Regardless of the type of extension you choose, it will require some maintenance. We chatted with some of the greatest hairstylists in the industry to get their advice on how to care for your hair extensions and keep them looking flawless.

Extensions should be replaced on a regular basis.
Even with the best care, you won’t be able to keep wearing the same extensions indefinitely. With good care and regular visits to your hairstylist, a sew-in can last up to two to three months, according to Porsche. “Because your hair has grown out so much, you’ll know it’s time for your hair to come out when your install is entirely visible. It’s also time to come out if it’s been a few months and your style is starting to look completely different from what you started with — and not in a good way “Kim Kimble, a renowned hairstylist who worked on Black Is King and has worked on the crowns of Zendaya, Tyra Banks, Brandy, and others, agrees. To avoid matting and tangling, she recommends removing extensions “every six to eight weeks, depending on how fast your hair develops, across the board for all extensions at all lengths and textures.”

Extensions that are strand by strand can be worn for up to six months, according to hairstylist David Lopez, who is known for adding elegant inches to the hair of models like Ashley Graham and Hailey Baldwin Bieber. They will, however, not last as long if your hairstylist does not provide sufficient care and maintenance – you should schedule a monthly session. “If you leave microlinks in for too long, the beads tend to bend out of whack and when you’re attempting to take them out, the beads tend to bend out of whack,” Porsche says. They grow twisted and have the potential to tear your hair out.” “Try clip-ins if you’re not sure you can commit to so much upkeep.” Clip-ins are convenient because you may remove them at the conclusion of each session.

How to Care for Your Clip-In Hair Extensions

Make sure your extensions are installed correctly.
Lopez emphasizes that how you attach your hair extensions is the first step in maintaining them. “Make sure your extensions are applied by a professional who has been trained in that extension process,” he adds. Poor installation might cause damage to your natural hair, forcing you to remove the style sooner than desired.

If you’re new to extensions or don’t have a go-to stylist, Mayvenn Hair is a good place to start. With the purchase of your hair, the Black-owned firm provides a competent, free installation.

→ Hair Extension Care: How to care for hair extensions Sewn-in?

Keep to wash your hair.
“I think most people are unaware that they may wash their hair while the extensions are on,” Porsche explains. Yes, you may and should do so. Even if you’re wearing extensions, you still need to look after your natural hair and scalp. “I wouldn’t wash the hair as often as you would your own hair,” Porsche cautions, “since prolonged washing can cause the install to loosen and you wouldn’t get as much wear out of it.” She recommends cleaning and conditioning the extensions every two weeks at the very least, and once a month at the absolute least.

“Over shampooing or over conditioning the roots of your hair” will result in “a short-lived adhesion to your head,” according to hairstylist Marcus Francis. When wearing microlinks or keratin bonds, this is very crucial because you don’t want the beads or bonds to loosen. When cleansing your hair for these styles, be very gentle with your roots; if you are too rough, the style will not stay as long. When it comes to washing your hair, try to go as long as possible between washes and be gentle with your roots when you do.

“Hair extensions necessitate particular treatment since no oil travels down the hair shaft, causing the hair to become dry,” Kimble explains.”Always use moisturizing and gentle-on-the-hair products.” Pay attention to the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner: “Sulfate-free, mild detergents, and plenty of moisture and hydration are all good choices.”

How To Co-Wash Hair Extensions - #HAIRFLEEK Extensions

Sleep on satin or silk.

“The best technique to prevent dryness with your hair extensions is to wrap them in silk or sleep on a silk pillowcase,” Kimble advises. Before getting a good night’s sleep, you can easily learn how to prepare your extensions. “Gently brush the area where the extensions are connected to your own hair with a small soft bristle brush” (near the roots). Tie a silk scarf around your head’s circumference, then tie it from the back and knot it at your forehead area to retain your hair in the same direction.”

Kimble recommends placing your hair in “two loose pigtail braids that will give you some texture the next day” if you want a wavy look.” “Do not tie up [your hair] in a topknot, low bun, or [let it flowing freely],” she warns against some of the most popular nighttime fashions. You’ll have a matted, knotted mess on your hands.

Brush your hair every day and after you remove your extensions.
When it comes to mats and knots, Francis recommends “brushing all tangles out after each use.” Are you curling your straight extensions? Before beginning a new style, make sure the curls are brushed out. Use a paddle brush if you’re working with straight extensions. When your hair is wet and conditioned, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to detangle it. Felicia Leatherwood, Issa Rae’s hairstylist, invented a detangler brush with flexi-bristles that slide effortlessly through your hair and gently remove knots (which won Best of Beauty).