How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions? A Guide to Proper Cleaning

Hair extensions are a great way to add length, volume, highlights or completely transform your look. But once you’ve invested in extensions, how often should you be washing them?

Proper cleaning is key to keeping extensions looking fresh, shiny and tangle-free. But overwashing can cause damage while underwashing allows buildup. So what’s the right balance?

This guide will walk through how often you should be washing various types of hair extensions, along with tips for keeping them looking salon-fabulous.

Overview of Hair Extension Types

How often to wash extensions depends partially on what type you choose. The main types include:

Clip-In Extensions

• Added with small clips
• Easily put in and removed
• Generally made from real human hair

Tape-In Extensions

• Adhered with keratin/latex tape
• Applied by sandwiching small sections of natural hair
• Made from real human hair

Micro Link/Bead Extensions

• Attached with tiny metal rings or beads
• Clamped around small sections of natural hair
• Can use human hair or synthetic

Weft/Sewn-In Extensions

• Machine sewn tracks of hair
• Sewn, glued or clipped into cornrows
• Usually real human hair

Fusion Bonded Extensions

• Strands pre-tipped with keratin bonds
• Bonded to natural hair using heat or ultrasound
• Very durable but can damage hair if not removed properly

Now let’s look at washing recommendations for each type.

How Often to Wash Clip-In Extensions

![Photo of blonde woman with clip in hair extensions washing hair in sink]

Wash clip-ins as needed, typically 1-2 times per month.

Since clip-in extensions are temporarily put in and taken out each wear, they don’t need to be washed as often other types.

Here are clip-in washing tips:

• Brush thoroughly before washing to prevent tangles. Separate any pieces stuck together.

• Use cool water and gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid damage and dryness.

• Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and conditioner buildup can cause slipping.

• Air dry laid flat, not hanging. Limit heat tools.

• Store properly between wears to avoid tangling.

• Watch for buildup. If you notice dirt, oils, or product residue, wash them.

• Refresh as needed. If hair feels dry or looks dull, use a deep conditioner.

With proper care between wears, high-quality human hair clip-ins may only need washed every 4-6 weeks. But don’t let them get overly dirty.

Tip: Buy multiple sets so you can rotate styles while washing.

How Often to Wash Tape-In Extensions

![Photo of woman with long brown hair and tape in extensions]

For tape-ins, wash every 3-5 days.

Because tape-ins are secured for longer wear, they need regular cleansing like your natural hair.

Here are tips for washing taped hair:

• Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can dry out extensions and cause tangling.

• Focus shampoo on scalp. Thoroughly shampoo your roots and scalp but avoid getting soap directly on the bonds.

• Apply conditioner to mid-lengths and ends only. Avoid conditioning near bonds as it can cause slippage.

• Rinse hair upside down. This prevents water pooling on bonds which can weaken the tape.

• Limit heat styling. Allow hair to air dry as much as possible.

• See your stylist promptly for adjustments if bonds feel loose or extensions are slipping.

Regular cleansing keeps tape bonds secure. But don’t overwash, as it can loosen adhesive. Monitor extension tightness and adjust washing frequency if needed.

How Often to Wash Micro Bead Extensions

For micro bead extensions, aim to wash every 2-3 days.

Micro bead extensions have a metal clamp that attaches them. Dirt and oil buildup around these bonds can loosen extensions.

Follow these tips when washing micro bead hair:

• Shampoo thoroughly around bonds to prevent buildup. But avoid harsh rubbing.

• Rinse very well. Any shampoo residue left near the bonds can lead to slipping.

• Dry gently. Rubbing wet extensions vigorously with a towel can loosen bonds. Gently squeeze or pat hair dry.

• Avoid wet brushing. Only brush extensions when completely dry to prevent tangling and pulling.

• Watch for loose beads. If beads begin sliding down the strands, see your stylist for re-tightening.

Frequent but gentle cleansing keeps micro beads secure and hair clean. Be cautious not to overwash though, as wetting bonds too often can weaken the adhesive.

How Often to Wash Weft/Sewn-In Extensions

For weft or sew-in extensions, wash 1-2 times per week.

Sewn-in wefts are typically worn for 8-12 weeks at a time. Keep them fresh by:

• Shampooing hair 1-2 times per week. Overwashing causes excessive friction against cornrow braids.

• Rinsing thoroughly. Remove all traces of shampoo to avoid residue on hair and braiding.

• Condition mid-lengths and ends only. Avoid getting conditioner on tracks or braids which can loosen adhesive and cause slippage.

• Let hair air dry. Limit heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners which can dry out extensions.

• Have your stylist redo braids every 6-8 weeks as your natural hair grows out. This prevents excessive tension on hair.

Maintain a regular wash schedule but avoid overwashing. Seeing your stylist for timely adjustments keeps sew-ins secure and hair healthy.

How Often to Wash Fusion Bonded Extensions

![Photo of woman with long blonde fusion bonded hair extensions]

For fusion bonded extensions, aim to wash every 2-3 days.

Fusion hair is very securely bonded to your natural strands so it can be washed frequently. But take care around bonds by:

• Shampooing thoroughly around the bonds to prevent dirt and oil buildup.

• Rinsing extremely well to remove all traces of shampoo residue.

• Avoiding conditioner on bonds which can break down bond strength over time.

• Letting hair air dry – limit heat tools that can dry out bonds.

• Seeing your stylist promptly if you notice any slipping, even just one extension sliding down the hair shaft.

Frequently wash and condition fusion hair well to prevent bonded tips from loosening over time. But avoid getting products directly on the keratin bonds.

General Tips for Washing All Extension Types

While washing frequency varies by extension type, there are some universal tips for keeping all extensions looking salon-fresh:

1. Use Sulfate-Free, Moisturizing Shampoo

Sulfates strip oils that keep hair smooth and hydrated. Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo retains moisture and prevents dryness and tangling.

2. Condition Mid-Lengths and Ends Only

Applying conditioner from mid-shaft down moisturizes strands without making bonds/braids slippery.

3. Detangle With a Wide-Tooth Comb or Wet Brush

Gently work through knots and tangles with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush before washing extensions. Never brush wet.

4. Rinse Extensions Thoroughly

Make sure to rinse out all shampoo and conditioner residue which can cause buildup and slipping over time.

5. Limit Heat Styling

Let extensions air dry naturally when possible. Heat damage can dry out strands and lead to breakage over time.

6. Sleep in a Protective Style

Braid hair or tie it in a loose pony before bed. Friction while sleeping can cause tangling.

7. Get Adjustments on Schedule

See your stylist every 4-8 weeks to have extensions re-secured as your natural hair grows out.

8. Use Bonding Products

Apply bonding oil, spray or mask 1-2 times per week to keep bonds strong and hair conditioned.

By following these tips and washing based on your extension type, you can keep hair extensions looking beautiful and lasting longer!

Troubleshooting Extension Washing Issues

Having issues after washing extensions? Here are some common problems and fixes:

Problem: Extensions look frizzy and dry

Solution: Use a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week and avoid heat styling.

Problem: Extensions are tangled after washing

Solution: Only brush extensions when completely dry. Rinse