How To Wash Hair Extensions
/ FEB 28, 2025
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Index
Wondering how to wash hair extensions properly? Whether you’ve invested in clip-in hair extensions for a quick transformation or decided on the long-term magic of professional hair extensions like tape-ins or nano rings, washing them the right way is crucial. Not only does it keep them looking silky smooth, but it also extends their lifespan – because let’s be honest, who wants to spend money on premium Remy hair extensions only for them to become a dry, tangled mess? Keep reading to discover how to wash hair extensions like a pro and keep your locks looking flawless!
Can You Wash Your Hair with Hair Extensions?
The short answer? Yes, absolutely! But the method depends on the type of extensions you’re wearing. Washing your hair with extensions requires a little more care than your natural hair to prevent unnecessary damage or slippage.
If you’re wearing clip in hair extensions, the golden rule is to remove them before washing. Since these beauties don’t live on your head full-time, they don’t need to be washed as often as your natural hair. Over washing can lead to dryness, so a gentle cleanse every 10 to15 wears is usually enough.
On the other hand, permanent hair extensions – such as tape-in hair extensions or nano extensions – stay attached for weeks at a time, so you’ll need to wash them along with your natural hair. But don’t just dive in headfirst with your usual shampoo routine. These extensions require extra TLC to keep them intact, hydrated, and free from product build-up. So, how do you wash your hair with extensions without causing a hair disaster? Let’s break it down...
How to Wash Hair Extensions: Step-by-Step Guide
Regardless of whether you have clip in extensions, tape-in hair extensions, or nano extensions, the basic principles of washing remain the same: be gentle, use the right products, and avoid unnecessary tangling. Follow this expert-approved guide to keep your human hair extensions looking salon-fresh.
Step 1: Brush Before You Wash
Before getting your extensions wet, always detangle them using a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage. If you’re dealing with clip-in hair extensions, brush them while they’re dry and laid out on a flat surface. For tape-in extensions or nano hair extensions, be extra gentle near the roots to avoid loosening the attachments and bonds.
Step 2: Use a Sulphate-Free Shampoo
Not all shampoos are created equal – especially when it comes to extensions. Sulphates strip the hair of moisture, and since extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, they need all the hydration they can get. Opt for our sulphate-free, extension-friendly shampoo to keep your Remy hair extensions looking glossy and soft.
Step 3: Wash with Care
For clip in hair extensions, you’ll want to remove them and brush them out thoroughly before washing. Wet them in a sink with lukewarm water piece by piece and apply a generous amount of shampoo to each weft. Let the product set in for a few moments, before running the water through each piece under the tap, gradually washing out the shampoo. Repeat the same with conditioner, before rinsing thoroughly and placing on a hair extension holder to airdry.
If you’re washing your natural hair with tape-in hair extensions or nano hair extensions, focus on massaging the shampoo into your scalp without rubbing the extensions too aggressively. Let the shampoo rinse through the lengths without excessive friction.
Step 4: Condition Like a Pro
Conditioner is your best friend when it comes to human hair extensions. Apply our hydrating conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots if you’re wearing tape-in extensions or nano hair extensions, as excess moisture can loosen the bonds. Leave it in for a few minutes to deeply hydrate the strands before rinsing with cool or luke-warm water.
If your locks desire a little extra TLC, you can apply our deep conditioning Hair Mask. When washing clip ins, you can apply the treatment every time, but it’s advised to only be used once or twice a week maximum when washing natural hair or permanent extensions.
Step 4: Rinse Hair Thoroughly
When rinsing out any product from your hair extensions, it’s super important to thoroughly rinse, especially when wearing permanent extensions. This avoids any scalp irritation or flakiness from occurring. Extensions need a little longer than natural hair due to their thickness. Finally, always ensure that the water is clear before finishing up!
Step 5: Dry Gently and Avoid Excess Heat
Blot – don’t rub – your extensions with a towel to remove excess water. For clip in extensions, lay them flat to air-dry or place them in a hair extension holder. If you’re wearing permanent extensions, use a blow dryer on a low heat setting, focusing on the roots first before drying the lengths. Always use our heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
How to Wash Tape In Hair Extensions
As many of us know, knowing how to wash with tape in extensions in requires a little extra love to keep them secure and looking their best. The key is to avoid any products that contain alcohol or oils near the adhesive tape, as these can weaken the bonds. When washing, tilt your head back in the shower and gently work the shampoo in with your fingertips, avoiding circular motions that could cause tangling. Always rinse thoroughly to prevent residue build-up, which can make your extensions feel heavy.
How to Wash Nano Hair Extensions
Tiny but mighty, nano hair extensions, particularly nano rings require a delicate touch when washing. Avoid flipping your head upside down in the shower, as this can create unnecessary tension on the bonds. Instead, let the water run down your hair naturally. Use lightweight, extension-friendly products and ensure you rinse thoroughly to prevent build-up around the nano beads. Brushing your hair before washing will also help keep knots and tangles at bay.
How to Wash Clip In Hair Extensions
Since clip-in hair extensions aren’t attached to your head, you don’t need to wash them as frequently as your natural hair. When it’s time for a refresh, soak them in a sink with lukewarm water piece by piece and apply a generous amount of shampoo and conditioner to each weft. Avoid scrubbing too hard – simply run the product through the hair, rinse, and follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment to restore moisture. Once clean, let them air-dry completely before styling.
How to Wash Curly Clip In Extensions
Washing your curly clip ins kind of works in the same way as you would wash any other type of clip in hair extensions. However, it's important that you pay attention to the pattern of your curly clip ins, being gentle to their texture. Textured hair extensions, just like textured hair, naturally struggle to retain moisture, so it’s important that you handle them with care.
Washing Hair Extensions With Purple Shampoo
Our Silver Lining Purple Toning Shampoo can be used in a variety of methods depending on the type of hair you are using it on and on your desired finish. For example, if using on hair extensions, you should use the Shampoo Bath method which you can find full instructions for below. For use on natural hair, follow these steps and use the intensity guide for soaking times. In short, the longer you leave the shampoo on the hair the darker and ashier it will go.
Simply fill a bath or sink with warm water and mix in a few squirts of the Purple Shampoo. Once fully combined, submerge your extensions into the water piece by piece and soak for up to 30 seconds, then check the colour by rubbing the product off with your fingers. If you’re happy with the result, simply rinse and condition the hair in a separate bowl and dry as normal. For a full breakdown, you can explore our expert guide: How to Use Purple Shampoo or browse our full Quench The Thirst haircare collection for more essentials for your extensions.
Conclusion:
No matter what type of extensions you have, the secret to maintaining them is gentleness and hydration. Human hair extensions, whether clip-ins, tape-ins, or nanos, don’t produce natural oils, so they rely on you to keep them nourished. Using the right products, washing carefully, and avoiding excess heat will help your extensions last longer and stay looking flawless. Ready to take better care of your extensions? Shop our exclusive hair care range designed for extensions and keep your locks looking salon-fresh every day!
