Hair Extensions Aftercare Guide
How to wash, brush, sleep, swim, heat-style and generally keep your extensions looking their best — whether you have keratin bonds or tape-ins.
The First 48 Hours
The first two days after application matter most. Avoid washing your hair, leave it down (no tight braids, buns, or ponytails), and skip any heavy styling products near the roots. This gives the keratin bonds time to fully set and secure.
- Do not wash hair or wet the bonds for 48 hours after application
- Sleep with hair loose or in a very loose, low braid
- Avoid steam rooms, saunas, and very hot showers
- Skip hair spray, gel, or any heavy styling products near the bonds
Daily Care Guide
Brush Gently
Brush your hair twice daily using a soft bristle brush or extension brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, holding the hair above the bonds to avoid tugging.
Sulfate-Free Products
Always use sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free shampoo and conditioner. This keeps the bonds strong, prevents breakdown, and keeps the hair healthy.
Wash Carefully
Wash hair gently in a downward motion. Do not rub, scrub, or tangle the hair. Let the water run down in the same direction as the natural hair flow.
Pat Dry
Gently pat the hair dry with a microfiber towel. Do not rub, twist, or squeeze the hair, especially near the bonds at the roots.
Heat Protectant
Always apply a professional heat protectant before using any hot tools. Keep heat styling to a minimum to prolong the life of the extension hair.
Do's & Don'ts
Daily Do's
- Sleep Smart: Tie your hair in a loose braid or ponytail before bed and use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent friction and tangling.
- Be Careful in Water: Avoid swimming in chlorinated or salt water. Always wear a protective swim cap, and rinse with fresh water immediately after.
- Lukewarm Water: Always wash extensions using lukewarm water; hot water can soften and weaken the keratin bonds.
Crucial Don'ts
- Avoid Oils Near the Bonds: Do not apply oils, heavy conditioners, or serums near the keratin bonds. Apply only from mid-lengths to ends.
- Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Avoid tight ponytails, high buns, or braids that put constant tension and strain on the bonds.
- Do Not Cut the Bonds: Never cut, trim, or try to remove the bonds yourself. This can cause severe damage to your natural hair.
- Avoid Direct Heat on Bonds: Keep straighteners, curlers, and high blow-dryer heat at least 2 inches away from the bonds.
Recommended Products
Using the right salon-grade products is essential to keep your keratin bond extensions beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting.
Shampoo
Kérastase Genesis
Hair Mask
Kérastase Genesis
Hair Oil
Elixir Ultime
Leave-In
Cicaplasme
Hair Brush
MP HAIR Brush
Heat Protectant
Blow Dry Express
Sulfate-Free Shampoo
- Kérastase Chroma Absolu Top Recommendation — Gently cleanses, protects color & shine
- Kérastase Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Strengthens hair & reduces breakage
- Pureology Hydrate Shampoo Deeply hydrating & color-safe
- Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Rebuilds bonds & strengthens
Conditioners & Masks
- Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask Top Mask — Rebuilds and deeply nourishes lengths (use 1x weekly)
- Pureology Hydrate Conditioner Deep hydration for dry hair
- Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaextreme Deep conditioning treatment for blonde hair
- Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Strengthens and hydatrates ends
Leave-In & Protectants
- Pureology Color Fanatic Spray Top Leave-In — Multi-benefit priming & detangling spray
- ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray Top Protectant — Essential defense before hot styling
- Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaplasme Repairs and protects from heat up to 230°C
- Redken Blow Dry Express Prime Lightweight prime spray for shiny finish
Hair Oils & Brushes
- Kérastase Elixir Ultime Top Oil — Adds brilliant shine & frizz control (ends only)
- MP HAIR Boar Bristle Brush Top Brush — Boar bristle and nylon loop mix to glide safely over bonds
- Moroccanoil Treatment Rich nourishing oil for mid-lengths
- Mangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Gentle on bonds, wet or dry
Products to Avoid
Strips the natural oils and weakens bond attachments.
Dries out the hair extensions and degrades the bond structure.
Coconut oil or heavy serums applied directly to roots will cause bonds to slip.
Leaves heavy residue on bonds, making them mat and slip.
Professional Maintenance
To keep your extensions looking flawless and your natural hair healthy, schedule a maintenance appointment every 3 months.
During these appointments, Mădălina and Cornelia will personally assess, carefully remove, and professionally refit your extensions. If you notice any bond lifting, matting, or discomfort before the 3-month mark, contact us immediately.
"Treat your extensions with love, and they will love you back! Proper care = Longer lasting, beautiful hair."
Aftercare FAQ
How often should I wash my extensions?
Every 2–3 days is ideal. Daily washing strips natural oils and dries out bonds or tape adhesive. Always use sulphate-free shampoo and avoid conditioner near the bonds or tape panels.
Can I swim with hair extensions?
Yes — both keratin bonds and tape-ins are fine in chlorinated and salt water. Rinse with fresh water immediately after swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths down.
Can I use heat tools on my extensions?
Yes, with a heat protectant. Avoid direct heat on the bonds (keratin) or tape panels — heat on the adhesive can weaken the hold. Use tools on mid-lengths and ends.
Can I colour my hair with extensions in?
Your natural hair can be coloured while extensions are in, but the extension hair itself cannot be lightened. For highlights or balayage, we recommend colouring your natural hair before application.
How do I sleep with extensions?
Loosely braid or tie your hair in a low ponytail before bed. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. Avoid sleeping with wet hair.
What brush should I use?
A loop brush or wet brush — never a bristle brush on bonds or tape. Brush from mid-lengths down in sections, holding the hair above the bonds to avoid tugging.
Can I use oil on my hair?
Yes, but keep oils away from the bonds or tape panels. Apply oils only to the ends of your hair, never the roots.
How long do extensions last in total?
Keratin bonds: 9–18 months per fitting with proper care. Tape-ins: hair itself lasts 9–12 months with regular refits. Both methods need professional removal — do not attempt to remove them yourself.
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