Always remember these 4 simple rules:

  • Be gentle. A delicate touch when brushing and shampooing will help avoid unnecessary shedding or damage to the bonds.
  • Brush often. Keeping hair free of tangles will ensure that your hair will last as long as possible.
  • Hydrate. Use products that are extra moisturizing and avoid heat styling. Look for products that are safe for use with hair extensions.
  • Maintain. Your extensions will grow out with your own hair, so your beads will need regular adjustments to reposition them closer to the scalp. This will not only keep your attachments undetectable, it will avoid damage to your hair.

Shampooing

Because hair extensions do not have the natural oil supply that your growing hair does, they must be washed often to eliminate product build up. Use shampoo and conditioner made specifically for your extensions to maintain their integrity. Spend extra time lathering close to your roots where your bonds are, but always use gentle motions with your fingertips. The biggest hair extensions care tip though: be gentle. Don’t yank and pull so hard that you tear out your bonds. The same goes for towel drying your hair. Never wring or twist. Gently squeeze excess water from the hair then use a towel to blot.

Protect From High Heat

To keep your hair extensions in good shape, you'll need to keep them from drying out. Apply a heat protecting spray before blow drying or using hot tools. Be sure to use a low heat setting, 300 degrees is hot enough! There is no need to scorch your locks as this can cause breakage and irreversible damage. A thermal protection spray should give your extensions the added protection it needs to stand up to styling tools. However, be extra cautious when cooking. Keep your hair tied back and give yourself some extra distance when opening the oven door to avoid that initial blast of heat.

Brushing & Combing

DO NOT USE A NORMAL COMB. Only use tools that are specifically designed for hair extensions, such as a loop brush. You want to avoid damaging the bonds that keep your hair extensions in place. When you brush start from the ends and work out any tangles, working your way up in small sections. Patience is a virtue! Take your hair extensions brush everywhere you go, regularly brushing is a must.

Yes, you can brush your hair when wet. In fact, don't let your hair air dry before you have a chance to brush it out. If you have worn your hair in a braid and your hair is wet, undo and brush your hair and then tie it up. Letting it dry before brushing may make it more difficult, resulting in pulling and tension on the bonds.

Styling 

Yes, hair extensions can be styled with a blow dryer, curling iron or a flat iron, just like your natural hair as long as you use a low heat setting and prep the hair with a heat protectant.

Sleeping 

Never sleep with wet or damp hair.  Never sleep with your hair loose.  To avoid tangling while you sleep, braid, wrap or gently tie back your hair before bed. Using a satin pillowcase can also help to avoid tangling.  If you don't have a satin pillow case, wrap your hair in a satin scarf.  Avoid a pillowcase made of 100% cotton as it can absorb moisture and dry out your hair.

Sun Protection

If you are going to be sitting out in the sun, make sure that your hair is protected. Try to keep you hair out of the direct sun as much as you can by wearing a hat. This will protect your hair against UVB and UVA rays and keep your hair from drying out. Invest in some hair oils to replenish moisture after a day outdoors. They do wonders to rebalance the moisture levels in your hair.

Swimming

Try to keep your head above water if you are going for a swim. If you plan on getting your hair wet while swimming, apply a leave in conditioner first. This will help you untangle your hair after swimming. You could also wear your hair up in a braid to keep it from tangling while you swim. Your hair extensions can withstand sea water and chlorine, but in moderation. Always brush your hair extensions after they get wet. 

Book a Maintenance Appointment

Your hair extensions will need to be adjusted at regular intervals, which vary depending on the type of attachments used. They will need to be removed and re-positioned as your natural hair grows so give our Tampa Hair Salon a call on (813) 259-7555 or book an appointment online.

If your hair has been neglected, a maintenance appointment can get your hair extensions back on track and looking gorgeous. If your hair extensions have been applied incorrectly by another salon, we can help. (Ask about our correction service.) Don't suffer with hair extensions that are too tight as this can cause damage to your hair and scalp.

Common Questions About Extensions Maintenance

How often will I need to come in for weft extension maintenance?

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Our weft extensions are secured using a beaded row method, and your maintenance schedule depends on which technique is used.

Classic and Invisible Beaded Rows typically need a move-up every 8–12 weeks.

Express Beaded Rows may require a touch-up a little sooner, around 6–8 weeks, since the application is lighter and grows out faster.

What happens during a weft “move-up” appointment?

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Move-ups can alternate between a quick move-up, where the beads are simply slid back up closer to the scalp, and a full move-up, where all the beads are removed and the row is restrung. Alternating these two maintenance methods keeps the extensions secure and comfortable while minimizing stress on your natural hair.

How often do keratin bond extensions need to be maintained?

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Keratin bonds are a single-wear method, meaning they are applied once and the bonds stay in place until it’s time to replace the hair. You can typically wear keratin bonds for 3–5 months before they need to be professionally removed and reapplied with new hair.

What’s the upkeep for UV Light extensions?

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Also known by the brand name V-Light extensions, these are UV light cured extensions are bonded one hair to one hair and naturally shed as your own hair does—similar to eyelash extensions. For the best results, we recommend maintenance every 2–3 weeks to fill in any areas where natural shedding has occurred.

Do I need to schedule regular visits for a topper?

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Yes. Beaded toppers are attached with microbeads and need to be maintained every 4 weeks to keep them secure and comfortable. Regular visits also allow your stylist to check your scalp health and make small adjustments as your hair grows.

Can I stretch out my maintenance visits?

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We do not recommend it. Waiting too long between appointments can cause damage. As your natural hair grows, the added weight of the extensions can pull on the anchor points and cause breakage or thinning. Staying on schedule keeps your hair and scalp healthy and your extensions looking their best.

Will I need to buy new hair every time I come in?

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Not always. For methods like wefts and toppers, the same hair can often be reused for several months if properly cared for. For keratin bonds and UV/V-Light extensions, new hair is required at each full reapplication.

When I get my keratin bond extensions removed, why does it look like so much of my hair is falling out?

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It can feel alarming to see a lot of hair on the floor during a k-tip removal, but it’s completely normal. Each keratin bond traps hairs that naturally shed from your scalp every day. When the bonds are removed, those trapped hairs are released all at once. It isn’t more hair than you’d normally lose—it’s just more noticeable because you’re seeing weeks or months of natural shedding at once. Your natural hair remains healthy.