How To Wash Hair Extensions Like a Pro

Surely, you didn't stumble upon this post by chance. It's either you or your client who loves wearing hair extensions. Well, just to keep that extra glam for a long time, you have to find out how to wash your hair properly, which is an important part of the hair extension care journey.

No matter what kinds of hair extensions you wear, all you need to care about is the hair and the bond. The hair is the most important part of the extension that requires 80% of your effort.

Why? Because if the bond malfunctions, you can change it. But the hair? Not so easily. And hair extensions are all about the hair (especially human hair extensions) that makes you look fabulous.

In this post, I'm gonna show you everything you need to know about washing your hair extensions. Stay tuned!

Can You Wash Your Hair with Hair Extensions On?

The short answer is yes. Especially if you wear professional hair extensions such as tape-ins, k-tips, wefts, and beaded extensions (extensions like micro-rings, nano-rings, micro-link, etc).

These extensions are also known as permanent hair extensions, meaning once applied, you can't take them off whenever you want to. They are applied by a professional stylist, and to take them off, you have to go back to your salon for removal. You have to wash them together with your natural hair.

Temporary hair extensions are clip-ins, ponytails, and halo extensions. These babes are different. You can put on or remove them by yourself whenever you want. And of course, you can take them off and wash them separately.

Anyway, you can wash hair extensions. And you need to wash hair extensions to give them that TLC they need, and also to keep them nourished and hydrated, so they will remain silk-smooth.

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

No matter what hair extensions you are wearing, be it tape-in, nano ring, clip-ins, etc., the basic principles of washing never change: be gentle, use the right hair products, and avoid tangling.

Step 1: Brush Before You Wash

Ever had the impression that wet hair is easy to brush through? Wrong! With hair extensions, wetted hair will only make the hair tangled even more.

Always start by detangling the hair. Use a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb. Start from the hair ends and work your way up, this way the hair will hardly break.

With temporary extensions like clip-ins or halo, you can take them off first, flatten them out on a flat and dry surface, and brush them there.

For permanent extensions like tape-in, keratin, or nano rings, of course, you have to brush them while wearing them. But be very gentle and careful near the roots so it doesn't loosen the bonds.

Step 2: Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Other Products Are Vital

Surely the media has pressed our brains with lots and lots of brand names of shampoos and conditioners alike. But when it comes to hair extensions, sulfate-free ones are crucial.

You want your extension hair to remain smooth and sleek. So you need to keep them as hydrated as possible. But the sulfate in the shampoo will strip the hair of all the little moisture to keep its smooth texture.

Staying clear of sulfate is very basic to keep the hair looking glossy and soft.

Step 3: Wash with Care

For both permanent and temporary hair extensions, the universal rule is to wash them with care. Be gentle, and extra gentle.

For clip-in hair extensions, I figure that by the time you come to this washing step, you've already removed them, and brushed them on a dry and flat surface.

If you haven't, go back to the previous step and read again, honey. For the rest, well done! With Natalee on your side, you can't do wrong with your hair extensions.

Now, for clip-ins, halos, ponytails, and the like, Wet them in a sink with lukewarm water. Do this piece by piece. Apply a generous amount of shampoo to each piece, and let it set in for 5-10 minutes.

Gently lather and rub the extensions before running water through each piece under the water tap.

For permanent hair extension wearers, massage the shampoo into your scalp, and do not rub the extension hair and bonds too vigorously. Let the shampoo rinse through the lengths without much friction.

Step 4: Condition the Hair

The purpose of conditioning the extension hair is to keep it nourished and hydrated. Similar to the shampooing step. Hydrating conditioners are much preferred for doing this. Now let's condition the hair.

Apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to the ends. Avoid the roots if you are wearing tape-in extensions or nano-ring hair extensions, as excess moisture can potentially loosen the bonds.

Leave it in and let it nourish the hair for 5-10 minutes, so the hair will get deeply hydrated. Then rinse the hair with cool or lukewarm water.

Step 5: Rinse the Hair Thoroughly

When rinsing out the conditioner or other products from the hair extensions, it is super important to rinse the hair thoroughly, especially if you wear permanent hair extensions, because the products may irritate your scalp, and lead to scalp flakes. Remember to check the water, ensuring it's clear before finishing up for the day.

Step 6: Dry the Hair Gently and Avoid High Heat

Are you an extension wearer? Yes, you are. You always need to remember you are wearing hair extensions, meaning you can't just rub your hair dry with a towel however you feel like it. Instead, gently dab them with a dry cotton towel to get rid of the excess water.

Now, if you are wearing clip-in extensions, it's up to you to decide whether you want to let them air dry by hanging them on a hair stand, or blow dry it.

Air drying is always recommended, as it can keep the hair from potential heat damage. But if you are in a rush for something and airdry is a must, remember to use a heat protectant.

The same drying rule also applies to tape-in or K-tip hair extension wearers. You can also decide whether you want to air-dry the hair or blow-dry it.

However, if you are going to bed right now, and your tape-in or keratin bond hair extensions are still wet, remember, never go to bed with web extensions, it will cause excessive tangling making your life twice as hard.

How to Wash Tape in Hair Extensions

Now, let's shift our focus to tape-in extensions. Tape-in extensions do need extra care to keep them looking the best. The key is the adhesive tape.

Never allow any hair product that contains alcohol or oil near the adhesive tape. These ingredients will surely weaken the bonds.

When washing, make sure you tilt your head back in the shower, very gently and carefully apply shampoo, and rub it with your fingertips. Avoid circular motions that could cause tangling.

Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue build-up, weighing down your extensions.

How to Wash Nano Hair Extensions

Nano hair extensions, also known as nano-ring hair extensions, are extensions applied by plugging the keratin tip side of the extension strand into a nano-ring and clipping the ring close with extension pliers for a secure bond.

When washing nano-ring hair extensions, a gentle touch is also key. Never flip your head upside down in the shower. Why? Because it can create unnecessary tension in the bonds.

Instead, let the water run down the hair naturally. Use lightweight, extension-friendly products (remember, sulfate-free) and ensure the hair is rinsed thoroughly after to prevent build-up around the nano-beads.

Brushing your hair before washing it like many other types of hair extensions will also help.

How to Wash Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are not attached to your head permanently like professional extensions. You don't have to wash them as frequently as you wash your natural hair.

When you do wash them, soak them in a sink with lukewarm water. Put them in piece by piece, and apply a generous amount of sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to each piece.

Remember, gentleness is key. Never scrub them too hard - allow the product to run through the hair. Rinse thoroughly, and give the hair a deep-conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Once clean, let the hair air-dry before styling it.

How to Wash Curly Clip-in Extensions

Similar to washing normal straight clip-in extensions, washing your curly clip-ins is pretty much the same. Yet, the key with curly clip-in extensions is to keep the curly hair texture.

Textured hair extensions are just like any textured hair, they struggle to retain moisture. So it's key to handle them with extra care.

What Are the Best Types of Human Hair Extensions?

As we agreed in the beginning hair extensions are all about the hair. Most babes wear hair extensions for a glam and seamlessly voluminous look. Human hair extensions will blend perfectly with your natural hair, and nothing less will do.

Synthetic fibers save you money and are also washable. However, in the process of washing and caring for it, you will find yourself spending so much time detangling it. Only human hair is the ideal option for a perfect and seamless makeover.

However, there are different types of human hair used for making human hair extensions, what's the best? Keep these golden rules in your mind:

• Virgin Remy Hair: Best quality, collected from single donors, with intact cuticles, for the most durable extensions
• Machine Remy Hair: Not from single donors, the hair is sorted with cuticle partially intact and aligned, and slightly processed, still good hair
• Non-Remy Hair: Processed hair, with cuticles stripped off, more prone to tangling and dryness.
• Synthetic Hair: Synthetic fibers, not real human hair, are a money-saving option. But the hair is prone to tangling, won't last as long as human hair, and can't give an ultimate realistic look.

Washing Hair Extensions With Purple Shampoo

Using purple shampoo can give the hair a natural tone, offering you the desired finish. Apply the shampoo just like you do your normal wash. The key is that the longer you leave the shampoo on the extension hair, the darker and ashier it will become.

Fill your sink with a few squirts of the purple shampoo. Mix the water. Put in your extensions, letting them submerge into the water piece by piece, and leave them soak for about 30 seconds, and then check the color by rubbing the product off your fingers.

Happy with the result, rinse the hair and condition it in a separate bowl and dry, just like how you wash hair extensions. Check out this video for a thorough tutorial on how to wash hair extensions using purple shampoo.

Conclusion

Now we know everything about how to wash hair extensions. No matter if you are wearing tape-in, clip, keratin tip, nano, or weft hair extensions, gentleness is key. To make hair extensions last longer, you always want to use sulfate-free shampoos and products.

Now it's time to remember these golden tips and get ready to shine with that extra glam!