.png)
Hair extensions can last between 4 weeks to 2 years depending on their quality, the installation technique, and aftercare - both at home and in the salon. However, one small mistake in the way they're applied or how you maintain them - could drastically shorten their lifespan, putting your investment (and hair) at risk. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about caring for different hair extensions to increase their longevity.
Factors That Affect The Durability of Hair Extensions
The durability of your hair extensions isn’t just about the type you choose several factors influence how long they’ll last. The 3 main factors that influence longevity are;
Quality of hair (Virgin vs Remy)
Installation Technique (Fusion, Tape-in, clip-in, or sew-ins?)
Maintenance Routine (Washing, brushing, and salon visits)
Each of these factors can either extend or shorten the life of your extensions.
Fusion/Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions (6 - 24 months)
Fusion hair extensions come in 2 main varieties - hot and cold fusions.
Hot fusion extensions (also known as keratin bond k-tips or glue-in extensions) are installed using a special connector iron. This tool melts the k-bonds of extensions into your natural hair strand, fusing them together.
On the other hand, cold fusion extensions allow heat-less installation. Your stylist would weave small strands of your hair into a narrow cylinder and then slide the hair extension inside the cylinder while compressing and gently pushing it close to your scalp. This method ensures minimum stress and damage to natural hair since there’s no heating or gluing.
How long do Fusion extensions last?
Hot fusion extensions can last from 6 months to 2 years with proper care. Your stylist will need to touch them up around the 3-month mark since that is when these tend to slip.
How to take care of Fusion extensions?
With regular touch-up maintenance every 2-4 months, your stylist will be able to reapply and fix any issues and recommend changes to your routine or products to extend the life of your extensions.
Other than that, keep them well brushed, and do not overdo anything. This means you don’t have to necessarily splurge on Olaplex kind of products. Simply shampooing 2x a week, using a hair mask no more than once every 2 weeks, and oiling the ends every 2 nights works pretty well!
Dos
Avoid exposure to high-heat situations.
Get them re-bonded/reapplied every 2-4 months (so book your appointment ahead of time).
Put your hair in pigtails or a ponytail to sleep to relieve any pain or tugging sensations.
Use satin/silk caps/pillowcases to avoid friction while sleeping.
Use alcohol and sulphate-free products, as they won't damage the keratin glue of your extensions.
Wash your hair with care, especially around the extensions.
Allow your hair some extra time for styling and drying after a shower, as excessive heat damages the bonds, and drying aggressively can also lead to shedding.
Use argan (or anything other gentle, diluted) oil for the ends every 1-2 nights.
Always rinse your hair after swimming in the ocean or the pool.
Donts
Try to remove them at home.
Rub your hair too hard while washing or brushing.
Use oil-based and sulphate-containing shampoos as they can weaken the keratin bonds.
Go to bed with your hair wet, as the water can damage the glue.
Wash your hair separately - by flipping it upside down.
Wash and dry your hair every day, thinking this will extend the life of your hair extensions.
Use hot tools without heat protectants. This will dry and cause thermal damage to your extensions and hair.
How to remove Fusion hair extensions?
Improper removal of fusion hair extensions can harm your hair and scalp. It’s essential to have a professional handle the process, whether it was applied using hot or cold fusion, and avoid attempting it yourself at home.
Tape In Hair Extensions (4-8 Weeks)
Tape-in hair extensions are wefts of hair attached to your natural hair using adhesive bands. The sticky tabs on these wefts are protected by paper tabs, which are peeled off just before attaching the extensions. To begin, the right amount of hair must be sectioned off. One piece of the adhesive weft is placed underneath your hair, while the other goes on top, essentially "sandwiching" your natural hair in between.
How long do Tape-in hair extensions last?
Tape-in hair extensions can last around 4 - 8 weeks. The initial installation process typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. After that, maintenance is required almost every 4 weeks, depending on how well you care for your extensions.
How to take care of Tape-in Extensions?
For Tape-ins most of the aftercare revolves around how you wash your hair and what protective measures you take afterwards. As long as you don’t use harsh chemical-containing products, don’t comb your fingers through the hair, pull them down during a wash, and don’t leave them wet for long, there’ll be no matting or slipping of extensions.
Dos
Wait 48 hours after the installation to wash your hair, as the extensions need to settle properly.
Before washing, separate the tapes and brush your hair from the ends working your way up to remove any tangles.
Use the right products - free from sulphates, parabens, and silicones.
After washing, pat dry your hair with a towel with care since rubbing can weaken the tapes and cause matting.
Check your hair regularly for any knots or matting that start to form, especially in the base of the attachment.
Use a heat protectant before any hot tools.
Be careful with hot air close to the tapes, this will soften the glue and make them slippery, potentially falling out.
Sleep with hair in a ponytail or loose plait and with a satin/silk bonnet/pillowcase..
Shampoo on the roots and conditioner from mid-length downs.
Always rinse your hair after swimming in the pool or ocean to avoid discolouration and the glue becoming slippery. We also recommend putting your hair in a low ponytail or plait
Donts
Do not scrub or rub your bonds/ rings in a round motion.
Do not wash your hair over the sink or in the bath.
Do not comb your wet hair with your fingers during a shower, as that might pull extensions down.
Do not apply hot oils, henna, wax treatments or any other product that contains oils directly on the tapes.
Never sleep with wet hair.
Never use the hot tools too close to the tapes.
Do not attempt to remove the tapes by yourself at home.
How to remove Tape-in hair extensions?
We do not recommend clients remove extensions by themselves, as that comes with a great risk of damaging and losing a lot of their original hair.
While it is normal to find some hair attached to the tape-in as it is removed (the hair that would’ve naturally fallen out if it were not for the glue), if you DIY it, you’ll be ripping off way more than it's worth. So, to avoid getting into all this mess, always visit your salon, and let the professionals carefully remove it.
Clip-In Hair Extensions (3 - 6 Months)
Clip-in extensions are wefts of hair that can be clipped into your natural hair to give you super fast, affordable hair extensions. They vary in length and width, making them easy to blend.
Moreover, clip-ins are perfect for temporary use, as they can be applied and removed without damaging your natural hair, making them a flexible option for those wanting quick style changes.
How long do Clip-in extensions last?
Clip-in hair extensions, when used daily, last for around 3-6 months, depending on the level of care they receive during that time. However, with just occasional use and good care, clip-ins can last from 9 to 12 months.
How to take care of Clip-In extensions?
Maintaining Clip-ins to last long is pretty simple. For the main part, you have to ensure never sleeping with them on. Secondly, wash and condition your extensions like you would do your natural hair. And then dry them thoroughly before clipping in and styling.
Maintaining clip-in extensions to ensure they last longer is easy. First, never sleep with them in. Second, wash and condition them just like your natural hair. Finally, make sure they are completely dry before clipping them in and styling.
Do
Use a heat protection spray if you will be styling them with any form of heated styling tool.
Brush your extensions before and after using them.
Use a detangling brush that is extension-friendly.
Weekly treatment.
Keep them neatly folded inside a satin/silk bag when not using.
Don’t
Wash them after each use - it's not necessary and can lead to them deteriorating faster.
Wear to bed. These extensions are not permanent and are meant to be removed after use. Sleeping with them may cause them to tangle and damage your natural hair.
Wash your hair with them in. Clip-in extensions must be washed separately.
How to remove Clip-in hair extensions?
Unlike the other extensions, Clip-ins are pretty low-maintenance. They can be put in and taken out at home; no stylist is needed.
Sew-In Hair Extensions (6-12 Weeks)
Sew-in extensions are one of the most popular types of hair extensions due to their versatility. These extensions are sewn into (cornrow) braided sections of your natural hair by a professional stylist specializing in extensions using a needle and thread. This not only ensures that extensions stay in their place but also allows a natural movement and appearance.
How long do Sew-in hair extensions last?
Sew-in extensions can last 6-12 weeks. We recommend visiting your stylist every 2 weeks for shampoo and every month for a tightening session. If properly cared for like this, they work well for both thick and thin hair types.
How to take care of Sew-in extensions?
The most common issue that arises with Sew-ins is itchiness around the cornrows and scalp irritation, so the first thing we recommend is using quality hair butter or a leave-in conditioner for moisturization. Otherwise, you’ll end up scratching your head and damaging the extensions at the roots, causing frizz and tangles.
Do’s
Do at least a weekly treatment.
Follow your stylist's advice on maintenance time.
Always use a heat protectant before using any hot tools.
Put your hair in a low ponytail, plait, or pineapple bun, and use a silk/satin bonnet/pillowcase.
Always rinse your hair after swimming in the pool or the ocean.
Regularly check your hair and the base of attachment for any knots or tangles.
Always detangle your hair before washing.
Shampoo always on the scalp only, massaging with the tip of your fingers.
Mask, conditioners, oils, leave-ins, gels, etc., always go from mid-length down.
Brush your hair starting from the ends working your way up.
Before going to the beach/pool we recommend using a moisturizing leave-in cream the day before and rinsing it before swimming.
Don'ts
Wash your hair every day, as it can lead to more wear and tear and cause the extensions to drop quicker than expected.
Don’t wash as vigorously as you would without extensions. You may damage and loosen up the attachment.
Don’t cut any strings, as you might cut the wrong one, leading the extensions to fall.
Don't sleep with wet hair; it will cause more breakage, possible mold, and tangles.
How to Remove Sew-in Hair Extensions?
You will need to see your stylist to help you remove these. These extensions are attached close to your scalp, directly sewn to your braid; hence improper removal can cause damage to your natural hair and head. We don’t recommend you take that risk.
Takeaways
As long as you follow your stylist’s advice regarding touch-ups, are gentle with your washing routine, use heat protectant before styling, and DO NOT attempt DIY removal of your extensions (except for clip-ins), they’ll last for a good amount of time.
That is,
For Fusion/Pre-bonded: 6 months to 2 years
For Tape-ins: 4 to 8 weeks
For Clip-ins: 3 to 6 months (if used daily) and 9 - 12 months (if used occasionally)
For Sew-ins: 6 - 12 weeks
Comments