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.

Extension Care Maintenance

Extension
Maintenance & Move-Ups

Beautiful extensions stay flawless with consistent upkeep. Each method has its own rhythm, and staying on schedule ensures your extensions blend seamlessly, stay comfortable, & protect your natural hair and scalp.

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.

Extension
Maintenance Visits at Dwell

An extension maintenance appointment is the perfect time to give your extensions (and your style) an extra boost. At Dwell, we offer specialty add-on services designed to restore shine, refresh color, and keep your extensions looking their absolute best.

✨ Gloss Add-On

A quick gloss treatment that revives tone, enhances vibrancy, and leaves your extensions with a mirror-like shine.

✨ Extension Refresh

Our signature refresh service: we carefully remove your row, re-lowlight, gloss, and deep condition your extensions. It’s like pressing the reset button—bringing your extensions back to life so they feel and look brand new.

Book My Maintenance Appointment →

Extension Products We Love

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.

    💡 Biggest 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.