To guarantee a long and happy life with your hair extensions correct care is absolutely crucial. We have created this Ultimate Care Guide to help you get the most out of your precious hair extensions and avoid any mishaps along the way. We’ve covered all areas from washing to dying and everything in between meaning both experienced users and first-time buyers can learn “How to care for hair extensions and keep them looking gorgeous”. Below you will find a treasure trove of in-depth blogs, product recommendations, video tutorials and a handy glossary simplifying all the technical terms related to hair extensions and maintenance. This expert guide covers both temporary and permanent hair extensions.

Washing and Drying Hair Extensions

Washing and drying your hair extensions correctly is a vital stage of aftercare that must not be overlooked. Using the wrong products, over washing and washing incorrectly are just a few of the common mistakes people make with their hair extensions that can all lead to damage and unruly tresses. The following time saving tips will transform this procedure into a smooth and stress-free process that your own hair and extensions will thank you for!

In our blog “How to wash all types of human hair extensions” we cover how to wash Clip-ins, Nano rings, Tape ins, I-Tips, Weaves and Ponytails. In the video below Gigi shows how to safely wash and air-dry clip-in hair extensions in separate pieces to ensure a good clean without causing matting. Remember, human hair extensions will dry naturally with a slight wave and frizz just like your own hair, to return them to their former silky smoothness they will need styling after being washed.

If you are using wavy or curly hair extensions the washing process needs to be altered slightly as the hair dries and behaves differently. In our blog “Curly & Wavy Hair Extensions: Dos & Donts” we’ve dedicated an entire section to washing and drying that also explains how to use products to fight frizz and enhance the natural wave without needing to use any harmful heat! How gorgeous does phoebe look in our Curly Full Head clip-ins below.

Tackling Colour Fade in Hair Extensions

Over washing your hair extensions and even your own hair can cause a multitude of sins, it leaves the hair feeling dry and dehydrated as it strips natural oils from the hair that it needs to stay strong and healthy. It also fades colour off the hair, especially if the dye is red or vibrant. Our blog “Hair Colour Fading Fast? Here is How You Can Stop It” details exactly how to avoid washing the dye out of the hair to keep your colour looking rich and fresh for as long as possible. Follow the tips in “How to Get Rid of Greasy Hair Last Minute With 5 Hair Hacks” which will help to keep hair washing to a minimum.

Restoring Dry Hair Extensions

If your extensions are feeling on the dry side, you can bring them back to life with the right products and some extra TLC. Read “How to Revive Dry Hair Extensions” and “Hair 101: How to Use A Hair Mask” to find out how. Remember, you only need to wash your Clip In Hair Extensions every 10-15 uses and permanently attached extensions should be washed no more than 1-2 times per week.


Using the right products is crucial, especially if you’re dealing with hair extensions that are struggling with moisture. This is why we designed a specialised hair care line that can rebalance the hydration levels in your tresses, taking care of your hair’s health and beauty right from the shower. With a 100% sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner for extensions + the best hair mask for extensions that you’ll ever try, the Quench The Thirst: Deep Moisture collection caters to natural hair and hair extensions alike, packing your tresses with intense moisture and rebalancing their softness, shine, and manageability.
The recipe includes precious essential oils and ingredients such as Shea butter, Fig extracts, Rice proteins, Honey, and Avocado oil – renowned worldwide for their moisturising and strengthening powers.

Brushing, Shedding and Matting in Hair Extensions

Brushing your hair extensions regularly whether they are clip-ins, tapes, nanos, micro-rings or weaves is essential to prevent matting and knots. The same brush that you use on your own hair may not be suitable for your extensions, in our blog “Brush Hour the Ultimate Guide To Hairbrush Types” we explain the varieties of hair brushes on the market today and which ones are suitable for hair extensions.

Some shedding or hair loss is normal with fresh hair extensions, especially clip ins. You can expect on the first wash or first brush to lose some hair, but it should not be enough to cause a noticeable difference to the thickness. Follow the advice in “How to Stop Hair Extensions From Shedding” to prevent losing excessive amounts of hair from your extensions. Matting is a common cause of shedding as the tension caused when removing the knots can damage the seams or attachments. If you’ve found yourself with tangled hair extensions our blogs “How to Take Care of Tangled Hair” and “How to Detangle Clip In Hair Extensions” will show you how to carefully remove the matting without ruining your own hair or extensions.

Toning and Dying Hair Extensions

Purple Shampoo is a topic that comes up a lot when discussing blonde hair extensions. Our blog “How to Use Purple Shampoo” explains the risks and how to use this toning product safely on hair extensions. Check out the video below for a step-by-step tutorial in toning clip-in human hair extensions.

Even though we do advise against dying your hair extensions as it decreases the quality of the hair we understand that not every colour is available so sometimes dying in the only option! Read “How Many Times Can You Dye Hair Extensions” and “How to Dye Hair Extensions” for all you need to know on this subject. Had a dying disaster and need the colour gone fast? Check out “Best Shampoos To Remove Hair Dye At Home

Storage and Sleeping With Hair Extensions

All of our Clip-In hair extensions at Cliphair come with a handy storage box to keep your precious locks safe from dust, dirt, and humidity whilst you arnt wearing them. If you’re taking a break from your professional extensions, simply keep them in a zip lock bag or box away from heat and sunlight to keep them fresh.

Remember to always remove temporary extensions before sleeping and showering, for permanent hair extensions here’s “10 Protective Hairstyles For Sleeping”.

Looking After Hair Extensions On Holiday

Whether you’re jetting off to sunny Santorini or hitting the slopes at a frosty ski resort, extreme weather can wreak havoc with your hair. Read “Going on Holiday with Hair Extensions: Hair Extension Care Guide” and “How To Protect Your Scalp From The Sun” to keep your tresses safe from the sun on vacation. “How To Winter Proof Your Hair: 20 Steps To Stay Fabulous Sub Zero” will prepare your hair and extensions for cold climates.

Best Products for Hair Extensions

Heat Protection Spray, Dry Shampoo, Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioning Hair Masks are the 3 most essential products for any hair extension user to keep their hair healthy and protected from damage. In addition to these products there are plenty of other haircare solutions that are safe to use on extensions, we’ve listed our top blogs on this subject below.

Looking After Your Own Hair

At Cliphair we care about YOU just as much as your hair extensions. Looking after your own natural hair will not only strengthen it to ensure it can tolerate the extra weight of extensions, but it will also help to give a natural looking blend. Breakage and hair loss is a major reason many people use hair extensions, read “Why is My Hairline Breaking Off”, “How To Tackle Hair Breakage Around The Face Using Hair Extensions” and “Hair Loss 101: How To Fight Hair Loss Like A Boss” to learn how to avoid these issues and fix them!

You may be struggling with other issues that are more related to the scalp, “How To Get Rid Of Dandruff” and “Scalp Exfoliation: How To, Best Products and More” will tell you all you need to know to keeping your scalp healthy and flake free.

If you’re finding your own hair difficult to manage, it could be trying to tell you something! Check out “Hair Texture Change: Why It Happens And How To Deal With It” , “7 Signs You Need A Haircut” and “How Is Your Water Affecting Your Hair”.

Haircare Glossary

Argan Oil - A very popular smoothing ingredient found in many conditioners and serums.

Conditioner – Used to smooth and hydrate the hair cuticles after shampooing. 

Cuticle – The protective layer on the hair shaft made from over lapping hair cells that resemble scales. Smoothed, intact cuticles are found on healthy, strong hair. Cuticles that are broken or messy make the hair appear dry and dull. 

Cleanse – To deep clean and remove all impurities 

Dandruff – White or grey flakes of skin that appear In the roots caused by many reasons. Can sometimes feel itchy and irritable however is easily treated with special products and a change of styling habit. 

Dry Shampoo- A powdery hair spray that is used to soak up oil at the roots preventing the need to shampoo the hair so soon. Can also be used to add texture and hold to the hair. 

Elasticity - How far a hair strand can stretch before returning to its natural state. Hair that has lost a lot of elasticity will snap quicker under pressure and is usually very dry and weak. 

Follicle – The very start of a hair strand grows from inside a hair follicle. 

Greasy – when the roots or mid-lengths feel oily, dirty or sticky.  

Heat Protection Spray – A product sprayed onto the hair before applying heat to prevent the hair from drying out.

Keratin – A protein that makes up 90% of your hair. Its very strong and resilient which is why it is found in many hair treatments.  

Life span – How long the product is likely to last 

Maintenance – keeping your hair extensions healthy by caring correctly for them and attending appointments to refresh and refit them.

Matting – Extreme knotting in the hair

Porosity – The hairs ability to absorb moisture and liquid. Very porous hair will take to colour very quickly and also tends to be more prone to breakage. 

Remy – Means all the cuticles in the hair face the same direction, they are aligned. This is the best quality of human hair and ensures longer life, less tangles and a silky finish. 

Roots – The part of the hair that is attached to the scalp 

Shedding – Hair loss in the hair extensions, falling out from the actual weft or tip (this is not hair breakage) 

Sulphate – A cleansing ingredient used in hair products that removes dirt and grease. This ingredient is not suitable for hair extensions. 

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Interested In Hair Extensions? Shop The Best Sellers…

For our full range of Hair Extensions including Clip-Ins, Ponytails, Permanent and Many more with over 60 shades to choose from head to our main page. Including our best selling Seamless, Tape In Hair Extensions, and One Piece Hair Extensions.