How to Brush Hair Extensions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hair extensions add length, volume, highlights, and style versatility. But to keep extensions looking smooth and tangle-free, it’s important to brush them properly.

Brushing technique matters when it comes to preventing damage and maximizing the life of your extensions. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to gently detangle and style hair extensions.

Prep Extensions Before Brushing

Before picking up a brush, do some prep work to make detangling easier:

For clip-ins:

• Unclip the wefts and lay them flat in a single layer.

• Use your fingers to gently separate any tangled pieces.

• If hair is very knotted, spray leave-in conditioner or detangler to help loosen knots.

For permanent extensions (taped, glued, sewn):

• Start with dry hair. Wet hair is more fragile.

• Use your fingers to loosen any knots or matting near the roots.

• If needed, apply leave-in conditioner to help loosen knots.

• Pull hair up into a loose ponytail to avoid excessive pulling on bonds during brushing.

Proper prep removes shed hairs and loosens tangles for smoother, gentler brushing.

Choose the Right Brush

The type of brush you use matters when brushing extensions:

Recommended:

• Wide-tooth combs
• Vent brushes
• Paddle brushes
• Wet brushes/Tangle Teasers

Avoid:

• Fine-tooth combs
• Teasing brushes
• Brushes with metal balls on the tips

Look for brushes with smooth, rounded plastic bristles. Combs should have widely spaced teeth. This prevents ripping or scratching delicate extensions.

Start Brushing at the Ends

Begin brushing at the bottom tips of your extensions, holding hair above the point where it’s attached at the top.

Gently brush from ends to mid-lengths, slowly working out knots and tangles. Avoid harsh yanking or pulling.

Be extra delicate with fine or thin extensions that are more fragile. Take your time working through sections patiently.

Starting at the bottom minimizes stress placed on bonds and your natural hair during detangling.

Work Up to the Top

Once the ends and mid-lengths are smooth, slowly work up towards the roots and bonds, gently brushing out any remaining knots.

If you hit a stubborn tangle, don’t rip through it. Carefully use your fingers to loosen the knot then gently brush through.

For permanent extensions, hold hair above bonds while brushing to avoid excessive tension on attachment points.

Root knots can be tricky but patience prevents ripped-out extensions or broken hairs.

Brush Out Each Section

Once full-length detangling is complete, brush out individual sections of bonded extensions from root to tip.

This helps smooth extensions and blends them with your natural hair for a seamless look.

Start behind your head and work around each side. Follow up by styling and blending hair at the crown.

For clip-ins, ensure all wefted sections are fully brushed and lint/shed hairs are removed before clipping into your hair.

Use Leave-In Conditioners and Oils

Regular use of leave-in conditioners and hair oils keeps extensions moisturized and easier to detangle.

Apply nourishing products along the lengths and ends of extensions 1-2 times per week.