How you care for your extensions at home determines how long they last, how good they look, and how well your natural hair holds up. This guide covers everything you need to know.
The period immediately after your fitting is the most important. Bonds need time to fully set and wefts need to settle before they encounter water or heat. Follow these steps and you will protect the longevity of your investment from day one.
Wait a minimum of 48 hours before washing your hair. This applies to all methods. Water and steam — including showers, baths, and saunas — should be avoided during this window.
Tight ponytails, buns, or clips in the first 48 hours can put unnecessary stress on fresh bonds and attachment points. Keep hair loose or in a very gentle, low plait.
Give bonds time to fully harden before applying heat tools. After 24 hours, styling is fine — always with a heat protectant spray.
Use a soft extension brush or wide-tooth comb. Always start from the ends and work upward, holding the hair just below any bonds or attachment points to avoid pulling.
How you wash your hair has a direct impact on how long your extensions last. The key principles are: wash less frequently, use the right products, and always dry thoroughly before sleeping.
Frequent washing strips the hair of its natural oils and weakens bonds over time. If you have an oily scalp, a small amount of dry shampoo at the roots between washes is fine — just avoid heavy build-up near bonds.
Apply shampoo at the root and work downward in the direction of the hair. Never scrub in a circular motion or pile hair on top of your head — this causes matting and tangling around bond and attachment areas.
Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths down, keeping it away from the root area and any bonds or weft attachments. Oil-based conditioners applied near bonds can loosen the keratin, so check your product's ingredients.
Never sleep with wet or damp hair. Sleeping on wet extensions causes matting and tangling that is difficult to reverse. Blow dry on a medium heat setting, or allow plenty of time to air dry fully before sleeping.
Using the wrong products is one of the most common reasons extensions deteriorate prematurely. The rules are simple once you know what to look for.
Not sure if a product is safe? Send a message before using it. It is always worth checking — some products that are marketed as sulphate-free still contain other bond-weakening ingredients.
Small daily habits make a significant difference to how well extensions hold and how natural they continue to look between appointments.
A loose, low plait keeps hair contained overnight and prevents tangling around bonds and attachment points. Combine this with a silk or satin pillowcase for best results.
Most heat styling tools can be used safely below 180 degrees with a protectant spray. Avoid running straighteners or curling irons directly over bonds or weft attachment points — work around them.
Regular, gentle brushing prevents tangles from becoming matted. Morning and evening is ideal. Always hold the hair just below the bond or attachment area when brushing to avoid pulling at the root.
Chlorine and salt water both dry out the hair and, over time, weaken bonds. If you swim regularly, tie hair up before entering the water, rinse thoroughly immediately afterwards, and condition the mid-lengths and ends.
Leaving extensions in beyond their recommended maintenance window puts strain on your natural hair as it grows. Keratin bonds and nano tips are typically refreshed every 10–14 weeks; wefts every 6–8 weeks.
How soon can I wash my hair after getting extensions?
Wait at least 48 hours after your fitting before washing. This applies to all methods — bonds need time to fully set and wefts need to settle before getting wet.
How long will my extensions last?
With proper care, keratin bonds and nano tips typically last 10–14 weeks before a maintenance appointment is needed. Wefts are usually refreshed every 6–8 weeks. How well you follow the aftercare routine has a direct impact on this.
Can I use heat tools on my extensions?
Yes — with a heat protectant spray applied every time. Keep tools below 180°C and avoid running them directly over bond or attachment points. The hair itself handles heat well; it is the bonds that need protecting.
Can I swim with extensions in?
Swimming is possible but needs care. Chlorine and salt water both dry out the hair and weaken bonds over time. Tie hair up before entering the water, rinse thoroughly immediately after, and condition the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid submerging hair for extended periods.
A bond has come loose — what should I do?
Do not attempt to reattach it yourself. Get in touch and Shinead will advise. The occasional loose bond is not unusual, particularly in the first few weeks, and is straightforward to address at your next appointment.
Can I colour my hair with extensions in?
Always speak to Shinead before applying any colour or chemical treatment. Light toning is sometimes possible depending on the method, but bleach near bonds or weft attachments is not recommended. Getting this wrong can permanently damage both the extensions and your natural hair.
My hair feels tangled at the bonds — is this normal?
Some adjustment is normal in the first week as you get used to brushing around the bonds. If tangling persists, the most common cause is not brushing frequently enough, sleeping with hair loose, or a product build-up near the root area. If it does not improve, contact us — it is always easier to address early.
What shampoo should I use?
A sulphate-free shampoo. Check the label for sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate — both break down keratin bonds faster. Beauty Works, Pureology, and Kerastase all make good options. If you are unsure whether a product is safe to use, message us before using it.
Regular maintenance keeps your extensions looking their best and protects your natural hair. Book online or get in touch if you have any questions about your aftercare.