Hair extensions not looking their best? Here’s how to know when it’s time for professional help.
If you're experiencing tangling, shedding, or discomfort, your extensions might need expert care. Here are 7 signs to watch for:
- Tangling and Knots: Extensions are hard to detangle even with gentle brushing.
- Excessive Shedding: More strands are falling out than usual.
- Split Ends or Damage: Fraying or breakage at the tips.
- Pain or Tightness: Scalp feels uncomfortable or sore.
- Uneven or Slipping Extensions: They look out of place or move around.
- Dry or Brittle Texture: Extensions feel rough despite conditioning.
- Sticky or Greasy Feel: Product buildup makes them feel heavy.
Quick Fix: Regular salon visits every 6–8 weeks can fix these issues, extending the life of your extensions and keeping them looking natural. Combine this with daily at-home care - like gentle brushing, proper washing, and nighttime protection - for the best results.
How to Properly Maintain Your Hair Extensions
When to Get Professional Help for Your Hair Extensions
Here are the clear signs that it’s time to see your stylist:
1. Tangling and Knots
If your extensions are constantly knotting and don’t respond to gentle detangling, it could point to a bigger issue. A stylist can identify the cause and recommend treatments to make your extensions easier to manage [1].
2. Excessive Shedding
Noticing more than a few strands falling out each day? That’s a red flag. A professional can check the bonds and make adjustments to stop further shedding [1][3].
3. Split Ends or Damage
Split ends or fraying at the tips need immediate attention. A stylist can trim and treat the extensions to prevent further breakage, which also helps them last longer [1][3].
4. Pain or Tightness
If you’re feeling pain or tightness on your scalp, don’t wait. This could mean the extensions were installed too tightly or need repositioning. A professional can adjust them to ease discomfort and protect your natural hair [5].
5. Extensions Look Uneven or Are Slipping
Extensions that start to look uneven or slip out of place - usually after 6-8 weeks - need a maintenance visit. A stylist can reposition them to restore a natural look and keep them secure [5].
6. Dry or Brittle Extensions
If your extensions feel dry or brittle even after conditioning, it’s a sign they need extra care. A stylist can apply treatments to bring back moisture and softness [2][4].
7. Sticky or Greasy Feel
Extensions that feel sticky or greasy despite regular washing may have product buildup. A professional cleaning can remove buildup and keep bonds strong [1][3].
Addressing these issues early with professional care can help maintain the look and health of both your extensions and natural hair.
| Warning Sign | When to Seek Help | Professional Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Tangling & Knots | When brushing doesn’t work | Deep conditioning, bond check |
| Excessive Shedding | More than a few strands daily | Bond reinforcement |
| Pain or Tightness | Immediate discomfort | Repositioning |
| Visible Slipping | After 6-8 weeks of wear | Professional repositioning |
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Why Regular Salon Visits Matter
Taking care of your hair extensions goes beyond at-home routines - regular salon visits are key to keeping them in great shape. Combined with proper daily care, these visits help maintain the look and health of your extensions.
Longer Lifespan and Savings
Scheduling salon visits every 6-8 weeks can help your extensions last much longer. This means fewer replacements and avoiding expensive repairs.
Professional Check-Ups
Stylists are trained to catch issues early, like weak bonds or tangling, and fix them before they worsen. For example, at PHE Salon in Jupiter, Florida, extension specialist Ellia Smith conducts detailed evaluations during each visit to ensure your extensions stay in top condition.
Special Treatments
Salons offer treatments like deep conditioning, bond reinforcement, and scalp care. These services restore moisture, strengthen attachments, and keep both your natural hair and extensions healthy.
Flawless Appearance
Regular adjustments help your extensions blend perfectly with your natural hair, keeping their movement and look as seamless as possible. Stylists also create care routines tailored to your hair type, extension style, and daily habits for the best results.
While salon visits are essential, don’t underestimate the importance of a good at-home care routine to keep your extensions looking their best.
How to Care for Extensions at Home
Here’s how you can keep your extensions looking their best between salon visits.
Daily Brushing Technique
Use a brush designed to be gentle on extension bonds or a wide-tooth comb. Brush at least twice a day, starting at the ends and working upward to avoid tugging at the bonds. Pay extra attention to the nape area, as it’s prone to tangles.
Washing and Conditioning
Wash your extensions every 10–15 wears with sulfate-free products made specifically for extensions. Avoid products with heavy oils or silicones, which can lead to buildup. Ellia Smith from PHE Salon suggests steering clear of these ingredients to keep your extensions light and clean.
| Product Type | Tips for Use |
|---|---|
| Shampoo | Choose sulfate-free and alcohol-free options; avoid heavy oils and silicones. |
| Conditioner | Use lightweight, extension-safe formulas; skip butter-based products. |
| Leave-in Products | Go for water-based, non-greasy options; avoid petroleum-based ingredients. |
Heat Styling Guidelines
Limit heat styling as much as possible. Always use a heat protectant spray, keep tools under 350°F (177°C), and opt for air drying when you can.
Nighttime Care
Before bed, secure your extensions in a loose, low ponytail using a silk scrunchie. This helps prevent tangling and reduces friction while you sleep.
Swimming and Sun Protection
Apply a leave-in conditioning mask before swimming to shield your extensions. Choose sunscreens without harsh chemicals that could weaken the bonds.
These at-home steps will help keep your extensions in great shape, but don’t skip professional salon treatments for deep cleaning and bond maintenance. A mix of proper daily care and expert attention will keep your extensions looking flawless for longer.
Conclusion
If you're dealing with tangling, shedding, or discomfort, it’s a clear sign to seek professional care. Ellia Smith, an extension specialist at PHE Salon in Jupiter, Florida, highlights the importance of tackling these issues early to avoid serious damage and to extend the lifespan of your extensions.
Professional maintenance goes beyond fixing problems - it helps prevent them. Regular salon visits allow experts to deep clean your extensions, adjust bonds, and evaluate the health of both your natural hair and extensions. This keeps everything looking and feeling as natural as possible.
While at-home care plays a big role, professional expertise is key to keeping your extensions in top shape. Stylists can offer tailored advice based on your specific extensions and lifestyle, ensuring they remain comfortable, natural, and well-maintained.
Taking care of small issues early makes a big difference. With regular maintenance, your extensions will not only enhance your look but also help protect your natural hair.