Whether you’re just looking for a fun new look or you want something to help you increase your hair’s length and volume, there are tons of ways high-quality hair extensions can help boost your confidence. But if you don’t take proper care of your extensions, they can lose their shine pretty quickly. 

When it comes to taking proper care of hair extensions, the number of questions can get overwhelming. Can you wash hair extensions? How do you wash with hair extensions sewn in? We’re here to help with these questions and more. 

In this guide, we’ve gathered up a list of what not to use on hair extensions, and how to take proper care of them no matter what kind you have. This will help preserve your extensions for longer and leave you with the luscious locks you want! So, let’s get right down to it. 

Can You Wash Hair Extensions?

The short answer? Yes, you can wash your hair extensions, and just like your normal hair, you want to wash it every 4-6 weeks to keep your hair looking clean and healthy. To wash your hair extensions, most experts recommend washing with lukewarm water and not washing your hair too vigorously, especially near the bond or clip so you don’t dislodge anything. 

When it comes to shampoos and other products, anything with sulfates is at the top of the list of what not to use on hair extensions. Make sure you use a sulfate-free shampoo that also doesn’t have parabens or alcohol as well. Look for sulfate-free and moisturizing shampoo, and when you’re done rinsing and repeating, gently squeeze any excess water out. 

After rinsing, apply a (you guessed it, sulfate-free!) conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair. You don’t need to condition the roots or near the bonds of your extensions. Leave in conditioner for up to 10 minutes to let it sink in and moisturize your hair before rinsing it out. 

When you’re done washing, let your hair air dry whenever possible. This will help preserve your extensions but is also good for your natural hair as well. To speed up the drying process, you can use a microfiber towel or a blow dryer on a low setting. 

Best Hair Care for Extensions

Aside from avoiding sulfates, what’s the best hair care for extensions? To keep your extensions looking healthy and their best, there are a few other things you can do to protect them.

As we mentioned above, look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to use on your extensions. You can also use nourishing hair masks a few times a month to moisturize your hair and keep it smooth and shiny. 

If you’re blow drying your extensions, use the lowest heat setting and make sure that you use a heat protectant so you don’t dry them out. And bonus, this will protect your natural hair too! 

You should also brush your hair and your extensions every day to avoid tangles or mats; use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to stay gentle on your hair while still getting those knots out. 

Dry shampoo is also totally okay to use on hair extensions if you’re not trying to wash it too often. To help keep your extensions from getting dry and brittle, try to keep the dry shampoo close to your scalp. 

What ingredients can you not use on extensions?

Just as there’s a list of do’s when it comes to caring for hair extensions, there’s a list of don’ts as well. When it comes to what not to use on hair extensions, you want to avoid anything that’ll dry out your hair or your scalp, but also anything that might cause your extensions to slip. 

Oils, silicones, parabens, alcohols, and sulfates are also best to avoid to help protect your extensions and keep them lasting longer. 

Any super sticky products—like hair gels, hair sprays, mousses, etc—are also on the list of what not to use on extensions too often, as such sticky products will require you to wash more often, which can dry out your hair or cause your extensions to need to be replaced faster. 

Shop Lauren Ashtyn Products Today

If you’re looking for the best hair care for extensions, look no further. The Lauren Ashtyn collection of hair care products are vegan, cruelty-free, and contain no sulfates or parabens, making them the perfect match to care for your hair! 

Shop our full collection today!