Keep Your Scalp Fresh Without Loosening Your Bonds. When you wear keratin extensions, your scalp can become a magnet for oil buildup and product residue. Since you can’t scrub your head as freely as before, many people struggle with itchiness or “greasy roots.” The challenge is to clean the skin thoroughly without disturbing the delicate bond attachments.
Preparation: The Pre-Wash Detangle
Why Brushing Your Scalp Matters First
Before any water touches your head, you must ensure there are no tiny tangles near the bonds. If you wet tangled hair, the knots will tighten, making it impossible to clean the scalp between them.
Use an Extension-Safe Bristle Brush
Use a loop brush or a soft boar bristle brush. Gently brush over the bonds to loosen any dry skin or dry shampoo residue. This “pre-cleans” the scalp so the shampoo can work more effectively.
The “Horizontal Finger-Slide” Technique

Stop the Circular Scrubbing
The biggest mistake is scrubbing in circles, which tangles the bonds together. Instead, use your finger pads (never nails!) to slide horizontally between the rows of extensions.
Reaching the “Hidden” Scalp Areas
Apply shampoo to your fingertips first. Gently slide them under the rows of bonds to reach the skin. Focus on the gaps between each bond to ensure no oil is trapped in the “attachment zone.”
Choosing the Right “Scalp-Friendly” Shampoo
Avoid Heavy Silicons and Oils
For a scalp deep-clean, you need a Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo. Heavy, moisturizing shampoos often leave a “film” on the skin that can soften keratin over time.
Focus on pH Balance
Look for a pH-balanced formula. A healthy scalp environment prevents the itching and flaking that often happens when the skin is covered by extensions for several weeks.
The Targeted Rinse Strategy
Use Low Water Pressure
High-pressure water hitting the bonds directly can cause them to vibrate and loosen. Use a gentle flow and direct it downward from the top of your head.
Ensuring Zero Residue Between Bonds
Residue is the enemy of keratin. Spend extra time rinsing the back of your head (the nape), as this is where shampoo often gets trapped between rows, leading to irritation.
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A healthy scalp is the foundation of beautiful extensions. By using the right technique, you can enjoy a fresh, itch-free feeling while keeping your keratin bonds strong. Ready for your next look? Explore our salon-grade care collection today.
Written by Skyee, Senior Stylist at Full Shine Hair with 10+ years of extension experience. With over 12 years of hands-on experience in the professional hair industry, Lily specializes in the application and maintenance of seamless hair systems. As a lead educator at Full Shine, she bridges the gap between salon-grade expertise and at-home care. Her “Support & Stroke” method has helped thousands of clients extend the lifespan of their ultra-thin PU wefts.
About Full Shine
At Full Shine, our content is crafted and reviewed by hair extension professionals. We combine decades of salon experience with rigorous product testing to provide you with safe, effective maintenance strategies for your Butterfly Wefts.
