HAIR EXTENSION HOMECARE
Your Guide to Beautifully Maintained Extensions
Your hair extensions are an investment, and the way you care for them between appointments plays an important role in how they look, feel, and wear over time. We've put together this guide to help you feel confident caring for your extensions at home, from your daily brushing routine to washing, styling, sleeping, and maintenance.
Save this page as a reference, and remember that we're always here if you have questions. A little extra care each day can make a big difference in keeping your extensions comfortable, manageable, and beautifully blended.
Everyday Care
Small Habits, Big Difference
Brushing your extensions at least twice a day helps prevent tangles from building up around your wefts and throughout the lengths. Start at the ends and gently work your way up, using your free hand to support the hair near the attachment points. An extension-friendly brush and gentle strokes will help you work through tangles without putting unnecessary tension on your natural hair.
Extension hair doesn't receive the natural oils produced by your scalp the way your own hair does, so the mids and ends can become dry over time. Applying a small amount of a recommended hair oil daily helps keep the lengths soft, smooth, and manageable. Focus on the mids and ends rather than applying oil directly near the attachment points.
Try to address tangles as soon as you notice them instead of allowing them to tighten throughout the day. Gentle, consistent care is much easier on your hair than working through a larger knot later.
Washing Your Extensions
A fresh start for your extensions
Most guests do well washing their extensions once or twice a week, depending on their scalp, lifestyle, and individual needs. If you need to wash your natural hair more frequently, a mohawk wash can help you cleanse your scalp and natural hair between your rows without fully washing your extensions each time. Ask your stylist to show you the proper technique for your installation.
Before washing, thoroughly brush your hair to remove tangles. Focus shampoo on your scalp, gently cleansing between the rows with your fingertips rather than scrubbing aggressively or piling your hair on top of your head. Rinse thoroughly, then apply conditioner mainly to the mids and ends, keeping it away from your beads, wefts, and attachment points to help prevent buildup.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a towel, detangle from the ends upward, and apply your recommended leave-in products as needed. Always make sure your roots and attachment areas are completely dry to help prevent tangling and matting.
Drying & Styling
Protect your extensions while creating your favorite look.
A thoughtful blow-dry routine helps keep your extensions smooth, manageable, and looking their best. Always apply a heat protectant before using a blow-dryer or hot tools, and begin by gently rough-drying your hair with your fingers. Once it's mostly dry, use a round brush to smooth your natural hair and a flexible bristle brush for the extensions, avoiding aggressive brushing or unnecessary tension around your attachments.
Use a moderate heat setting suited to your hair and extension type, and avoid repeatedly passing hot tools over the same section. While extensions can help curls and waves hold their shape longer, excessive heat can still cause dryness and damage over time.
Dry shampoo can help refresh your hair between washes, but use it sparingly to avoid buildup. Keep heavier products, oils, masks, and conditioners away from your attachment points unless your stylist recommends otherwise.
If you're visiting another stylist for a blowout, let them know you wear extensions before your service begins. Ask them to be gentle around your attachments, avoid aggressive brushing, and rough-dry your hair before using a round brush.
Sleeping with Extensions
A little prep before you rest
A few minutes of care before bed can help prevent tangling and reduce friction overnight. Gently brush through your extensions from the ends upward, then apply a small amount of your recommended hair oil to the mids and ends if needed.
Secure your hair in a loose braid, low ponytail, or soft bun with a scrunchie to keep it from tangling while you sleep. A silk or satin pillowcase can also help minimize friction. Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your attachments or place unnecessary tension on your natural hair.
Always make sure your hair and attachment areas are completely dry before going to bed. Sleeping with damp extensions can lead to tangling and matting, especially around the rows.
Active Days & Sun Exposure
Enjoy your routine while being mindful of your extensions.
You can enjoy your usual activities with extensions, but a little extra care helps keep your hair looking its best. During workouts, secure your hair in a loose braid or ponytail to minimize tangling, and brush gently afterward. Cleanse your scalp as needed to remove sweat and product buildup.
Chlorine and salt water can cause dryness, tangling, and color changes, so limit prolonged exposure when possible or wear a swim cap. Before swimming, wet your hair with clean water and hair oil, then secure it in a braid. Afterward, rinse thoroughly, gently detangle, and follow your stylist's recommended washing and conditioning routine.
Be mindful of sunscreen and tanning products, as some formulas can discolor extension hair, especially lighter shades. Wash your hands after applying sunscreen and avoid transferring it to your hair. Hard water can also leave mineral buildup that affects softness and color. If your extensions feel different or your color starts to shift, check with your stylist before using a clarifying shampoo or other treatment.
Maintainence
Keep your extensions comfortable, seamless, and secure.
Move-up appointments are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks, depending on your natural hair growth, installation, and how snug you prefer your extensions to feel. As your hair grows, your extensions move farther from your scalp, making regular maintenance important for comfort, blending, and protecting your natural hair.
During your appointment, your stylist will reposition your wefts and check how your natural hair and extensions are wearing. Waiting too long between visits can lead to tangling or matting around the attachment points and create unnecessary tension on your natural hair. We recommend booking your next move-up before leaving the salon to stay on track with your maintenance schedule.
If your extensions feel unusually loose, tight, or uncomfortable before your next appointment, reach out to us!
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Here to Help
Your extension team, beyond the appointment.
Some shedding and changes in how your extensions sit can happen with regular wear, but excessive tangling, matting, slipping, persistent tenderness, or discomfort shouldn't be ignored. If brushing becomes difficult or you notice an attachment pulling on your natural hair, reach out to the Tousled team so we can assess what's happening.
Avoid pulling, cutting, or attempting to remove or adjust an attachment yourself. Addressing concerns early can help prevent further issues and protect your natural hair.
Whether you have a concern about your installation, need help with your at-home routine, or aren't sure which products are right for your extensions, we're happy to help. Your stylist can guide you based on your hair type, extension method, and individual needs. When in doubt, reach out before trying something new.