DIY hair extensions have revolutionised how we enhance our natural hair, giving us instant length, volume, and style from the comfort of our own homes. Whether you wear clip-ins, halo extensions, or seamless wefts, one thing is certain: quality aftercare is key to keeping your hair extensions looking fresh, silky and beautiful for as long as possible.
In this guide, we’re diving into the best products for maintaining your hair extensions and how they help preserve their feel, appearance and longevity. These products are essential for DIY hair extension users, where proper maintenance at home can make or break the lifespan of your extensions.
Why Hair Extension Maintenance Matters
Hair extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp like your real hair does. That means they need a little extra TLC to stay nourished, moisturised, and damage-free. Using the wrong products—or neglecting them altogether—can lead to dry, tangled, and dull strands that don’t blend well with your natural hair.
The good news? With the right tools and products, keeping your DIY hair extensions fresh is simple, budget-friendly and super effective.
1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo
The number one rule when washing your hair extensions is to avoid sulphates. Sulphates strip the hair of natural oils and can leave your extensions dry and brittle.
What to Look For:
Sulphate-free and paraben-free
Gentle or “moisture-rich” formulas
Designed for colour-treated or dry hair
Recommended Use:
Wash your extensions every 10–15 wears, or whenever they’ve picked up product build-up. Always use lukewarm water, not hot.
2. Moisturising Conditioner or Hair Mask
Because hair extensions don’t regenerate moisture on their own, conditioning is your best friend. A rich, nourishing conditioner or mask will soften the hair and restore shine.
Look For:
Hydrating ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and keratin
Silicone-free if possible (to avoid long-term buildup)
Pro Tip:
Leave your conditioner on for at least 5 minutes, or do a deep conditioning treatment by wrapping the extensions in a towel for 30–60 minutes.
3. Leave-In Conditioner Spray
A leave-in spray adds an instant hydration boost, especially helpful if you wear your DIY hair extensions frequently. It helps with detangling, adds shine, and makes brushing a breeze.
Features to Look For:
Lightweight (so it won’t weigh the hair down)
Anti-frizz or anti-static
UV protection for sun exposure
Usage:
Spray lightly before brushing or styling to keep hair soft and manageable.
4. Heat Protectant Spray
If you’re using heat tools on your extensions, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. Human hair extensions can be styled like your own hair—but repeated heat styling without protection leads to dryness and breakage.
Best Picks:
Thermal sprays that protect up to 230°C (450°F)
Lightweight formulas that won’t leave residue
Products that double as shine enhancers or detanglers
Hot Tip:
Always apply to dry hair before heat styling for best results.
5. Gentle Detangling Brush or Wide-Tooth Comb
Knots and tangles are the enemy of soft, flowing hair. The wrong brush can snag or pull the wefts, damaging the extension bonds or breaking the hair.
What Works Best:
Wide-tooth combs for wet hair
Loop brushes or detangling brushes for dry hair
Always brush from ends to roots to prevent breakage
Extra Tip:
Hold your extensions by the weft when brushing to reduce stress on the bonds and keep them intact.
6. Silk or Satin Storage Bag
When you’re not wearing your clip-ins or halo hair, proper storage is essential to prevent tangling, dirt, and damage. A silk or satin storage pouch keeps your extensions safe, smooth, and ready to use.
Why It Works:
Prevents friction and frizz
Helps retain moisture
Keeps dust and particles off your extensions
If you’re storing them for longer periods, lightly brush and braid them to avoid knots.
7. Dry Shampoo (Optional)
If you’re using your DIY hair extensions frequently, dry shampoo can refresh them between washes—especially at the root where they may be close to your scalp or natural oils.
Use Sparingly:
Choose a lightweight, residue-free dry shampoo
Apply only at the roots or base (not through the full length)
Ideal for halo and clip-in styles where your natural hair blends with extensions
8. Hair Oil or Serum (For Shine & Frizz Control)
A small drop of serum or oil can transform dry-looking ends into silky, shiny strands. Oils are especially important if your extensions are feeling dry after heat styling or washing.
What to Use:
Argan oil, jojoba oil, or lightweight serum
Avoid anything with alcohol or synthetic fragrance
How to Apply:
Warm a tiny drop in your hands and run through the mid-lengths to ends only. Don’t apply to the roots or near clips/wefts.
9. Boar Bristle Brush (For Blending)
When blending your natural hair with clip-in or halo extensions, a boar bristle brush is a great finishing tool. It smooths your natural hair and extensions together for a seamless look.
Bonus:
It helps distribute any natural oils from your scalp into your real hair—giving your blend a softer and more natural finish.
10. Specialised Hair Extension Shampoo Sets
There are shampoos specifically formulated for DIY hair extensions —and they’re totally worth the hype. These are pH balanced and designed to clean without drying.
Look for extension-specific care brands or lines that include shampoo + conditioner + leave-in spray for the full regimen.
Quick Tips for Keeping DIY Hair Extensions Looking Fresh
Besides using the right products, it’s important to follow some basic care rules that make a huge difference in how long your hair extensions last.
✅ Do:
Always brush before washing
Use a microfibre towel to blot dry (not rub)
Let your extensions air dry whenever possible
Style on low to medium heat
Store properly between uses
❌ Don’t:
Sleep in your extensions (unless specifically designed for it)
Over-wash (every 10–15 wears is fine)
Use products with alcohol, sulfates, or protein overload
Use purple shampoo too often—it can dry out the strands
Why Product Quality Makes All the Difference
At Love The Style Hair Extensions, we only use 100% Remy human hair in our DIY range—so the quality is already there. But even the best extensions need proper aftercare to maintain their texture and shine.
That’s why choosing the right products matters so much. Cheap or harsh ingredients can undo all the benefits of investing in beautiful hair extensions, while the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling aids will extend the life of your set dramatically.