At a Glance
Your quick reference for healthy extensions
| HABIT | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|
Wash 1-2x per week
|
Helps maintain moisture & bond integrity |
Dry the bonds fully
|
Keeps the bonds strong |
Brush daily
|
Keeps hair smooth & free from matting |
Condition mid-lengths to ends only
|
Protects the bonds & hydrate the extensions |
Avoid heavy oils near bonds
|
Stop pieces from slipping |
Schedule maintenance on time
|
Keeps extensions secure & comfortable |
RECOMMENDED TOOLS & PRODUCTS
Use high-quality, sulfate-free, and
extension-safe products for best results.
Extension Care Routine
A consistent routine is key to keeping your extensions soft, secure, and long lasting. These guidelines help protect the bonds, maintain the hair quality, and prevent common issues like tangling or slipping.
BRUSHING
- Use a soft bristle brush to prevent snagging at the bonds.
- Brush from the ends and work upwards.
- Brush daily to prevent tangling.
- Be gentle around the bonds.
WASHING
- Shampoo 1–2 times per week at the scalp, rinsing through hair.
- Condition from the mid-lengths to ends only.
- Use paraban/sulfate-free shampoo & conditioner.
- Avoid conditioner or purple shampoo near bonds.
DRYING & STYLING
- Never leave the bond area damp.
- If air drying your hair, blow dry the scalp (bond area) completely dry first.
- Heat tools are safe to use on the lengths, but avoid direct heat on the bonds.
Common Aftercare Mistakes
Most extension issues don’t come from the hair itself.
They come from a few common habits:
-
Sleeping with wet hair
Wet hair is fragile and more prone to tangling, matting, and breakage. It will also cause your bonds to break down quicker
-
Conditioning too close to the bonds
Conditioner and oils can cause the bonds to slip
-
Brushing too aggressively
Rough brushing can cause unnecessary tension and breakage of the extension and your own hair
-
Too much direct heat
High heat on the bonds can melt & break down adhesive over time. It can also cause discolouration and heat damage on the extensions
-
Using the wrong products
Harsh ingredients (sulphates) can dry out and weaken extensions.
-
Waiting too long for maintenance
Skipping maintenance appointments can lead to tangling, matting, and discomfort.
Products to Avoid
To keep your Hair Flair extensions soft, healthy, and long-lasting, it’s extremely important to use the right products. Certain ingredients can dry out the hair, weaken the bonds, cause discoloration, or shorten the lifespan of your extensions.
Many drugstore shampoos contain sulfates or strong detergents that strip moisture from the hair. Since extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp like your own hair does, sulfate-heavy products can leave them dry, frizzy, tangled, and brittle over time.
Look for:
- Sulfate-free shampoos
- Moisturizing, extension-safe formulas
- Gentle cleansing products designed for color-treated hair
While keratin treatments and protein-rich products can sound healthy, too much protein can actually make extension hair feel stiff, dry, and brittle. Overuse may lead to tangling and reduce the softness and movement of the hair.
Avoid:
- Keratin shampoos and conditioners
- Protein masks used too frequently
- At-home smoothing or keratin treatments unless approved by your stylist
Many sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene, which can react with minerals and pigments in hair extensions. This can cause blonde extensions to turn pink, peach, or orange — especially around the face, beach, pool, or vacation environments.
To protect your extensions:
- Keep sunscreen away from the hair whenever possible
- Tie hair back when applying sunscreen
- Use extension-safe sunscreen formulas if recommended by your stylist
- Rinse hair after swimming or sun exposure
Applying oils, serums, or heavy conditioners directly near the nano beads or attachment points can cause slipping and reduce the longevity of your installation.
Keep all oils and masks:
- Mid-length to ends only
- Away from the root area and beads
- Never use heat after applying oil to your extensions
Frequent exposure to chlorine and salt water can dry out extensions and affect tone and texture over time. Before swimming, braid the hair and apply a leave-in conditioner for added protection. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.
Why Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance appointments are essential for keeping your extensions and natural hair healthy. During your appointment, we remove the extensions, brush out naturally shed hair and product buildup, assess your scalp and hair health, then reinstall the extensions onto clean, healthy sections.
Going too long between appointments can lead to excess buildup, tangling, matting at the root, and unnecessary stress on your natural hair — which is why staying on schedule is so important.
Here are the suggested maintenance timelines:
-
Thin/Fine Hair
every 6 weeks
-
Medium Hair
every 6-8 weeks
-
Thick Hair
every 8 weeks
Never remove extensions yourself.
Removal should always be done by a professional.