There’s really nothing quite as wonderful as having brand-new human hair extensions put in. Hence why there is no surprise that the human hair extension market was 5.36 billion in size in 2026. Whether you choose clip-ins, tape-ins, or keratin hair extensions, human hair extensions are incredibly soft, silky, and blend in with your own hair perfectly. However, the truth is that while some human hair extensions will last many months, others can start to look worn out in just a few weeks. And it has nothing to do with luck. It all comes down to how well you take care of them at home.
If you’ve spent good money on what we call truly great human hair extensions, then caring for them properly will be what keeps them looking fresh from the salon for months to come.
So, here’s how to do it right.
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Don’t Keep Washing Them
The quickest way to drain life out of human hair extensions is by washing them too often.
Because human hair extensions don’t have the oils from your scalp to moisturize them…every single wash takes away some of the moisture without adding anything back.
For clip-in hair extensions, wash them less than 15-20 uses. For semi-permament extensions (such as tape-in), wash them no more than 2-3 times per week.
When you do wash your human hair extensions:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo
- Only clean the area around the scalp where the extensions were applied
- Don’t scrub too hard
- Always use a nourishing conditioner
Remember: gentle always wins.
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Condition Deeply
Moisture is the secret to healthy-looking human hair extensions.
After you wash your extensions…apply conditioner from mid-length to the end of your hair…and let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm/lukewarm water.
Every week or two, replace your normal conditioner with a deep conditioning treatment…this will help bring back the luster and manageability to your human hair extensions.
It doesn’t take months for your human hair extensions to become dry and brittle…they usually become this way because of neglect of moisture.
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Be Kind When Using Hot Tools
While your human hair extensions can withstand hot tools…that does not mean they love them.
Always:
- Use a heat protection spray
- Try to keep your styling tools under 180 degrees Celsius
- Don’t use hot tools daily
- Lower temperatures = longer lasting.
To make your curls last longer, try using heatless curlers at night. Less wear and tear on the hair really equals better hair.
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Brush Your Hair Correctly
Pulling and tugging is another common reason why human hair extensions shed.
Use either a loop brush or a soft-bristle brush that was made specifically for human hair extensions. Begin at the bottom and work your way up…and gently hold the roots of the hair if you have tape-in or bonded extensions to avoid unnecessary strain.
Brush your human hair extensions at least once or twice a day…especially before bed to prevent tangles. Consistency is simply better than damage control.
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Protect Them At Night
Friction at night is real. Using a cotton pillowcase causes friction that dries and mats your hair. Using a silk or satin pillowcase greatly reduces the risk of this happening.
If you have extensions:
- Sleep with your hair tied loosely in a braid or ponytail
- Never go to bed with wet hair
- If you have clip-in hair extensions…take them off before bedtime. Always.
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Store Clip-In Extensions Properly
Storing clip-in extensions in a drawer is a sure-fire way to get tangles.
After you wash and completely dry your clip-in extensions:
- Gently run a comb through
- Place them in a breathable extension bag
- Store them flat or hang them straight
Proper storage will help retain the shape of your extensions and prevent unwanted tangling.
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Avoid Heavy Oil-Based Products Near Attachment Points
Hair oils are a great product for hydrating your hair…but heavy oil-based products near the areas where your extensions are attached can cause problems.
Over time, heavy oil-based products can loosen the adhesive holding the tape or weaken the bond that holds the extensions in place. So, limit the application of oil-based products to the middle and lower sections of your hair only.
Moderation is key.
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Buy High-Quality Hair
No amount of good care will ever repair bad quality hair.
Hair extensions made from 100% Remy human hair last much longer because the cuticle layers of the hair are aligned in the same direction…which greatly reduces the amount of tangles and maintains the hair smooth and manageable for longer periods of time.
Proper care will extend the life of your hair extensions…but only high-quality hair makes the effort worth it.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your human hair extensions to make them last longer is easy…it’s all about being consistent. Wash them lightly. Condition them heavily. Use heat sparingly. Brush them gently. Protect them at night.
Take care of your hair extensions like they’re expensive…and they’ll look like they are.
And, when you combine good care with high-quality human hair extensions…you’re not just paying for length or volume…you’re investing in hair that turns heads for months to come.
