Hair Extensions Aftercare Guide

How to wash, brush, sleep, swim, heat-style and generally keep your extensions looking their best — whether you have keratin bonds or tape-ins.

The first 48 hours

The first two days after application matter most. Avoid washing your hair, leave it down (no tight buns or ponytails), and skip any heavy styling products. This gives the bonds or tape adhesive time to fully set.

Do not wash hair for 48 hours after application
Sleep with hair loose or in a very loose braid
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, and very hot showers
Skip hair spray, gel, or any heavy products near the bonds

Washing

The routine

Brush thoroughly before getting in the shower
Use lukewarm (not hot) water
Apply sulphate-free shampoo to the scalp only — let it run through the lengths
Condition only the ends, never the bonds or tape panels
Rinse thoroughly
Towel-grip gently (do not rub)
Apply leave-in conditioner to ends
Air-dry or blow-dry on medium heat

What to use

Sulphate-free shampoo — anything else strips bonds and adhesive
Light conditioner on ends only
Leave-in conditioner for detangling
Avoid: heavy oils, alcohol-based products, clarifying shampoo

Brushing

The number-one cause of premature bond loss is brushing incorrectly. Use a loop brush or wet brush — never a paddle brush or bristle brush.

Hold the hair above the bonds with one hand (this prevents tugging on the roots)
Brush from mid-lengths down in sections
Work tangles out gently from the ends up
For keratin bonds: brush twice daily to prevent matting around the bonds
For tape-ins: brush twice daily to prevent tangling at the panels

Sleeping

Loose braid or low ponytail — never a tight bun on top of the head
Silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction (bonus: better for your skin too)
Never sleep with wet extensions — this causes matting
Dry hair fully before bed, or use a microfibre towel for 10–15 minutes first

Heat styling

You can curl, straighten, and blow-dry your extensions — just keep the heat off the bonds themselves. Heat on bonds weakens the keratin; heat on tape panels can melt the adhesive.

Always use a heat protectant spray
Keep tools 2+ inches away from bonds or tape panels
Use medium heat (max 180°C) for curling or straightening
Blow-dry on medium heat, not hot

Swimming, sun & gym

Swimming: rinse with fresh water immediately after. Apply leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths down.
Sun: UV can fade extension colour over time. Use a UV-protectant hair product in summer.
Gym: tie hair in a loose braid or low ponytail. Sweat won't damage bonds but it can build up — rinse after heavy sessions.

When to book a maintenance appointment

Don't wait for something to go wrong. Book a refit based on the timeline for your method:

Keratin bonds: removal and refit at 3–6 months
Tape-ins: refit (move-up) every 6–8 weeks

If you notice any bond lifting, tape panel slipping, matting that won't brush out, or any discomfort, message us sooner — don't wait for the full cycle.

Aftercare FAQ

How often should I wash my extensions?
Every 2–3 days is ideal. Daily washing strips natural oils and dries out bonds or tape adhesive. Always use sulphate-free shampoo and avoid conditioner near the bonds or tape panels.
Can I swim with hair extensions?
Yes — both keratin bonds and tape-ins are fine in chlorinated and salt water. Rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths down.
Can I use heat tools on my extensions?
Yes, with a heat protectant. Avoid direct heat on the bonds (keratin) or tape panels — heat on the adhesive can weaken the hold. Use tools on mid-lengths and ends.
Can I colour my hair with extensions in?
Your natural hair can be coloured while extensions are in, but the extension hair itself cannot be lightened. For highlights or balayage, we recommend colouring your natural hair before application.
How do I sleep with extensions?
Loosely braid or tie your hair in a low ponytail before bed. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. Avoid sleeping with wet hair.
What brush should I use?
A loop brush or wet brush — never a bristle brush on bonds or tape. Brush from mid-lengths down in sections, holding the hair above the bonds to avoid tugging.
Can I use oil on my hair?
Yes, but keep oils away from the bonds or tape panels. Apply oils only to the ends of your hair, never the roots.
How long do extensions last in total?
Keratin bonds: 3–6 months per fitting. Tape-ins: hair itself lasts 9–12 months with regular refits. Both methods need professional removal — do not attempt to remove them yourself.