Hair extensions are an investment in your look and your confidence. The secret to keeping them soft, seamless, and long-lasting isn’t luck — it’s care. After 27 years behind the chair, here’s exactly what I tell every client who leaves my studio with new extensions.
Wash gently, the right way
How you wash matters more than how often. Don’t scrub in rough circles — that’s how tangling and matting start near the bonds. Use your fingertips, massage your scalp slowly, and always work the water and product down the hair in the direction it falls. Lukewarm water is gentler than hot, and a sulfate-free shampoo will keep your extensions from drying out. Smooth, downward motions keep the strands aligned and protect your extensions.
Condition from the mid-lengths down
Placement is everything. Apply conditioner mostly to the bottom of your hair — the mid-lengths and ends, where strands are oldest and driest. Keep it off your scalp and away from the attachment points. Product at the roots can loosen your bonds and weigh everything down.
Keep leave-ins away from your bonds
This is the one I repeat most: don’t put leave-in conditioner or oils close to your keratin tips or bonds. Anything slippery near the attachment point can cause your extensions to slide and loosen early. Keep leave-ins on the lengths and ends, well below where the extensions attach.
Brush often, with the right brush
Tangles that sit overnight turn into knots, and knots near the bonds lead to breakage. Brush regularly throughout the day — but use a brush made for extensions, like a loop brush. Hold your hair gently at the roots while you brush so you’re not tugging on the bonds.
Braid before bed and before the wind
Loose hair moves all night, and that movement creates morning tangles. Before you sleep, put your hair in a loose braid. Do the same before heading outside on a windy day. It’s one of the easiest habits to protect your extensions long-term.
Don’t skip your move-up appointment
As your natural hair grows, your extensions grow out with it — and that’s when trouble starts. Grown-out hair tangles and twists together at the root, forming knots that can break your own hair. This matters most if you don’t have keratin or tape attachments that hold their position. Come see your stylist on schedule to have your extensions moved up or replaced. For most clients that’s every six to eight weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. Waiting too long isn’t just about how they look — it’s about protecting the health of your natural hair underneath.
Dry and style with care
After washing, gently squeeze out water with a soft towel — never rub or twist, which roughens the cuticle and creates tangles. Air-dry when you can, and keep heat tools on a medium setting with a heat protectant on the lengths and ends.
The bottom line
Beautiful extensions are well-cared-for extensions. Wash gently, condition the ends, keep product off your bonds, brush with the right tools, braid before bed, and never skip your move-up. Do these few things and your extensions will stay soft, full, and seamless for as long as you wear them.
Wearing extensions, or thinking about it? I’d love to help you find the right fit and keep them flawless. Book a consultation at Badri Kermani Salon in Solana Beach.
