How to Wash Hair Extensions, According to a Stylist

Depending on how complicated your relationship is with your mane, hair extensions can be a temporary solution to just about any qualm. Flat strands? Hair extensions can inject tons of volume. Growing out an impulsive chop? Hair extensions can blend in the lengths until you've reached your desired outcome. A quick visit to the salon is all that's needed to emerge with an entirely new 'do.

Sitting in a salon chair and having a pro dote over your strands is the easy part. The difficulties come afterward. While hair extensions offer an effortless revamp on a current hairstyle, they can be high maintenance when it comes to caring for them all on your own. For instance, how do you wash hair extensions properly? We turned to hair pro Christina Oliva to find out.

Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to hair extension care.

Stock Up on the Right Shampoo

The first step in hair extension maintenance? Learn how to shampoo. Most hair extension experts recommend sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free products might not create much lather, but they maintain the integrity of your hair extensions, which is the most important thing. Avoid formulas containing oils, extracts, hydrolyzed silk, wheat protein, or silicone. All of these ingredients will make the extensions slip out.

"I also recommend the Milbon Moisture Treatment to keep extensions safe and healthy," says Oliva. "It is a five-step process and has proven to be the safest treatment with our hair extensions. We recommend the treatment be done every six to eight weeks. It seals the cuticle, locks in moisture, and adds shine to your hair!"

Detangle Before Showering

Avoid knots and matting by gently detangling the hair before stepping into the shower. Use a wide-tooth comb, or other extension-appropriate brush, and work your way up from the ends of the hair.

Cleanse and Scrub

You can wash as normal, but make sure to really scrub and get in there to remove any oil buildup. Avoid using overly hot water as this can damage the hair follicle.

Rinse Thoroughly

You should always properly rinse your hair thoroughly to avoid any buildup, and if you happen to have some residue, we highly recommend Neutrogena Anti-Residue Gentle Clarifying Shampoo to remove any excess oils.

Condition Carefully

Always condition from mid-length throughout ends. Any conditioner left on your hands can be applied to the top of the head, but don't take conditioner and apply directly at the attachments.

Skip Towel Drying

It's recommended to gently squeeze any excess water from your hair to avoid towel drying, which can ruffle the cuticle. One of the best things about hair extensions is you can air-dry your hair. "Our Indian hair air-dries with beautiful beach waves, making it extremely simple for our clientele to style their hair naturally and effortlessly," says Oliva.

Gently Blow-Dry

The safest way to blow-dry your hair is to air-dry at least 70 percent and always apply a thermal spray to protect your hair. Our favorite is Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray.