How to Wash your Hair with Hair Extensions: The Ultimate Care Guide
Washing your hair with extensions isn’t complicated - but it is slightly different. Whether you’re wearing tapes, nanos, a weft or clip-in extensions, the way you cleanse your hair can directly impact their longevity, shine and overall finish.
With the right technique and products, your extensions will remain smooth, secure and salon-fresh for longer. Here’s exactly how to wash your hair with extensions to preserve both your hair extensions and your natural hair.
Why Does Washing Extensions Requires Extra Care?
Unlike your natural hair, extensions don’t receive oils from the scalp. This means they need gentle cleansing and added hydration to maintain softness and shine. At the same time, extensions must be handled carefully to prevent slipping or unnecessary tension.
The key is balance: cleanse the scalp thoroughly while keeping mid-lengths and ends nourished and tangle-free.
How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?
Over-washing can dry out extensions and shorten their lifespan. As a general guide:
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Permanent extensions (Tapes, Micro Rings, Pre-bonded or Wefts): 1-2 times per week
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Clip-in extensions: Every 10-15 wears, when product build-up occurs
Which shampoo should I use for my extensions?
Choosing the right shampoo is essential when caring for hair extensions. Choosing the wrong formula can break down bonds, weaken attachment points and compromise the overall lifespan of your extensions so it is important to follow the below guide.
We recommend the Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Shampoo (Sulfate Free) for:
We recommend using the Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Shampoo for:
Step-by-step How to Wash Your Hair with Extensions
#1 Brush Before you Wash
Always brush your hair thoroughly before getting it wet. Use a detangling brush and start from the ends, working upwards in sections. Support the root area with your hand to avoid pulling on bonds.
This removes knots and prevents matting during washing.
#2 Apply Shampoo
When shampooing, focus on the scalp rather than the lengths. Dispense a small amount of shampoo into your palms and gently massage it into the root area using your fingertips. Allow the shampoo to rinse through the mid-lengths and ends naturally. There’s no need to rub or bunch the hair together - this can create unnecessary friction and matting.
#3 Double Shampoo for a Deeper Cleanse
We always recommend double shampooing when wearing extensions. The first cleanse helps to remove product build-up, excess oil and surface impurities, while the second cleanse properly cleans the scalp and leaves the hair feeling fresh.
For a more intensive reset, we recommend using our Clarifying Shampoo every 4–6 weeks. This deeper cleanse helps to remove stubborn product build-up, lift away mineral deposits caused by hard water, and eliminate chlorine and other environmental residues that can cling to the hair. Used occasionally, it restores a clean base without compromising the integrity of your extensions.
#4 Condition with Care
Conditioning is essential for keeping your extensions soft, smooth and manageable. After shampooing, gently squeeze out excess water and apply Pearl Nourishing Conditioner from the mid-lengths down to the ends.
Avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots, bonds or weft area, as this can cause slippage or weaken attachment points over time. Instead, focus on nourishing the lengths, where extensions need the most hydration.
#5 Use a Hair Mask Weekly
Because extensions don’t receive natural oils from the scalp, incorporating a weekly treatment is essential to maintaining their shine, softness and longevity. Adding a deeply nourishing hair mask into your routine helps replenish moisture and keep the hair looking salon-fresh between appointments.
We recommend alternating between the Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Mask and the Restore Mask, depending on your hair’s needs. Apply your chosen mask to the mid-lengths and ends only, avoiding the root and bond area. Leave on for the recommended time before rinsing thoroughly.
The Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Mask helps to smooth and enhance shine, while the Restore Mask delivers a more intensive moisture boost for hair that feels dry or in need of extra care. This weekly step keeps extensions glossy, hydrated and healthy-looking without compromising attachment points.
#6 Blow-dry your hair
After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water using a soft, then apply the 10-in-1 Miracle Spray and Dream Shine Spray to your hair - these lightweight formulas help to detangle, smooth and shield the hair from heat damage, while enhancing overall shine and manageability.
Never let your hair extensions dry naturally! It’s essential to thoroughly dry the root area after every wash. Leaving bonds, tapes or wefts damp can lead to slippage or matting at the scalp. Using the Aeris® Lightweight Digital Hair Dryer on a medium heat setting, focus on drying the roots and attachment points first. Once the root area is completely dry, continue blow-drying the lengths in a downward motion to smooth the cuticle and maintain a sleek, polished finish.
For added volume and long-lasting shape, you can incorporate Thermal Rollers after blow-drying. Wrap sections of dry hair around the rollers, allow them to cool completely, then gently remove and brush through.
#7 Brush and Style as Normal
Once your hair is fully dry, gently brush through and apply some Argan Oil Serum to add shine, reduce frizz and keep the hair looking smooth and healthy.
You can then style your hair as desired. Whether you prefer sleek and straight, soft waves or a bouncy blow-dry, always use heat responsibly and keep styling tools away from attachment points.
The Key to Long-Lasting Extensions
Caring for your extensions correctly starts with how you wash them. By following the right routine, you protect both your natural hair and your extensions. With consistent aftercare and the right professional products, your extensions will remain smooth, secure and beautifully blended, maintaining their shine and longevity between salon appointments.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more tips and tricks on how best to look after your hair extensions.
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Washing hair extensions for the first time may seem a little daunting, so we’re here to break down exactly how to wash hair with extensions, to help you care for your new extensions and your natural hair. Following our aftercare advice is so important to maintaining healthy extensions, and the good news is - it’s not difficult at all! We’ll go over all the washing do’s & don'ts, plus give you a step-by-step guide on how to wash extensions, so you’ll be an expert in no time!
Can you wash your hair with extensions in?
Yes, you can wash hair extensions! Washing your hair and extensions is essential to maintaining healthy hair, as it will keep the extensions free from product build up and nourish the hair.
How often should you wash your hair with extensions?
This depends on the type of hair extensions that you go for. Clip-in Extensions won’t need washing as regularly as your own hair, we usually recommend washing them every 10-15 wears to keep them looking fresh and remove any build up of product. Professional Extensions can be washed as often as you wash your natural hair - but extensions users usually find that they can go a little longer between washes! We advise washing your professional extensions 1-2 times a week.
How to Wash Hair With Extensions
These are the exact steps you should follow when washing your hair with extensions in order to maintain healthy hair.
STEP 1 - Brush Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to detangle it before washing. We recommend brushing your hair from the bottom and then moving slowly to the top. Always hold your hair extensions at the top firmly, before brushing to ensure you are not pulling too much on them.
STEP 2 - Shampoo Your Hair
After your hair is brushed through, you can jump in the shower, wet your hair and lather with shampoo. Which shampoo you should use will depend on the type of extensions that you have.
Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Sulfate Free Shampoo should be used with the professional ranges, Stick Tip Extensions, Nanobond® Extensions, Tape Extensions and Flat Tip Extensions as sulfates will break down the bond and could affect the integrity of the Micro Ring or Keratin securing the hair extensions in place. Weft Extensions and Clip-in Extensions require the Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Shampoo (contains sulfates) in order to eliminate any excess product build up that occurs with these products.
It’s important to be a little more gentle around the roots when washing your hair with extensions, to avoid pulling or catching on your extensions.
STEP 3 - Condition Your Hair
Once you have rinsed the shampoo out, smoothe a generous amount of conditioner from the mid-length to ends of your hair. We suggest using our Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Argan Oil Conditioner which has been specially formulated to nourish, repair and de-tangle hair extensions. For best results, leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out with warm water.
STEP 4 - Gently comb your hair
When your clip-ins are completely rinsed and the water is running clear, gently comb through to remove any tangles.
STEP 5 - Blowdry your hair
Gently blot and squeeze any excess water out of your hair with a towel (if you have a microfibre towel this is even better for your hair!). Use a heat protectant and then you can begin to blowdry. We suggest using a round blow dry brush to fully dry each section in a downward motion.
Choosing the right hair dryer for your extensions is really important in avoiding frizz or heat damage, as some dryers will frazzle your hair with repeated use, which no one wants! Choose a dryer like the Beauty Works AERIS® that features advanced ionic technology - this produces negatively charged ions which counteract frizz-inducing atoms and repel water to combat frizz for a silky, smooth finish.
STEP 6 - Finish your hair with Argan Serum
After blow drying your hair, tame flyaways and lock in shine with our Argan Serum. Just rub a few drops of serum into your hands and then smoothe through your hair.
And that’s how simple it is to wash your hair with extensions! For an extra deep treatment, you can use a hair mask, like our Restore Mask once a week. And remember to always use a Heat Protection Spray before heat styling.
Can you let hair extensions dry naturally?
No, you should avoid leaving your extensions to dry naturally and always blow dry your hair extensions after washing for the best results. Don’t worry though, with an advanced hairdryer this won’t take too long.
Do hair extensions thicken after washing?
Hair extensions will appear fuller and thicker after the first wash as hair extensions initially have a protective coating for storage that will wash away.
We hope that helps you understand how to wash hair with extensions. Maintaining your extensions is super easy with the correct aftercare! Shop our hair extensions now to start your hair journey and follow us on Instagram for all the hair'spo.
Looking to invest in your haircare routine? Refer a friend and you'll both enjoy £10 off your order!
