Most extension complaints trace back to aftercare gaps, not the install itself. This guide is written so it can be handed directly to clients — feel free to print it or link to it after every install.
Washing
- Use sulfate-free, alcohol-free shampoo and conditioner — harsh sulfates strip the moisture extensions need and can weaken adhesive bonds over time.
- Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends only. Avoid the roots and bond area entirely.
- Wash with lukewarm water, not hot — heat can soften tape adhesive prematurely.
- Don't wash more often than necessary; over-washing strips natural and added moisture alike.
Brushing
- Always detangle starting from the ends, working upward toward the roots — never brush top-down through knots.
- Use a loop brush or extension-specific brush designed to glide through bonds without snagging.
- Never brush extensions while soaking wet; hair is most fragile in this state. Let it air dry partially first.
Sleeping
- Loosely braid hair before bed to prevent friction-driven tangling overnight.
- A silk or satin pillowcase significantly reduces friction compared to cotton.
Swimming and workouts
- Swimming is fine with extensions — braid hair beforehand and rinse promptly afterward to prevent chlorine or salt buildup near the bonds.
- Frequent sweating from workouts can soften adhesive over time; rinsing soon after intense activity helps protect the bond.
- A silicone swim cap offers extra protection for clients swimming regularly.
Heat styling
- Always use a heat protectant before any hot tool contact.
- Keep tools on lower heat settings — extension hair has no natural oil renewal to recover from excess heat exposure.
- Avoid direct heat near the tape or bond line specifically.
Signs it's time to come back in
- Bonds sitting visibly away from the scalp (roughly 1–2 inches of regrowth).
- Tapes that feel or look like they're lifting at the edges.
- Increased shedding, tangling at the bond line, or a "heavier," product-coated feeling that doesn't resolve with washing.
FAQ
Can I swim with tape-in extensions?
Yes — braid hair before swimming and rinse thoroughly afterward to prevent chlorine or salt water from sitting near the adhesive bonds.
How often should extensions be washed?
Roughly every 1–2 weeks for semi-permanent methods like tape-ins, using sulfate-free products, with conditioner kept away from the root and bond area.
