist will tell you when your particular system needs checking, removing or refitting.

Look After the Hair, Protect Your Investment

Premium extension hair can last a long time when the correct products, homecare and professional maintenance are used. Poor aftercare, unsuitable products, excessive heat and missed maintenance appointments can all shorten its usable life.

We’ll give you a personalised aftercare plan at your fitting based on the exact Remi Cachet or Beauty Works hair and method chosen.

Hair Extension Maintenance in Sheffield

If your extensions are due for maintenance, removal or refitting, book with our Sheffield extension team rather than trying to remove or reposition them yourself.

Visit our Hair Extensions Sheffield service page to see the methods we offer, or read our guide to choosing the right hair extension method.