Can Hair Extensions Get Split Ends?
Short answer: Yes. Hair extensions can get split ends just like your natural hair.
Many clients are surprised to learn that although hair extensions are not growing from your scalp, they still require the same level of care and maintenance to stay healthy and looking beautiful. In fact, proper care plays an even more important role in maintaining the lifespan and appearance of your extensions.
At Hair Candy, a trusted hair salon on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, we educate our clients on how to care for their extensions properly so they stay shiny, soft, and free from breakage. In this blog, we will cover why hair extensions get split ends, how to prevent them, and what you can do to keep your extension hair health in top condition.
Why Do Hair Extensions Get Split Ends?
Although hair extensions are no longer connected to your scalp, they are typically made from real human hair. This is especially true of the high-quality, ethically sourced hair we use at Hair Candy. Since they are real hair, they can still experience wear and tear from:
Heat styling tools like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers
Friction from brushing, sleeping, or tight hairstyles
Dryness due to lack of natural scalp oils
Product buildup or chemical exposure
Neglected maintenance like skipping regular trims
Over time, these stressors cause the ends of your extensions to become dry and brittle. Eventually, they split just like the ends of natural hair.
What Do Split Ends on Extensions Look Like?
Split ends on hair extensions look similar to those on natural hair. You may notice frayed, wispy, or uneven ends that feel rough and look dull. If ignored, the damage can travel up the hair shaft, making the extensions harder to manage and reducing their overall lifespan.
You might also experience:
Increased tangling and matting
Difficulty styling the hair smoothly
More frequent shedding
A generally dry or lifeless look
How to Prevent Split Ends in Hair Extensions
Preventing split ends is much easier than trying to fix them once they occur. With the right care routine and advice from your Hair Candy stylist, your extensions can stay healthy, vibrant, and beautiful.
Here are our top recommendations for caring for hair extensions and preventing split ends.
1. Use Professional-Grade, Sulfate-Free Products
Good extension care begins with the right products. Always use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are safe for extensions. These formulas are gentle on the hair and help maintain moisture, which is key to preventing dryness and split ends.
Avoid:
Products with alcohol or sulfates
Clarifying shampoos used too often
Heavy styling creams that cause buildup
Our team at Hair Candy will recommend the best salon-quality products for your specific hair type and extension style.
2. Limit Heat and Use a Protectant
Heat is one of the main causes of hair extensions split ends. Just like your own hair, extensions can become dry and damaged from repeated exposure to hot tools.
To protect your hair:
Always apply a thermal protectant spray before styling
Use straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers on low to medium heat
Avoid daily heat styling when possible
Try no-heat styles like braids or rollers for waves
3. Brush Gently and Consistently
Using the right brush is key to caring for hair extensions. We recommend using a soft bristle or loop brush that is specifically made for extensions.
Brush your hair:
At least twice a day
Starting from the ends and moving upward
While holding the roots to reduce tension
Before going to bed or washing
This helps prevent tangling and breakage that leads to split ends.
4. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Friction from tossing and turning during sleep can cause split ends over time. To protect your hair while you sleep:
Tie it into a loose braid or ponytail
Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction
Never go to bed with wet hair
These small steps can make a big difference in the condition of your extensions.
5. Schedule Regular Trims
Just like your natural hair, extensions benefit from regular trims. Cutting the ends every 6 to 8 weeks helps remove split ends before they worsen and keeps the overall look fresh and healthy.
At Hair Candy, our stylists are trained in trimming extensions without affecting their length or blend. We will also assess your extension hair health and recommend maintenance to extend their life.
Hair Candyβs Approach to Extension Hair Health
At Hair Candy, we believe that beautiful hair starts with healthy hair. Our stylists take great care to ensure every client receives top-quality extensions and personalized aftercare guidance. Whether you are wearing tape-ins, keratin bonds, or wefts, we help you maintain your hair at home between appointments.
Why clients across the Gold Coast and Brisbane choose Hair Candy:
Ethically sourced 100 percent human hair
Expert installation by experienced stylists
Extension-specific products and tools
Tailored maintenance plans
Free education on at-home care routines
We are not just a hair salon. We are your extension care partner for the long term.
When Should You Replace Your Extensions?
No matter how well you care for them, extensions will eventually show signs of wear. Watch for the following:
Dry or frayed ends that continue splitting
Shedding more than usual
Difficulty holding styles or blending with natural hair
You have had the same set for 3 to 6 months
If you are unsure whether to trim or replace, book a check-up at your nearest Hair Candy salon. We will give you honest advice and help you make the best decision for your hair.
Final Thoughts
Yes, hair extensions can get split ends, but that does not mean you have to live with them. With regular care, gentle styling habits, and professional guidance, you can enjoy long-lasting, beautiful extensions that look and feel amazing.
If you are noticing dryness, breakage, or dull ends in your current extensions, donβt wait. Let the expert team at Hair Candy help restore your extension hair health with a maintenance appointment or fresh install.
