How to wash hair extensions the right way

Keeping your hair extensions fresh, soft, and tangle-free is all about the right care routine. Whether you have clip-ins, tape-ins, or bonded extensions, washing them properly ensures they stay beautiful for longer. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t receive nourishment from your scalp’s natural oils, so they require extra hydration and gentle handling. Using sulfate-free products and the right techniques will help maintain both the quality of the extensions and your natural hair.

The difference between caring for natural hair and hair extensions

While your natural hair gets continuous nourishment from your scalp’s natural oils, hair extensions do not, which means they can dry out faster and require more moisture. Unlike your own hair, which can recover from some damage, extensions cannot repair themselves, so gentle handling is essential.

Another key difference is how often you wash them. Your natural hair may need frequent washing depending on your scalp’s oil production, but over-washing extensions—especially glued or taped ones—can weaken the adhesive and cause them to slip. Clip-in extensions don’t need to be washed as often as permanent ones since they aren’t worn daily.

Styling with heat also affects extensions differently. While your natural hair can regenerate over time, extensions are more prone to long-term damage because they lack a direct source of nutrients. That’s why using a heat protectant is crucial when styling them.

Choosing the right products for hair extensions

Since extensions lack the natural oils from your scalp, they need extra hydration. A sulfate- and paraben-free shampoo is essential to prevent dryness and keep them looking fresh. Moisturizing and color-protecting formulas, like those from Maria Nila, are ideal for keeping both natural and extension hair soft and vibrant.

For conditioning, focus on applying a nourishing conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends to prevent dryness while avoiding buildup near the roots, which can loosen tape-in or bonded extensions. Deep-conditioning treatments, like our Structure Repair Masque, work wonders for keeping extensions silky and healthy.

How to wash clip-in vs. glued or taped extensions

Washing clip-in extensions

1. Detangle first using a wide-tooth comb.
2. Fill a sink with lukewarm water, add a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo, and gently swirl the extensions in the water.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean lukewarm water.
4. Apply conditioner, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse again.
5. Lay them flat on a towel and let them air dry completely before using.

Washing tape-in or bonded extensions

1. Brush your hair gently before washing to remove tangles.
2. Use lukewarm water and apply shampoo without rubbing or scrubbing. Instead, smooth it down the length of the hair.
3. Avoid conditioner near the bonds to prevent slipping. Apply only from the mid-lengths to the ends.
4. Pat dry with a towel and use a low-heat setting on your blow dryer if needed.

How to color hair extensions

If you want to refresh or change the color of your extensions, our Color Refresh is a great option to boost or adjust the tone without causing damage. Unlike permanent dyes, it’s a temporary color treatment that hydrates while depositing color, making it ideal for extensions that need extra moisture.

Keep your extensions looking flawless

By using the right products, washing techniques, and styling methods, you can extend the lifespan of your extensions and keep them soft, shiny, and tangle-free. Whether you're maintaining clip-ins, tape-ins, or bonded extensions, the key is to treat them with extra care and give them the moisture they need to stay beautiful.

Discover more about keeping your extensions and natural hair healthy and nourished with high-quality, damage-repairing haircare designed to protect and revitalize every strand.