Hair Extension Aftercare

Everyday Care

Your Daily Routine

Good aftercare starts with small, consistent habits. These three areas cover everything you need to do daily to protect your investment and keep your hair healthy.

1–2× Washes Per Week

180°C Max Heat Temperature

48hrs No Wash After Fitting

Daily Care

Brush twice daily using an extension-safe brush, working from ends to roots
Keep bonds, wefts, or tips separated to prevent matting and tangling
Secure hair in a loose plait or ponytail before bed every night
Avoid touching the bonds or rows excessively, especially when wet

Washing & Conditioning

Always brush thoroughly before washing to remove tangles
Wash only 1–2 times per week — overwashing dries extension hair
Shampoo twice each wash for a thorough, build-up free cleanse
Use sulphate-free products for bonds and tips — sulphates break down the bond
Wash in downward motions — never flip your head upside down
Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only — never on bonds or rows
Rinse thoroughly to avoid product build-up near the scalp
Keep water lukewarm — hot water can cause tangling and dryness

Sleeping & Styling

Never sleep with wet hair — always dry fully before bed
Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction overnight
Always apply heat protection before using any hot tools
Maximum heat temperature: 180°C — never exceed this on extension hair
Avoid placing direct heat on the bonds or beads
Avoid overly tight styles that put tension on attachment points
In summer — wear a hat or use UV protection products to prevent colour fade

The Golden Rules

The Most Important Things to Remember

Never Sleep With Wet Hair

This is the single most common cause of matting and tangling. Always dry your hair fully — including around the bonds and attachment points — before going to bed.

Brush Every Day — From Ends to Roots

Use an extension-safe brush and work from the ends upwards, holding the hair above the attachment point to avoid pulling. Skipping brushing leads to matting that can cause damage.

Use Sulphate-Free Products Only

Sulphates break down the bonds and weaken extension hair quickly. Always check your shampoo and conditioner are sulphate-free — if in doubt, ask us for recommendations.

Book Your Refit on Time

Leaving extensions too long between refits causes unnecessary stress on your natural hair. Always book your refit within the recommended timeframe for your method.

Use a Weekly Mask Treatment

Unlike your natural hair, extensions have no direct supply of nutrients. A weekly nourishing mask — particularly on mid-lengths and ends — keeps them soft, hydrated, and lasting longer.

Blonde Shades Need Extra Care

Blonde and lightened extensions go through a more intensive process to achieve their colour. They require more frequent use of the argan oil serum and nourishing mask to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Method-Specific Care

Maintenance by Method

Each extension method has its own specific care requirements. Find your method below and follow the guidance to keep your extensions in the best possible condition.

Bonds

Keratin Bonds

Refit: Every 12–14 Weeks

Keratin bond extensions can last 12–14 weeks with proper care. The hair itself can often be reused by retipping at your refit appointment.

Avoid oil-based products near the root area — oils break down the bond
Hold the hair above the bond when brushing to reduce tension
Dry bonds thoroughly after washing — trapped moisture causes slippage
Hair can be reused and retipped at refit — look after it well

Tips

Invisitips / Nano Tips

Refit: Every 8–10 Weeks

Nano and mini tips are lightweight and reusable. Regular refits every 8–10 weeks keep them secure, comfortable, and damage-free.

Keep beads clean and free of product build-up
Avoid pulling or twisting the tip area when styling
Hair is reusable — the rings are simply repositioned at refit
Be gentle around the bead area when brushing — hold above the bead

Wefts

Celebrity Choice & Gold Double Wefts

Refit: Every 10–12 Weeks

Weft extensions are removed and re-stitched using the original hair at refit. With good care, the hair can be reused multiple times.

Beauty Works recommend using regular (not sulphate-free) shampoo on wefts to clear product build-up — sulphate-free can leave residue on wefts over time
Always support the row with your hand when brushing underneath
Avoid swimming without protecting wefts — chlorine and salt water cause tangling
Dry the weft rows thoroughly after washing
Avoid heavy product application directly on the weft rows

Premium

XXS Wefts

Refit: Every 10–12 Weeks

XXS wefts require the same standard weft care, with extra attention to detangling. The finer rows need gentle handling to maintain their integrity.

Take extra care when detangling — use a wide-tooth comb first if needed
Support the row firmly when brushing underneath the weft
Dry rows fully after washing — pay particular attention to the weft attachment
Avoid over-styling in the weft area to preserve the hair quality

Products We Recommend

Using the right products makes a significant difference to the longevity of your extensions. We recommend the Beauty Works range — specifically formulated to be safe for extension hair and gentle on bonds.

If you're ever unsure whether a product is safe to use, get in touch and we'll advise you.

Always check your products are:

Sulphate-free
Paraben-free where possible
Free from heavy oils near the root
Extension-safe (check the label)

Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Shampoo

Sulphate-free and gentle on extensions. Cleanses without stripping moisture or breaking down bonds.

Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Conditioner

Lightweight, extension-safe conditioner that nourishes and softens without build-up near the scalp.

Beauty Works 10-in-1 Miracle Spray

A multitasking treatment to detangle, protect, smooth, and add shine. Great for daily use between washes.

Beauty Works Argan Oil Serum

A lightweight serum for mid-lengths and ends. Restores shine and reduces frizz without weighing hair down.

Beauty Works
Heat Protection Spray

Beauty Works Heat Protection Spray

Essential before any heat styling. Protects extension hair from damage and breakage caused by hot tools.

Not Sure What to Use?

If you're ever unsure whether a product is safe for your extensions, just ask. We're always happy to advise — it's much easier than fixing damage later.

What to Avoid

Things That Can Damage Your Extensions

Most extension damage is avoidable. These are the most common causes we see — knowing them is the first step to protecting your investment.

Sulphate Shampoos

Sulphates break down bonds and strip extension hair of moisture rapidly. Always check your shampoo label before using it.

Sleeping on Wet Hair

The most common cause of matting. Wet hair tangles around bonds and wefts during sleep, causing irreversible matting.

Oil-Based Products on Bonds

Heavy oils applied near the root area soften keratin bonds and cause slippage. Keep oils to mid-lengths and ends only.

Direct Heat on Attachments

Placing straighteners or curling irons directly on bonds, beads, or weft rows causes permanent damage to the attachment.

Swimming Without Protection

Chlorine and salt water tangle and damage extension hair. Always plait hair before swimming and wash thoroughly afterwards.

Skipping Your Refit

Leaving extensions past their recommended refit date puts excessive stress on your natural hair and can cause breakage.

Colouring or Toning Extensions

Toners, dyes, and bleach can cause irreversible damage to extension hair and will void the manufacturer's warranty. Any colouring of extensions is done entirely at your own risk. Always discuss with Shinead before attempting any colour treatment.