For busy and modern black women,human hair extensions are a great way to add volume, length, and versatility. However, just like our natural hair, whether you have clip in hair extensions, weave hair bundles, Microlinks, braiding human hair,or tape-ins, each type of human hair extension needs specific washing routines and good care to keep it looking fresh and beautiful.
In this blog, let’s go through the essential hair care tips for maintaining different types of human hair extensions. From washing and conditioning to styling and nightly care, we've got you covered to ensure your extensions last longer and continue to look flawless.
Washing and Conditioning Tips for Types of human hair extensions
When it comes to caring for your human hair extensions, proper washing and conditioning are key to maintaining their health and longevity. Different types of extensions need specific washing methods, as each one has its own structure with unique characteristics and needs to be installed in different ways. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right products and develop a tailored washing routine that preserves the quality of your extensions, ensuring they last longer and stay looking great.
| Install Methods | Install Limitations on Natural Hair Length |
Wearing Cycles | Installation Time | |
| Clip-in hair extensions |
Clip the extensions onto natural hair using the attached clips. | 3 inches | Temporary extensions allow to be put on and remove instantly. |
15-30 Minutes |
| Weft hair extensions | Sew the wefts onto natural hair, or use glue to attach extensions to hair. |
4-6 inches | Sew-in: 4-12 weeks Quick weave: 6-8 weeks |
1.5-2 hours |
| Microlink Beads weft hair extensions |
Install by threading small sections of natural hair through a bead along with a weft of hair. | 4 inches | 8-12 weeks | 1-2 hours |
| Microlink Itip hair extensions |
Install by attaching small, stick-like keratin-bonded pieces of hair to natural hair using a micro-link bead. | 4 inches | 8-12 weeks | 1.5-2 hours |
| Tape-in hair extensions |
Install by sandwiching thin, small pieces of extensions between sections of your natural hair using adhesive tape. |
3-4 inches | 6-8 weeks | 1-2 hours |
Clip in hair extensions
Manufacture and Installation
Clip in extensions are improved from weave hair bundles which made by sewing or gluing hair wefts onto small clips. The clips are designed for easy attachment and removal, making them a temporary option for adding length and volume. The clips are designed for easy attachment and removal, making them a temporary option for adding length and volume.
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- Washing Frequency:Avoid over-washing, one or twice a week is recommended for regular use.
- Separate and detangle every piece of clip in hair before washing to minimize the hair shedding.
- Sink hair in lukewarm water and wash gently by holding the bond to avoid hair strands twist with the clips.
- Use clarifying shampoo when necessary:We recommended to do this 1 or 2 times a month, depending on your hair condition.After times of use that you notice your scalp and hair is getting heavy and greasy faster,it’s a sign to use clarify shampoo to remove product buildup.
Weave hair bundles(Traditional Sew in hair & Quick weave hair)
Manufacture and Installation
Weave hair bundles are made by aligning and sewing or bonding strands of hair into long wefts, ensuring the hair is securely held in place and aligned from root to tip to prevent tangling.
Traditional Sew in hair
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- Washing Frequency:twice a week for regular use.
- Focus on the Roots: Since the natural hair is braided and the extensions are sewn into the braids, it’s important to focus on gently cleansing the scalp.
- Use a Diluted Shampoo: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo diluted with water to cleanse the scalp without harshly scrubbing the braids.
- Keep the Hair Dry: After shampooing, dry the braided areas with towel first.
- Scalp care and massage.
- Condition the Ends: Focus the conditioner on the ends of the sew-in hair extensions to prevent dryness and tangling.
Quick weave hair
Most people avoid washing their hair until they remove the extensions, but if you follow the tips below, you can wash your quick weave extensions gently without causing them to slip out.
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- Separate your leave outs and other hair,then secure them with hair scrunchies.
- Use a spray bottle with diluted shampoo to focus on your scalp and roots,gently massage with your fingers then use a cotton pad dry the ingredients.
- Resection your hair and repeat the same process until you cleanse all the the area you want
- Rinse the remain shampoo with cold or lukewarm water.
- Blow dry your hair with low heat,from roots to the ends.
Microlink I Tips hair extensions
I Tip hair extensions are made by binding small strands of human hair with tiny silicone tubes. This popular method adds length and volume by attaching the hair to your natural hair using micro beads, creating a seamless and natural look.
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- Lay your hair back down in the same direction to wet your hair(under the shower head or saturate in the sink)to avoid your hair turns to be matted and tangled.
- Avoid to scrubbing the bead area directly,just washing straight down the bond.
- Conditioning hair ends.
- Brush away from the bond and leave hair air dry or blow dry with a low heat.
Braiding human hair extensions
Braiding human hair is gathered together in a bundle or pack and tied or banded at the top, leaving the strands loose for braiding.
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- Washing Frequency: Slightly wash every 1-2 weeks, or more often if you’re active.
- Use a spray bottle with diluted shampoo to focus on your scalp and braid roots.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, being gentle to avoid disrupting the braids.
- Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or braid oil to keep the hair hydrated.
Tape in hair extensions
Manufacture and Installation
Tape in hair is sandwiched between adhesive strips, creating a flat and seamless application. The adhesive is skin-safe and designed for a natural look and feel, blending well with natural hair.It allows you to wash hair regularly but still to follow some tips:
Washing and Conditioning Tips:
- After installation, wait 48 hours before washing or styling to allow the tape-ins to bond properly and prevent slippage.
- Avoid Scrubbing or Rubbing: Don't scrub or rub your hair vigorously, especially around the tape area. Gentle washing and light massaging of the scalp is best.
- Condition Ends, Not Tapes: Focus conditioner on the ends of the hair, not on the tape areas, to avoid loosening the adhesive. If conditioner gets on the tape, it can cause the extensions to slip.
- Use a Light Conditioner: Opt for a light, leave-in conditioner or a very mild cream conditioner to avoid buildup, which can weaken the bond.
- Avoid Oils Near the Roots: Oils can weaken the adhesive, so keep conditioning products away from the tape tabs.
Styling Tips for Human Hair Extensions
- Apply heat protectant before heat styling your human hair extensions.
- Make sure to heat away from the hair bond or tape strips to protect your extensions to last long.
- Avoid over heating your hair to extend its lifespan.Check out our previous blog for:8 Heatless Curl Methods to Avoid Hair Damage This Summer
Tips for Choosing the Right Hair Products for Your Extensions
- Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners: These help prevent the adhesive from breaking down, keeping your tape-in extensions secure.
- Opt for silicone base products for removed hair extensions:Silicones can help lock in moisture without clogging hair follicles, making them ideal for washing human hair extensions once they’re removed.( this don’t suggest for washing for your own natural hair to avoid causing follicle blockage).
- Use light weight leave conditioners for curly hair extensions:These conditioners help maintain hydration without weighing down the curls.
Nightly Care Tips for Sleeping with Human Hair Extensions
- Don’t sleep with wet hair as its weakest when wet, so it’s important not to make the situation worse by sleeping on it that way.
- Loosely braid your hair:If you decide to keep your hair extensions in overnight,gently braid your hair or wrap it up. This helps protect it from friction and prevents tangling while you sleep.
- Wrap in a hair bonnet: Use a silk bonnet or hair scarf keep your hair intact and reduce frizz.
- Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so it's best to avoid sleeping on it while damp to prevent further damage.
In conclusion, giving your extensions the proper wash and care they need is key to keeping them fresh and flawless, no matter the type. Whether you’re using clip-ins, sew-ins, or braiding hair, these essential haircare tips will help your extensions last longer and stay beautiful.
Ready to take your hair to the next level? Explore CurlsQueen’s range of human hair extensions for every style. And don’t forget to check out our latest blog posts for more tips and styling ideas to keep your extensions looking their best!