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Washing seems simple, but it's where a lot of extension problems start — conditioner left at the root, wefts left damp, or the wrong shampoo slowly drying the hair out. Follow these steps and your extensions will stay soft and last longer.
How often should you wash extensions?
Once or twice a week. Extensions don't get the natural oils from your scalp the way your own hair does, so over-washing dries them out and shortens their life. If your roots get oily between washes, that's normal — resist washing every day.
What you'll need
- A high-quality, sulphate-free shampoo
- A salon-grade conditioner or masque
- A leave-in conditioner with heat protection
- A soft towel
- An extension-safe brush — like the Mane Baby brush
- A paddle brush for drying
Step 1: Brush before you wash
Always brush thoroughly first. Water tightens tangles, so anything left in will be much harder to get out once your hair is wet. Brush in sections, from the ends up.
Step 2: Shampoo twice
Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Shampoo twice with a sulphate-free shampoo, focusing on your scalp and roots. Let the lather run down through the lengths rather than scrubbing them. Keep your hair flowing downwards — don't pile it on top of your head, which creates tangles.
Step 3: Condition — but not at the root
Gently squeeze out excess water, or towel dry a little first. Apply conditioner or masque to the mid-lengths and ends only, keeping it away from the roots and the wefts. Leave it on for 2 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse, then rinse again
With more hair on your head, conditioner takes longer to rinse out. When you think it's all gone, rinse again. Product left near the weft causes build-up and can lead to matting.
Step 5: Towel dry gently
Squeeze and pat your hair with a towel. Never rub — rubbing roughs up the cuticle and creates tangles.
Step 6: Leave-in and detangle
Apply a leave-in conditioner with heat protection to damp hair, working it in section by section. Then gently brush through from the ends up. More on this in can you brush wet hair extensions?
Step 7: Dry the roots completely
- Air dry if you can, or blow dry with your fingers until 80 to 90% dry
- Section your hair and finish with a paddle brush
- Use a low heat and make sure the root area and the tops of the wefts are completely dry
This last step is the one people skip — and it's one of the main causes of matting and bond problems.
Products to avoid in the shower
- Shampoos with sulphates
- Medicated or toning shampoos, including purple shampoo, on your extensions — it can build up on the weft and break down the bond
- Products with citrus extracts, argan or Moroccan oils, silicones, protein or keratin, or a high alcohol content
- Olaplex on the roots of your extensions
Weekly treat
Once a week, or when your ends feel dry, use a deep conditioning masque on the ends. Hydrated hair tangles less and looks glossier.
Quick recap
- Brush before washing
- Shampoo twice, sulphate-free
- Condition mid-lengths and ends only
- Rinse, then rinse again
- Pat dry, don't rub
- Leave-in, then brush from the ends up
- Dry the roots completely on low heat
For the full routine beyond washing, read our complete extension aftercare guide.