How can you increase the lifespan of your hair extensions? Try these hacks

Lifespan of hair extensions can vary from 3 to 6 months to a year or more, depending on the general care they receive and how often they are being used. Most important thing to take care of is that your hair extensions don't have a natural source of hydration like your own hair, so keeping it well-hydrated is essential to prolong its life. The more you wash and heat your extensions while styling them, the shorter their lifespan becomes. Following are some of the tried & tested tips to be followed in order to maintain the hair extensions:

1. A good hair extension routine

You will need to make some changes to your usual hair care routine once you have extensions. The products you currently use to wash, condition, and style your hair may not be safe for your extensions. Your shampoo and conditioner should be alcohol, sulfate and other chemical free to avoid damaging your hair extensions. When it comes to washing your hair, it's important to adopt a gentle technique that won't mess up your extensions. When conditioning your hair, also be careful not to apply any product to your roots, as this could cause your extensions to slip off. Finally, while using hot styling tools, be sure to use a protective spray first - your extensions will last a lot longer this way.

2. Brushing techniques

The way you brush your hair can play a major role in the lifespan of your extensions. Before you start brushing your hair, gently detangle it with your fingers - this will put less strain on your roots while combing. From there, start gently brushing the ends of your hair and work your way up. To make sure your extensions don't get tangled and damage the bonds, purchase a soft bristle brush or wide tooth comb. Some of the traditional brushes are very harsh on extensions.

3. Store your extensions

Storing your extensions properly is one of the best and easiest ways to keep them in the best condition - and it even doesn't take a lot of time or effort. After removing your extensions, make sure the clips are closed and brush them thoroughly before putting them away. You can also use a use a hair tie to secure the wefts near the base of the hair. Extensions can also be stored in an airtight container and even a shoebox, if you are passionate about reusing. The key is to keep extensions out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Make sure that your hair extensions are dry before storing them to prevent product buildup, mold, and other bacteria.

It's good to have more than one set. In fact, it's better! Imagine jumping out of bed only to find that you're late with a big day ahead of you. Instead of using precious minutes to curl or style your extensions, imagine having a curly set ready to clip on. If you can do it, having a set of straight hair extensions and a curly set saves you time and gives you options for any occasion. It also minimizes the need to heat your extensions, which will keep them in good condition for longer. Check out our collection of Hair hair weave | Half wigs/Instant Weave | Braids/Plaiting Hair | Pony Tails

4. Avoid multiple hair products

Using multiple products with hair extensions means that more work will be required to remove and replenish the hair. It can also cause damage and breakage. Using a variety of styling products in hair extensions causes product buildup and may shorten the life of the extensions. It is best to use the products only when absolutely necessary, for example by using heat protection spray before using any hot tools. Keep in mind that hair extensions generally curl easier and faster than natural hair, so keep the temperature very low. The use of hair oils, especially for the ends of extensions, is encouraged as it will help prevent split ends.

Sometimes, washing with conditioner only and skipping shampoo is also a good way to keep the extensions looking and feeling like new.

5. Don't sleep or exercise with hair extensions

While extensions can be part of your daily routine, it's best to exclude your daily activities to help them last longer. While natural oils and sweat can be easily cleaned and washed off after training, the same is not true of hair extensions. Sweat will cause matting on the wefts and can produce bacteria if you don't wash your extensions. The constant movement and friction will also cause tangles and knots. Essentially, be sure to remove your hair extensions before hitting the gym.

Remove your hair extensions before bed and don't sleep on them. Rubbing against your pillow, even silk pillowcases, will tangle the wefts between them and your natural hair. The clips can also come loose and pull your natural hair. Clip-on hair extensions are designed to be easy to attach and remove so you can make sure that you and your extensions get a well-deserved restful sleep.

6. Only wash extensions when necessary

Products and washing go hand-in-hand; the more products you use, the more often you have to wash your hair and your extensions, which really should be avoided when trying to extend their lifespan. For daily extension wearers, a general rule is to wash hair extensions after every 30 wears or once a month. If you notice a ton of product build-up or if the extensions are becoming increasingly difficult to style, it’s probably time for a wash.