Whilst you may know everything about styling and fitting your own Remy hair extensions, when the end of day comes and you get ready to go to bed, removing your clip ins and storing them properly may be something you didn’t think of! But don’t worry: this simple and straightforward guide will clear any doubts and help you make the most of your hair extensions, ensuring they have a long and healthy lifespan.
Why Proper Hair Extension Storage Matters
Storing your hair extensions correctly is crucial to preserving their quality and ensuring they remain in good condition for future use, staying frizz-free, shiny, and safe to use. Improper storage can lead to tangles, matting, damage, dust and bacteria growth. Storing your hair extensions properly is part of a healthy, TLC-packed care routine that will keep your precious investment safe, improving its longevity.
With our 19 years of experience with hair extensions, we can assure you that how you’re storing hair extensions when you’re not wearing them can affect how long they last. With proper care (and good hair extension storage), top grade Remy Royale clip-ins can last between 6 to 12 months, while Seamless clip-ins and Halo extensions can last between 6 - 18 months.
Permanent hair extension methods need to be re-applied every 6-8 weeks by a specialist, but the hair extensions themselves last for several appointments. Classic tape-ins have a lifespan of 3-6 months, and Remy Royale tape-ins can last 6-12 months, but take note of how to store hair extensions when not in use to keep them in good condition.
Preparing Hair Extensions for Storage
Before storing your hair extensions, it’s important to prep them first. Start by gently detangling your extensions to get rid of any knots - you can do this by using a detangling brush or a wide-toothed comb (curly clip-ins should only be brushed when wet using conditioner and a wide tooth comb and combing from the ends upwards.)
If necessary, you may need to wash and condition your hair extensions first - but always make sure you use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner.
Make sure you fully air-dry your hair extensions, as this is how to keep hair extensions in good condition and the only way to avoid mould, mildew and odour. The full process is also in our guide on How to Wash All Types of Human Hair Extensions.
Suitable Storage Options for Hair Extensions
Choosing the right storage method can make a significant difference in maintaining the quality of your hair extensions. Here are a few options to consider:
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Extension Hangers: specific extension hangers are a simple solution if you’re wondering how to hang hair extensions and keep them tangle-free. Our Hair Extension Hanger and Carrier includes a soft-lined wooden hanger that’s gentle on the hair, and a PU leather hair extension case that protects against dust, moisture and damage and is handy for travelling. You can use this for clip-in extensions, tape-in pieces, wefts and hairpieces.
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Sealable Bags: transparent sealable hair extension bags are a convenient choice for storing your extensions safely – just avoid plastic bags, or you’ll risk frizz and friction damage. Always check that your human hair extensions are clean and dry before placing them in the bag to prevent mould forming.
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Silk Bags or Pillowcases: storing your extensions in a silk bag or silk pillowcase can help reduce friction and prevent tangling. This is because silk (or budget-friendly sateen) is a smooth material that doesn’t rough up the hair cuticles (these form the outer layer and protect the rest of the hair).
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Dedicated Hair Extension Storage Box: at Cliphair, we always send your new hair extensions in a box. You can re-use it to store your hair extensions safely between uses and it’s handy for keeping the hair out of direct sunlight too. All you need to do is make sure that the extensions are completely dry, and make some room for the boxes!
Refreshing Hair Extensions After Storage
When it’s time to use your extensions again, a few simple steps can help restore their beauty. Shake them gently to loosen any potential tangles or knots that may have formed whilst moving them around when stored; then, proceed to glide through with a detangling brush or a wide-toothed comb.
If you have previously curled your hair extensions and want to freshen up the style, apply our Hair Extension Heat Protection Spray, and go over with your curling wand. or hair straightener. For extra gloss, you can also finish off with a shine spray.
If your extensions have been stored for a longer stretch, it’s worth doing a quick wash before wearing them again. We’d recommend reading up on How To Restore Hair Extensions After A Holiday if your locks need some post-travel revival.
We also have some more suggestions for your next trip, in our guide on How To Travel With Hair Extensions. It’s not complicated, but the tips are worth knowing to keep your extensions in the best condition possible.
Conclusion
Proper hair extension storage is an essential part of your tresses’ aftercare! Take the time to look after your clip in hair extensions after you wear them all day, detangle them gently, and store them as suggested to make the most of their lifespan.
Whether you opt for a dedicated hanger, a silk bag or the box they arrived in, make sure you keep your hair extensions clean, completely dry, and protected from dust, moisture and direct sunlight. Get into the habit of detangling before storage and giving them a gentle shake and brush before your next wear, and your extensions will stay soft, tangle-free and ready to go whenever you need them.
