Hair extensions aren’t just for influencers and Love Island contestants, there are plenty of people who wear them for totally normal reasons. You might want thicker ends, more length, or just a quick confidence boost for when your natural hair isn’t doing what you want it to do. And when they’re done well, especially when using human hair extensions, they look so natural that most people wouldn’t even question it.
But I totally get why you might hesitate. Because the second someone mentions extensions, it feels like hard work, right? Especially when it comes to washing and maintaining them. The good news is, if you’re using quality hair, like those from Hickenbick Hair Extensions, the care routine can be simple enough to keep even the low-maintenance girlies happy.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how often to wash them, plus the best way to wash human hair extensions without tangling, drying them out, or messing with the attachment points.
How Often Should You Wash Human Hair Extensions?
Most people assume human hair extensions should be treated in exactly the same way as their natural hair. But that isn’t always the case.
As a general rule, you should aim to wash human hair extensions about 1-3 times a week for fitted extensions or every 10-20 wears for clip-in extensions. Doing this will maintain a decent level of hygiene without stripping away moisture while at the same time help to extend the length of time your hair extensions last and look good.
But this will vary depending on a few different factors.
You may need to wash them more frequently if:
- you have an oily scalp
- you exercise regularly and sweat a lot
- you use lots of styling products (dry shampoo, hairspray, texture spray, mousse, etc.)
On the flipside, there is also a risk of washing them too much. Over washing causes dryness, which can reduce the lifespan of your extensions, meaning you will have to replace them much sooner than you may need to.
It’s pretty much the same rules you’d apply to washing your own hair. But what’s different is how you wash human hair extensions compared to natural hair. And we’re going to look at that next.
Why Washing Human Hair Extensions Is Different To Washing Your Natural Hair
Human hair extensions need a much gentler routine than natural hair, because they can dry out faster. Which makes sense when you think about it, because the hair isn’t attached to a living follicle anymore, so it can’t repair itself or benefit from natural hydration in the same way your own hair does.
This means if you want your hair extensions to last, you need to treat it differently to living hair.
Another big difference is that human hair extensions don’t receive oils from your scalp in the same way as your natural hair and that means they can start to look dull, lifeless, and also get tangled very easily.
That build-up is something you want to avoid, because it can lead to:
- slippage
- weaker bonds over time
- irritation or itchiness at the scalp
- extra stress on your natural hair if the roots aren’t kept clean and comfortable
How to Wash Human Hair Extensions
Hair extensions need to be treated more delicately than the natural hair on your head and this starts before you even get to the washing part.
Make sure your hair extensions have been fully detangled before getting them wet, by brushing the ends first, then moving on to the mid lengths and finally moving up the roots, making sure to always brush in a downwards motion. Holding the hair at the root while you do this will help reduce tension and lower the risk of damage to the extensions and your own hair.
Once your extensions are completely detangled, you can now wash them. And there are a few things to consider when doing this:
- use your fingertips to cleanse the scalp gently
- don’t aggressively scrub the lengths
- let the suds run down through the extensions
- keep your head upright (don’t flip your hair upside down as this encourages tangling)
For best results, use sulphate-free products. Extensions are more prone to dryness, so harsh cleansers can make them feel straw-like very quickly. And it is totally fine to use conditioner when you wash human hair extensions, just make sure you:
- apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends only
- avoid conditioner near any tapes, bonds, rings or weft areas
- avoid heavy oils near the attachment points as this can cause slippage and build-up
The best way to think of it is that your scalp needs to be clean and your lengths need moisture, but your attachment points need to stay product-free.
Common Mistakes People Make When Washing Human Hair Extensions
It’s easy to slip into bad habits when you wash human hair extensions, especially after you’ve had them in for a while. Maybe you’re short on time, or you might even forget you have them in and treat them as though it’s your own hair. It’s so easily done, but if you want to get the best out of them and extend their lifespan it’s really important you look after them as best you can.
Here are some common mistakes people make when washing human hair extensions that you should try to avoid:
- Don’t pile your hair on top of your head while shampooing – keeping it down your back helps prevent tangling and matting.
- Don’t scrub your extensions – focus instead on cleansing the scalp with your fingertips and letting the suds run through to the lengths.
- Don’t rush rinsing – leftover product means tangles and uncomfortable itching, so always make sure you rinse thoroughly until the hair feels clean and weightless and the water runs completely clear.
- Avoid rough towel drying – squeeze the hair with a towel, but don’t rub, because friction causes frizz and encourages matting.
- Don’t leave the roots or attachments damp – dry tapes/bonds/rings/weft areas properly to keep everything sitting nicely.
- Don’t go to bed with wet or damp hair – this will encourage matting and makes morning detangling way trickier.
- Don’t use too much product at the roots – especially oils or heavy conditioners near attachments, as build-up can lead to slippage.
- Don’t brush too hard when your hair is wet – start at the ends and work up gently to avoid tugging at the attachment points.
- Don’t overdo dry shampoo between washes – dry shampoo is great for oily roots, but layering it for days on end can create gritty build-up. If you’re using it often, make sure your next wash includes a thorough scalp cleanse.
Final Thoughts
Real human hair extensions look gorgeous and give you far more versatility than synthetic options. They blend better, move more naturally, and you can usually style them in the same way you would style your own hair. They also tend to last much longer, which means that although the upfront cost is higher, they’re often more cost-effective over time because they can be reused with the right care.
The key thing to remember when you wash human hair extensions is that the routine doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, if you stick to the basics and keep it simple, like washing often enough to keep your scalp fresh, keeping conditioner on the lengths, rinsing properly, and then drying thoroughly, your extensions will stay softer, shinier, and far less prone to tangling.
Remember, hair extensions should never feel painful. If your scalp feels irritated, you notice persistent itchiness, or your hairline feels sore or tight, get your fitting checked by a professional, and they will be able to advise you on changes you might need to make to your hair care routine.
If you want the flexibility to change your hairstyle often, would like a natural look for daily wear, or want an option that can be washed and styled like your own hair, human hair is by far the better choice. While they have a higher upfront cost, their ability to be reused and long-lasting nature makes them more cost-effective over time. And really when you think about it, their maintenance isn’t too dissimilar to how you should be looking after your own hair.
Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blog strategist. She continually strives to promote a realistic, sustainable and positive image of how to lead a healthy life. When she’s not writing she can be found running through muddy puddles, making lists of lists, having a good old moan, talking in funny voices to her dogs, renovating her house in the forest, and teaching others how to use blogging in their businesses.
