How to Maintain the Shine and Softness of Your Hair Extensions

1. Use Sulphate-Free, Moisture-Rich Shampoo & Conditioner

When washing your hair extensions, always reach for a sulphate-free shampoo. Sulphates strip natural oils and dry out the hair—something extensions can’t afford to lose.

🔹 Best practice:

1. Wash 1–2 times per week depending on your extension type.

2. For permanent methods like nano tip hair extensions or keratin bonds, avoid conditioner near the bonds to prevent slippage.

🔹 Pro tip: Follow up with a moisture-rich conditioner mid-length to ends only. Leave it on for a few minutes to deeply hydrate and restore softness.

2. Deep Condition Weekly

Once a week, give your extensions a deep conditioning mask. Focus on the ends, where dryness tends to show first.

💡 Look for masks with ingredients like:

1. Argan oil

2. Coconut oil

3. Keratin

4. Silk proteins

This step is particularly beneficial for colour-treated clip ins hair extensions, as they often require additional nourishment to maintain their vibrancy, softness, and overall health.

3. Gently Detangle – No Tugging Allowed!

Tangles are the nemesis of smooth, beautiful extensions—especially if yours are long, layered, or frequently styled. To keep your clip-ins looking flawless and damage-free, follow these essential tips:

1. Always start brushing from the ends and gently work your way up to the roots

2. Use a loop brush, wide-tooth comb, or an extension-safe detangling tool

3. Hold the top of the extension securely while brushing to avoid putting stress on the bond

Make detangling part of your daily routine—morning, night, and before or after washing—to keep your extensions looking their absolute best.

4. Apply Lightweight, Non-Greasy Hair Oils

Hair oils are essential for maintaining the shine, softness, and manageability of your extensions—but it’s important to choose the right type. Heavy or greasy oils can weigh them down or lead to buildup, especially near the bonds.

Best oils for lightweight hydration and natural shine:

1. Argan oil – Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, perfect for taming frizz and adding a silky finish

2. Camellia oil – Fast-absorbing and deeply nourishing without leaving a greasy residue

3. Jojoba oil – Closely mimics natural scalp oils, making it ideal for hydration without heaviness

Pro Tip: Avoid applying oils near the bonds or attachment points of I Tip or U Tip hair extensions, as this can cause slippage and reduce longevity

5. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep

Night-time friction is one of the biggest threats to smooth, tangle-free extensions. Without proper care, you might wake up to knots, matting, and unnecessary frizz. Here’s how to safeguard your strands overnight:

1. Tie your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail to prevent tangling while you toss and turn

2. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase— these fabrics create less friction than cotton and help retain moisture, reducing dryness and frizz

3. Never sleep with wet hair, as damp extensions are more prone to tangling, breakage, and even mildew over time

A few simple steps before bed can make a big difference in keeping your extensions soft, smooth, and long-lasting.

6. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Even if your extensions are made from 100% real human hair, they don’t receive natural oils from the scalp—making them more vulnerable to dryness and damage from heat tools. To keep them healthy and looking their best, be mindful when styling:

1. Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools to create a protective barrier

2. Keep the temperature low—ideally under 180°C (356°F)—to prevent heat damage

3. Limit heat styling to 1–2 times per week to reduce the risk of brittleness and split ends

If you're using clip ins hair extensions, remove them before blow-drying or heat-styling your natural hair. This prevents unnecessary exposure and prolongs the life of your extensions.

7. Be Cautious with Colouring & Toning

Although high-quality human hair extensions can be coloured, it’s best to leave toning and dyeing to the professionals. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t regenerate or self-repair—so a single DIY mistake can lead to dryness, patchiness, or irreversible damage.

If you need to adjust the tone or shade, consider safer alternatives:

1. Semi-permanent glosses – Great for enhancing shine and refreshing colour without harsh chemicals

2. Professional toners – Ideal for correcting undertones and achieving even, salon-quality results

3. Purple shampoos – Use sparingly to maintain blonde tones and reduce brassiness, but avoid overuse as they can dry out the hair

Always strand test first, and when in doubt, consult a stylist experienced in working with extensions.

8. Choose the Right Brush

Brushing may seem simple, but using the wrong type of brush can cause serious damage to both your extensions and your natural hair. The wrong bristles can tug at the bonds or wefts, leading to breakage, shedding, or loosening of the extensions.

1. Opt for extension-friendly tools like a loop brush, wide paddle brush, or a soft-bristle detangling brush designed specifically for use with extensions

2. Avoid small round brushes, fine-tooth combs, or stiff bristles that can snag, pull, or create unnecessary tension

Investing in the right brush not only protects your extensions—it also makes daily maintenance faster and easier.

9. Minimise Product Build-Up

Extensions can easily become weighed down by heavy styling products, leaving them looking dull, greasy, or stiff. Since extensions don't benefit from natural scalp oils, buildup tends to sit on the hair rather than being absorbed—making regular maintenance essential.

Keep your styling routine light and clean:

1. Use a minimal amount of lightweight serum, oil, or shine spray to add polish without residue

2. Clarify every 2–4 weeks with a gentle, sulphate-free detox shampoo to remove buildup without stripping moisture

By avoiding product overload, you'll keep your extensions feeling soft, looking fresh, and lasting longer.

10. Keep Them Stored Properly

If you're not wearing your extensions every day, how you store them matters just as much as how you wear them. Improper storage can lead to tangling, dryness, and even permanent creasing or damage.

Best storage options to protect your extensions:

1. Satin or silk storage bags – Help prevent friction, dust, and moisture buildup

2. Clip-in extension hangers – Great for keeping hair smooth, tangle-free, and ready to wear

3. Original packaging – If reusable, it can be a convenient and safe short-term solution

Always brush your extensions gently before storing them, and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or damp environments.