How to Care for Hair Extensions: Sew-Ins, Clip-Ins and Ponytails

Good extensions can last a year or more, but only with the right care. Extension hair doesn't get natural oils from your scalp, so it dries out faster than your own hair, and it tangles more easily if it's treated roughly. Here's how to look after sew-in bundles, clip-ins and ponytails so they stay soft, full and tangle-free.

First, know what you're wearing

• Human hair (virgin, raw or Remy) can be washed, heat styled and often colored, just like your own hair.
• Synthetic or blended hair needs products made for synthetic fibers, and hot tools can melt it unless it's labeled heat-friendly.

Not sure what the labels mean? Read hair grades explained.

Sew-in bundles

• Wash every 1 to 2 weeks with a sulfate-free shampoo. Smooth it down the hair instead of scrubbing, and clean your scalp between the tracks with the tips of your fingers or a nozzle bottle.
• Condition the lengths, not the wefts, and deep condition every week or two.
• Dry your braids completely. Damp braids under a sew-in can smell and irritate your scalp. Use a hooded dryer or a blow dryer on cool along the tracks.
• Don't keep it in too long. Most stylists suggest 6 to 8 weeks, and dermatologists advise no more than two or three months, so your own hair and scalp get a break.

Clip-ins and ponytails

• Take them out before bed and before swimming or working out.
• Wash after about every 15 to 20 wears, or sooner if you use a lot of product. Lay them flat to dry, never wring them.
• Clip them to a section of hair, not your scalp. Tease or spray the root area lightly so the clips grip without pulling.
• Brush them while they're off your head, holding the top of the weft so you don't pull hair out.

Shop clip-in extensions and ponytails.

Everyday care for all extensions

• Detangle from the ends up with a wide-tooth comb or a soft brush.
• Use heat protectant and low to medium heat. A spray like Marée Heat Protection Hair Spray protects up to 450°F. See our heat styling guide.
• Clarify now and then. If the hair feels stiff or heavy, a clarifying shampoo like Lemon & Rosemary Clarifying Shampoo lifts product buildup.
• Sleep in silk. Put long hair in a loose braid and wear a silk bonnet to cut down on friction and tangles.
• Keep chlorine and salt water off, or wet the hair with clean water and add a leave-in conditioner first.

Storing extensions

• Make sure they're completely dry, then detangle.
• Store clip-ins flat or hanging so they don't kink. A hair extension carrier bag with a hanger keeps them straight and dust-free.
• Keep them away from sunlight, heat and steam.

Protect your own hair

Extensions should never hurt. If your braids or clips feel tight, cause bumps, or your edges start thinning, loosen things up and give your hair a break. Here's how to protect your natural hair.

Keep reading

• How many bundles do you need?
• How to care for virgin hair extensions
• Shop bundle deals, sew-in bundles, closures and frontals