How to Care for Your Hair Extensions So They Look Better, Longer

Whether you want to add length, volume, or simply switch up your style for a new season, hair extensions are a great option. They offer flexibility, but without proper care, you can end up with matted hair, dull strands, or even worse, irreversible damage to your real hair. We want you to snatch your edges… not lose them.

Even though it doesn’t grow from your scalp, you must take care of extension hair as if it does — after all, you paid for it, sis!  “The best way to maintain your extensions is to take care of them as you would your own hair. Use products that you would use on your hair and [avoid] too many harsh chemicals,” advises hairstylist Sabrina Porsche, who worked on Black Is King and gave Beyoncé those golden beaded braids for the “OTR II” tour book.

Not all extensions are created equal. The look you are trying to achieve as well as your hair texture will determine the best extensions for you. Sew-ins are extensions that are literally sewn onto cornrows made with your own hair (plus added braiding hair for durability). While this technique is often illustrated on Black women, anyone can try this particular method. Porsche explains, “The benefit of sew-ins are that you can get a super long wear, a protective style, and it promotes hair growth.”

Another extremely popular option for your hair are tape-ins, which work as the name suggests: The extensions are placed on thin tape wefts and sandwiched between your real hair. They aren’t bulky if installed correctly; in fact, Porsche says one of the main benefits is that they “look super natural and undetectable.” She also raves about clip-ins for the woman who may not have a lot of time on her hands or has minimal experience with extensions. She elaborates, “They are great for quick and temporary length and to add volume.”

Other options include microlinks, a type of hair extension that is attached to your hair by taking small strands and securing the extensions with little silicone beads, which Porsche says are also great for length and volume. These are also slightly higher maintenance with necessary hair appointments at least once a month for upkeep. The next level up from microlinks are keratin extensions. Like microlinks, they fuse small strands of your hair with the extensions; however, unlike microlinks, they use heated keratin protein to bond and fuse your hair and the extensions. They’re pricey, but pretty much undetectable — making them a popular option amongst celebrities.

No matter what type of extension you decide to get, they all require some upkeep. We spoke with some of the best hairstylists in the game to share their tips on the best way to maintain your hair extensions to keep that install looking impeccable.

Replace extensions regularly.

Even with the best maintenance, you can’t wear the same extensions forever. Porsche says a sew-in can stay in for up to two to three months with proper care and regular trips to your hairstylist. “You will know it’s absolutely time for your hair to come out when your install is completely showing because your hair has grown out so much. Also if it’s been a few months and the style you starts to look like a completely different style from which you started with — and not in a good way — it’s time to come out,” says renowned hairstylist Kim Kimble, who also worked on Black Is King, and whose hands have graced the crowns of Zendaya, Tyra Banks, Brandy, and more. She recommends replacing extensions “every six to eight weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows, across the board for all extensions at all lengths and textures to avoid matting and tangling.”

There are extensions that can last for a while — hairstylist David Lopez, known for adding sleek inches to the hair of models like Ashley Graham and Hailey Baldwin Bieber, notes that strand by strand extensions can be worn up to six months. However, they will not last that long without the proper upkeep and maintenance by your hairstylist — you should book a monthly appointment. Porsche warns, “If you leave microlinks in too long, the beads tend to bend out of whack and when you’re trying to take them out. They become distorted and can rip out your hair.” If you aren’t sure you can commit to so much upkeep, try clip-ins. “Clip-ins are great because you can take them out at the end of each day,” Lopez says.

If you have curls and you want to play with your length, try UQueen Hair, which has kinky curl and kinky coil options covering the 3B to 4C hair range. If you are looking for non-curly clip-in options and not sure where to go, try Indique Hair. They sell bundles, wigs, and clip-ins in multiple textures. Hidden Crown Hair is a red-carpet favorite and known not only for its array of  colors but also thickness — each set contains a volumizer and two side pieces to help you add to your hair and blend seamlessly. Luxy Hair also offers classic, seamless, and halo extensions as well.  Remember to take care of your clip-ins by washing and conditioning them. To add longevity, spray them with a leave-in conditioner on them and store them in a silk or satin bag.

Install your extensions correctly.

Lopez stresses that maintaining your hair extensions starts with how you install them. He warns, “Always make sure that your extensions are applied by a professional who has been trained in that extension method.” Poor installation can lead to damaging your natural hair and having to remove that style sooner than you wanted to.