If you've invested in high-quality clip-in human hair extensions or halo hair extensions, proper care is essential to maintain their softness, shine and longevity. Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, which means they require a gentle washing and conditioning routine to stay in top condition.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to wash and condition your clip-in and halo hair extensions, ensuring they stay fresh, tangle-free, and looking fabulous for as long as possible.
Why Proper Washing Matters for Hair Extensions
Unlike your natural hair, extensions—whether seamless clip-in hair extensions or halo hair extensions —do not have a direct source of moisture or nutrients. This makes washing and conditioning crucial to maintain their softness, shine and durability.
Some key benefits of proper washing include:
✅ Extends lifespan – With the right care, remy hair extensions can last for years.
✅ Prevents dryness and tangling – Using the right products keeps real human hair extensions soft and manageable.
✅ Keeps your style fresh – Clean extensions blend better with your natural hair, ensuring a seamless look.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair Extensions?
Unlike natural hair, clip-in and halo extensions do not require frequent washing. Since they do not absorb scalp oils, over-washing can dry them out and shorten their lifespan.
Recommended Washing Frequency:
Clip-in Hair Extensions: Every 15-20 wears or when they feel product buildup.
Halo Hair Extensions: Every 4-6 weeks, depending on how often they’re worn.
If your extensions start to feel heavy, tangled, or look dull, it's a sign they need a gentle cleanse.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash Hair Extensions
Follow these steps to keep your clip-in hair extensions and halo hair extensions in their best condition.
Step 1: Detangle Before Washing
Before washing, use a wide-tooth comb or an extension-friendly brush to gently remove knots. Always start from the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
🔹 Pro Tip: Hold the hair weft at the top while brushing to avoid pulling on the clips or band.
Step 2: Use Lukewarm Water
Fill a sink or bowl with lukewarm water —avoid using hot water as it can dry out the hair.
For clip-in hair extensions, wash each weft separately to prevent tangling.
For halo hair extensions, gently submerge the entire band in water.
Step 3: Choose a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is crucial for preserving the integrity of real human hair extensions. Harsh shampoos can strip moisture, leading to dryness and frizz.
🔹 Recommended Ingredients:
Hydrating oils like argan or coconut oil.
Keratin or silk proteins for added strength.
No sulfates, parabens or alcohols that can dry out the hair.
Step 4: Shampoo the Extensions Gently
Apply a small amount of shampoo to the hair.
Lightly massage the product through the strands— don’t rub or twist as this can cause tangling.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all shampoo is removed.
How to Condition Hair Extensions
Conditioning is the key step in keeping quality hair extensions soft, shiny, and manageable.
Step 1: Apply a Hydrating Conditioner
After rinsing out the shampoo:
Apply a moisturising conditioner from mid-length to ends (avoid the roots and clips).
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb moisture.
Rinse thoroughly with cool water to lock in hydration.
Step 2: Deep Conditioning (Optional for Extra Dry Extensions)
If your remy hair extensions feel dry, apply a deep conditioning mask once a month:
Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour for maximum hydration.
Rinse well and let air dry.
🔹 Pro Tip: Avoid using heavy protein treatments too often, as they can make the hair brittle over time.
How to Dry Hair Extensions Properly
Step 1: Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
After rinsing, gently squeeze out excess water with a micro fibre towel. Avoid wringing or twisting the hair.
Step 2: Air Dry for Best Results
Lay your extensions flat on a towel to air dry naturally. This helps maintain their texture and prevents heat damage.
🔹 If using a blow dryer:
Use a low heat setting.
Apply a heat protectant spray before drying.
Dry downward to keep the cuticles smooth.
How to Maintain Clip-In and Halo Hair Extensions
Once your hair extensions are clean and dry, follow these maintenance tips to keep them looking fresh:
✅ Store properly – Keep them in a silk or satin bag to prevent tangling.
✅ Use heat sparingly – Heat styling can shorten their lifespan, so use minimal heat and always apply a protectant.
✅ Avoid excessive product buildup – Using too many styling products can make your extensions greasy, requiring more frequent washing.
✅ Brush before and after wear – A gentle detangle ensures they stay smooth and last longer.
Where to Buy Quality Hair Extensions in Australia
If you're looking for high-quality clip-in human hair extensions or halo hair extensions in Australia, Love The Style Hair Extensions offers premium options that blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
💖 Classic Lace Human Remy Clip-In Hair Extensions
💖 Seamless Human Remy Clip-In Hair Extensions
💖 Human Remy Halo Hair Extensions