Hair Extension Aftercare (Arizona Edition)

Washing

• Wash 2–3 times a week at most — extension hair doesn't get your scalp's natural oils.
• Use a sulfate-free shampoo at the scalp; work conditioner from mid-length to ends only.
• Wash upright (in the shower) rather than flipping your hair forward, to avoid tangling.
• Dry your roots and attachments completely. Damp bonds or beads can slip and tangle.

Brushing

Use a soft-bristle or loop extension brush. Hold the hair at the root with one hand and brush from the ends up. Brush before washing and before bed.

Sleeping

Never sleep with wet hair. Put it in a loose braid or low ponytail, and use a silk or satin pillowcase to cut friction.

Heat styling

Always use a heat protectant, keep tools on a moderate setting, and keep hot tools off K-tip bonds and tape.

Swimming and the sun

Wet your hair with clean water and add leave-in conditioner before the pool, braid it, and rinse soon after. A hat or UV leave-in helps blonde extensions keep their tone. More in protecting blonde hair from the Arizona sun and pool.

What to avoid

• Oils and silicones on the bonds or tape
• Removing or adjusting extensions at home
• Box dye or at-home lightener on extension hair
• Going far past your move-up date

Not sure which products to use? Ask your stylist at your appointment — The Hair Lounge carries professional shampoos, conditioners and heat protectants in the salon and online.

Common questions

Keep reading

• How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?How long K-tip, hand-tied weft and tape-in hair extensions last per install and overall, a
• What Is an Extension Move-Up?What an extension move-up is, why hand-tied and tape-in extensions need one every 6–8 week
• Hard Water & Your Hair in ScottsdaleHow very hard water in Scottsdale and the Phoenix area affects hair and color, signs of mi
• Hair Extensions GuideA plain-English guide to hair extensions — K-tip (keratin bond), hand-tied weft and tape-i