Hair Extensions Maintenance: How to Keep Them Looking Amazing
If you've just invested in a stunning new set of hair extensions, congratulations! At Hair Candy, we know the confidence that comes with a beautiful, full head of hair. Whether you're visiting us from Gold Coast, Varsity Lakes, or Brisbane, your extensions deserve top-quality care to keep them looking just as incredible as the day you left the salon.
Proper hair extensions aftercare isnβt just about looks β it's about protecting your investment and keeping your natural hair healthy underneath. In this guide, weβll share everything you need to know about maintaining extensions, including how to wash, brush, style, and sleep with them, along with our top hair salon advice and recommended products.
Why Aftercare Matters
Hair extensions are made from either human hair or synthetic fibers. At Hair Candy, we use high-quality Remy human hair extensions that, with proper care, can last from 6 to 12 months β or even longer.
Unlike natural hair, extensions donβt receive nutrients and oils from your scalp. That means they need a little extra help to stay soft, hydrated, and tangle-free. Poor maintenance can lead to:
Tangling and matting
Dry, brittle strands
Shedding or damage
Premature slipping or loosening of bonds/tapes
Damage to your natural hair
Hair Extensions Aftercare: The Essentials
1. Washing Your Hair Extensions Properly
You should wash your hair 1β2 times per week depending on your lifestyle and how oily your scalp gets. Hereβs how to do it right:
β DO:
Use sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners.
Gently brush your hair before washing to remove tangles.
Tilt your head back and let the water flow downward (never flip your head over).
Use lukewarm water β never hot β to avoid drying the hair.
Focus shampoo on your scalp and roots only, and let the suds gently cleanse the lengths.
Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the bonds or tapes.
β DONβT:
Scrub your scalp aggressively or rub hair together.
Use products with alcohol, sulfates, or high protein content β they dry out the hair.
Leave conditioner or products near the root/bond area.
2. Brushing & Detangling
Brushing is one of the most important parts of maintaining extensions. Tangling can cause unnecessary strain on both your extensions and natural hair.
Our Hair Salon Advice:
Use a loop brush or a wide-tooth comb designed for hair extensions.
Always brush before washing, before bed, and after waking up.
Hold the hair firmly at the roots and start brushing from the ends upward to avoid pulling.
Be especially gentle around bonds, tapes, or beads.
π‘ Hair Candy Tip: Keep a mini loop brush in your handbag for midday touch-ups!
3. Drying Your Hair Extensions
Never go to bed with wet hair β itβs one of the fastest ways to damage your extensions and cause matting.
Drying Do's:
Gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel (donβt rub).
Always blow-dry the root area thoroughly to avoid slipping bonds.
Use a cool or medium heat setting, and apply a heat protectant spray every time.
Let mid-lengths and ends air dry if possible for less heat exposure.
4. Styling Your Extensions Safely
Styling your extensions is where the magic happens β but itβs important to treat them gently, especially with heat.
Styling Tips:
Use heat tools under 180Β°C (356Β°F) and always apply thermal protection spray.
Avoid using heat every day β opt for heatless styles when possible.
Never use hot tools near tape or bond areas.
Try loose waves, ponytails, or braids to reduce heat damage and tension.
5. Sleeping with Hair Extensions
Night-time care is just as important as daytime maintenance. Here's how to sleep without damaging your extensions.
Bedtime Routine:
Brush hair thoroughly before bed.
Tie hair in a loose braid or ponytail to prevent tangling.
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase β it reduces friction and breakage.
Never sleep with wet hair extensions!
Our Favourite Products for Hair Extensions Aftercare
At Hair Candy, we stock salon-grade products that are safe for all types of extensions. Here are a few of our top picks:
π Shampoo & Conditioner:
Hair Candy Signature Shampoo 300ml β Sulfate-free, deeply nourishing, perfect for keeping extensions smooth and strong.
Hair Candy Signature Conditioner 300ml β Gentle and Australian-made, ideal for daily moisture.
π Heat Protectant:
Candy Coat Heat Protectorβ A salon favourite to prevent damage from curling and straightening tools.
π Extension-Friendly Brushes:
Hair Candy Signature Brush β Specially designed to glide through extensions without tugging.
Want to know which products suit your specific hair type and extension method? Just ask your stylist at your next appointment!
Professional Maintenance Appointments
Even with the best at-home care, your extensions need regular salon check-ups. We recommend:
Re-taping or re-bonding every 6β8 weeks
Tightening wefts or microbeads every 4β6 weeks
Deep conditioning treatments every 4β8 weeks depending on hair type
At Hair Candy, our expert stylists will check for any slipping bonds, dryness, or damage β and weβll guide you on how to adjust your routine if needed.
Hair Salon Advice: What to Avoid
To keep your extensions looking amazing:
π« Donβt use purple shampoo unless your stylist says itβs safe for your extension colour.
π« Avoid swimming in chlorinated water without protection (more in our swim care guide).
π« Never colour your extensions at home β always come into the salon for professional advice.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your extensions isnβt difficult β it just takes a little consistency and the right products. By following this hair extensions aftercare guide, youβll keep your strands silky, shiny, and full of life between salon visits.
At Hair Candy, weβre here to support you every step of the way. Whether youβre wearing tapes, wefts, keratin bonds, or custom blends, we provide expert hair salon advice tailored to your lifestyle and hair goals.
Ready to refresh your extensions or book a check-up?
π Visit us in Gold Coast, Varsity Lakes, or Brisbane
π¬ Call or book online at www.haircandy.com.au
