How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions is a cool way to get the length and volume for your desired hairstyles. And just like your hair, hair extensions need a proper haircare routine to stay longer and shinier. One of the first move in this maintenance process is washing your extensions. So, have you known how often should you wash hair extensions and what are the right shampoos to use? Keep scrolling down to discover everything about hair extensions washing with Macsarahair!

Can you wash your hair with extensions?

The answer is yes, you can wash your hair with extensions in place. However, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure both your natural hair and the extensions stay in top condition.

1. Choose the right shampoos for hair extensions

Before you start washing your hair extensions, it’s important to select the right haircare products. Opt for a sulfate-free and gentle shampoo that contain no parabens and alcohol. These components can be harsh on both your natural hair and hair extensions, thereby causing dryness and damage. As for hair conditioners, it’s better to use a conditioner formulated for hair extensions to keep them soft and manageable.

Below are our recommendations for shampoos for human hair extensions:

• OGX Shampoo Nourishing Coconut Milk
• Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo
• NYK1 Salt and Sulphate Free Shampoo
• Shu Uemura (for oily hair with extensions)
• Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Complete Nutrition Shampoo

2. Detangle your hair with extensions gently

Before wetting your hair, gently detangle it using a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions. You can also use your finger to do brush out the knots. Start at the tips and work your way up to the roots to prevent tangling and minimize potential breakage.

3. Water temperature matters

Make sure to use lukewarm water to wet your hair extensions. Extremely hot water can weaken the bonds of certain hair extensions like tape-ins or keratin bonds. Moreover, hot water strips your hair of its natural oils. And this can make your hair and scalp dry and cause irritation and itchiness. A moderate water temperature will help preserve the integrity of your extensions and more friendly to your tresses and scalp.

4. Apply shampoo correctly

Apply a small amount of shampoo to your hands, then gently lather it between your palms. When applying the shampoo, focus primarily on your scalp and the roots of your natural hair. Avoid excessive scrubbing or rubbing since this can cause tangling or damage.

5. Rinse thoroughly

Rinsing hair with just water between washes is important. You need to rinse your hair extensions thoroughly to ensure all traces of shampoo are washed out. Leftover product can lead to residue buildup and make your hair extensions look dull and lifeless.

6. Conditioning with care 

When applying conditioner, concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots. If you have fusion or bonded extensions, it’s essential to avoid applying conditioner near the attachment points as this can weaken the bonds over time. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time (usually a minute or two), then rinse it out thoroughly. Again, rinsing hair between washes is important since residue conditioner will make your hair greasy and get dirty easier.

7. Pat dry your hair with extensions

After washing, gently pat your hair with extensions dry with a soft towel. Do not wring or twist the hair since this can cause damage and lead to tangles.

8. Air dry is your best friend 

Whenever possible, allow your hair extensions to air dry. You can use heat styling tools but just sparingly. If you’re in a rush, let keep it lower temperatures to prevent damage.

How often should you wash your hair with extensions?

If you are wondering “how often should you wash hair extensions?”, the answer is it depends. The frequency of washing your hair extensions depends on various factors, including your hair type, lifestyle, and the type of extensions you have. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often to wash hair extensions:

1. Hair type

• Oily hair: If you have naturally oily hair, you may find that you need to wash your extensions more frequently to combat oil buildup, typically 2-3 times per week.
• Dry hair: If your hair is on the dry side, you can extend the time between washes to one to twice a week as overwashing can strip your hair and extensions of essential oils.

2. Lifestyle

• Active lifestyle: If you lead an active lifestyle and engage in activities that make you sweat such as regular workouts, you may need to wash your extensions more often to remove sweat and oil buildup.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Conversely, if you have a relatively sedentary lifestyle, you can go longer between washes.

3. Type of hair extensions

Each type of hair extensions require difference frequency of washing. Clip-in hair extensions won’t need washing as regularly as your own hair since they are not permanently attached to your hair. So, we usually recommend washing them every 10-15 wears to keep them looking fresh and remove any build up of product.

Semi permanent and permanent hair extensions like tape-in hair extensions and Pre-bonded hair extensions can be washed as often as you wash your natural hair. However, hair extensions users usually find that they can go a little longer between washes. So, we advise washing your professional extensions once to twice a week.

• Clip-in Extensions: 10-15 wears.
• Tape-in Extensions: No more than 3 times/week.
• Sew-in or Weave Extensions: every 7 -14 days.
• Fusion or Bonded Extensions: Once a week

In conclusion, determining how often should you wash hair extensions is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on factors like your hair type, lifestyle, and the type of extensions you have. And while maintaining clean and well-cared-for extensions is essential for their longevity and overall look, choosing high-quality hair extensions are of the same importance. If you are searching for a reputable hair extensions supplier, Macsarahair should be in your list.

With a range of premium extensions, Macsarahair can cater to all your hair needs, whether you are a hair user, wholesaler or salon owner. Contact us now via WhatsApp +84379989559 to get the best deals on hair extensions!

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