Hair Extension Care Guide

Extensions are an investment in your confidence and style—and proper care ensures they stay seamless, shiny, and healthy. With the right routine and products, you’ll extend their lifespan, protect your natural hair, and keep your look as fresh as the day you left the salon.

Your roadmap to long-lasting, flawless hair extensions.

Extension Care Routine & Tips

Extension
Brushing & Detangling

  • Use an extension-safe brush such as the MISEL Professional Boar Bristle Hair Brush.

  • Always brush from ends → roots, holding your extensions at the base to reduce tension.

  • Brush 2x a day (morning + evening) and anytime needed to prevent tangles.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to brush! Proper, gentle brushing keeps your extensions healthy.

Extension
Washing & Conditioning

  • Wash 1–2 times per week with a sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo.

  • Focus shampoo on your scalp; apply conditioner only to mid-lengths and ends.

  • Rinse thoroughly between rows—leftover product can lead to build-up.

  • Always blow-dry your roots completely to prevent moisture at the attachment points.

Extension
Styling & Heat Protection

  • Always apply a heat protectant (we love R+Co Hypersonic) before using hot tools.

  • Keep hot tools below 325°F to avoid damage.

  • Be mindful not to tug or pull while styling.

Extension Care Nighttime Routine

Extension
Bedtime Care

Your extensions need a little TLC at night to wake up smooth and tangle-free:

  • Brush gently before bed to remove the day’s tangles.

  • Secure your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail with a soft scrunchie—this keeps hair neat without putting pressure on your extensions.

  • Switch to silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction, prevent breakage, and keep both your natural hair and extensions softer for longer.

  • Nourish overnight by applying a light, salon-approved hair oil through the mid-lengths and ends for extra shine and softness.

💡 Think of your bedtime routine as setting your extensions up for success—just a few simple steps will keep them looking fresh day after day.

Sun & Swim
Protecting Your Extensions

Swim

Summer fun doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your extensions. With the right care, you can enjoy the sun, pool, and beach while keeping your hair healthy, hydrated, and tangle-free.

🏖 Before You Swim

  • Pre-Treat: Wet your hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner to create a barrier against chlorine and saltwater.

  • Braids Are Best: Secure your extensions in a braid or low bun to minimize tangling and friction.

🌊 After You Swim

  • Rinse Immediately: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water as soon as you get out of the pool or ocean.

  • Hydrate & Restore: Follow up with a gentle, hydrating shampoo and conditioner to remove chemicals and salt while replenishing moisture.

SUN

Sun Protection for Extensions

The sun’s UV rays can dry out extensions, fade color, and weaken bonds if not properly protected. The key is to create a barrier between your hair and the sun, whether through products or physical coverage.

  • Hair SPF
    Use a UV-protecting spray or leave-in made for color-treated hair.

  • Skip Oils Near Bonds
    Choose oil-free formulas to avoid weakening extension bonds.

  • Physical Protection
    Hats, scarves, or simply finding shade are the easiest ways to protect your hair outdoors.

Sunscreen & Discoloration

Chemical sunscreens and blonde or light extensions don’t mix. Certain ingredients can react with your hair, causing unwanted green or orange tones.

SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

  • Avobenzone

  • Octocrylene

  • Oxybenzone

  • Homosalate

  • Octinoxate

  • Spray sunscreens (often contain drying alcohols)

  • Hair oils with chemical UV filters

These chemical filters can absorb into your skin and hair, potentially causing fading or discoloration.

What to Use Instead: Mineral SPF Formulas

Mineral-based sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. They’re far less likely to dull or discolor your extensions.

Pro Tips

  • Apply sunscreen to your body with clean hands, then wash before touching your hair.

  • Always check your hair products for extension-safe UV protection.

  • Rinse hair after swimming to remove sunscreen, chlorine, or salt.

  • When possible, opt for shade or cover with a hat or scarf.

Extension Care Maintenance

Extension
Maintenance Visits at Dwell

Our maintenance services are tailored to what your extensions need at each visit. While we’re always just a call or text away if you need help booking, we typically schedule your next appointment during your visit to keep your extensions on track and stress-free.

Hand-Tied Maintenance / Move-Up

For existing weft extension guests needing their rows moved up.
First-time maintenance guests should give us a call to confirm details.

Tape-In Maintenance

Extension Removal

Add-On Extension Color + refresh Services

Extension Refresh / Color (Signature Service)

This is a great add-on service for your extension maintenance appointment. It involves meticulously coloring, low-lighting, and glossing your extensions to refresh the color for ultimate longevity. Book alongside a color service and/or extension maintenance. One hour needed per row of extensions.

Gloss Add-On

  • We reommend adding a quick gloss treatment to your visit revive tone, enhance vibrancy, and add shine.

Book My Maintenance Appointment →

Extension
Maintenance & Move-Ups

Extensions look and feel their best with consistent upkeep. Staying on schedule keeps your extensions comfortable, protects your natural hair, and ensures your style blends seamlessly.

How often should I Schedule Extension Move-ups?

  • Wefts: every 6–8 weeks

  • Tape-Ins: every 6–10 weeks

  • I-Tips: every 6–8 weeks

  • K-Tips: every 4–5 months

How long are extension Maintenance Appointments?

  • Wefts: 1–3 hours, depending on the number of rows

  • Tape-Ins: 1–2 hours

  • K-Tips: 1–2 hours for removal

  • I-Tips: 1–2 hours for maintenance

✨ Pro Tip: Think of these visits as your built-in refresh. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your extensions, but it also keeps your style polished and your natural hair healthy.

Products
FOr Extensions

Avoid using products with sulfates, parabens, or high alcohol content, as these can dry out and damage your extensions. Oils and heavy conditioners should also be kept away from the roots, since they can loosen bonds and shorten the life of your extensions.

Extension Products We Love At Dwell

R+Co Bleu
Smooth & Seal
(blow-dry protection + faster dry time)

R+Co Bleu
F-Layer Mist
(detangler + wearable mask)

R+Co Bleu
Hypersonic
(heat protection on dry hair)

Extension
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

Dryness or Dullness

  • Use F-Layer Mist, a leave-in wearable mask, to hydrate and restore shine.

  • Avoid bond-building treatments (like Olaplex or K18) on your extensions—they will damage the hair.

Extension Slipping or Shedding

  • Always dry your bonds completely after washing.

  • Avoid pulling hair too tightly in ponytails or pushing back with sunglasses/headbands.

  • If a bead slips, schedule a 15-minute complimentary Quick Fix appointment.

💡 Top reasons why extensions don’t last?
Skipping heat protection, overusing high heat, or using bond-builders.

Here at Dwell, we want your extensions to feel effortless and empowering every single day.

With the right care at home—and regular salon visits—you’ll enjoy long-lasting, beautiful results.