How to Care for Hair Extensions - Full Shine Help Center

Problematic Hair is a common headache for many, often caused by daily styling, environmental factors, or simply neglect. Whether it’s gentle knots or stubborn snarls, understanding how to effectively care for and detangle your hair is key to maintaining its health and appearance.This guide explores practical tips and step-by-step techniques to help you tackle tangled hair with ease, preventing damage and restoring your locks to their smooth, manageable best. Read on to discover how to care for hair extensions and transform frustrating tangles into a thing of the past.

Key Takeaways

Wash extensions 1–2x per week; use sulfate-free products and rinse with cool water.
Deep condition weekly for dry extensions; use overnight oil treatments sparingly.
Detangle from ends to roots using a wide-tooth or looped-bristle brush; start with damp hair and detangling spray as needed.
Book professional maintenance every 6–8 weeks for bonded/tape/sew-in extensions.
Limit heat to 300–350°F (150–177°C) and use a heat protectant; air-dry when possible.

Part 1: Essential Care for Hair Extensions

Preparation

Use quality tools: Ceramic flat iron (150–177°C), heat protectant spray, wide-tooth comb, clips
For best results: Start with clean, dry extensions to prevent matting and reduce bacterial growth on adhesive areas.

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How to wash extensions safely

Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
Apply conditioner mid-lengths to ends
Wash 1-2 times weekly maximum
Rinse with cool water to seal cuticles
Gently detangle before washing

Related professional articles: National Health Service (NHS) — “Hair and scalp care basics”

Straightening Process

Blow-dry completely using medium heat (approx. 140–160°F / 60–71°C)
Straighten small sections slowly (1-2 passes max)
Divide hair into 2″ sections
Let hair cool before styling
Apply heat protectant spray

Maintenance extensions Tips

Store hair extensions straight using hanger or holder.

Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and tangling.

Rinse extensions with fresh water immediately after saltwater exposure and avoid applying shampoo to the bonded/root area

Book professional maintenance every 6–8 weeks, or sooner if you notice slippage or excessive tangling.

Part 2: Reviving Dry/Tangled Hair

Hydration Routine

Weekly deep conditioning: 20-30 minutes under heat cap

Leave-in conditioner application

Oil treatments (argan/ jojoba oil overnight): 1–2 drops per weft or light application to mid/ends) and frequency (weekly/monthly depending on dryness.

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Detangling Protocol

Start with damp hair

Use wide-tooth comb from ends upward

Apply detangling spray as needed

Hold hair at roots to reduce tension

Damage Prevention and Care Adjustments

Damage Prevention

1. Limit heat styling to 2-3 times weekly
2. Use thermal protectant before styling
3. Maintain 350°F maximum heat setting
4. Air-dry whenever possible

Care Adjustments

1. Increase conditioner
2. Use sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoo
3. Protect hair during sleep (loose braids/silk caps)
4. Avoid tight hairstyles causing tension

Combined Care Strategies

Alternate between clarifying and moisturizing shampoos.

Implement “reverse washing” (apply conditioner first then shampoo for targeted moisture) for dry ends.

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Use ionic tools to reduce styling time.

Cool shot function to seal styles.

Nightly silk wrapping to preserve styles

LOC (Liquid–Oil–Cream) hydration method.

Steam treatments for intense hydration

pH-balancing rinses (apple cider vinegar solution).

Brush 2-3 times daily (morning, post-activity, before bed) with looped-bristle brush (gentle on extensions; prevents shedding).

Avoid roots when applying products.

Use specialized extension shampoos.

Need personalized extension care advice?

“Hey there! I’m Alaia. By day, I’m shaping young minds as a teacher, and by night (or really, anytime in between), I’m a clip-in hair extensions enthusiast! For me, it’s not about hiding who I am, but about amplifying my confidence in just five minutes. I’m all about finding those little tricks to bring joy and ease to our busy lives. Think of me as your go-to girlfriend for realistic, affordable, and totally achievable hair inspiration. Let’s embrace the fun of transforming our look and feeling fabulous, just for us!”

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