How to Care for Clip in Hair Extensions

How to Wash Clip in Hair Extensions

Knowing when and how to wash is crucial when you care for clip in hair extensions. Most extensions need washing every 12-15 wears, or sooner if you use heavy styling products.

1. Getting Ready to Wash: Before adding water, brush through your extensions thoroughly to remove any tangles. Set up a clean basin with lukewarm water rather than washing under running faucet water, which can cause unnecessary movement and tangling.
2. The Washing Process: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo designed for color-treated hair. Dip the extensions into the soapy water and move them gently back and forth. Never scrub or rub the hair aggressively, as this damages the cuticle layer.Keep the metal clips above water level when possible to prevent soap buildup, which can make them slippery and less secure when wearing.
3. Conditioning Steps: Apply a moisturizing conditioner from the middle section down to the ends, avoiding the clip attachment points. Allow the conditioner to work for about 5 minutes before rinsing everything thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticles and boost shine.

Air Dry Your Extensions

After washing, gently press your extensions between clean, absorbent towels to remove extra water. Never twist, wring, or rub the wet hair, as this creates frizz and potential breakage.

Spread your extensions on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area. Make sure each piece lies flat with good airflow around it. Turn the pieces every hour or so to ensure even drying on both sides.

Complete air-drying usually takes 3-5 hours depending on thickness and room humidity. Patience during this step prevents heat damage and maintains the hair’s natural texture.

Comb and Moisturize

Once your extensions are completely dry, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any areas that may have gotten twisted during drying. Work slowly and carefully to avoid pulling out hair strands.

Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or lightweight hair oil to maintain softness and manageability. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends where dryness typically occurs. When you care for clip in hair extensions with regular moisturizing, they stay supple and natural-looking longer.

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage protects your investment when you care for clip in hair extensions between uses. Choose breathable storage options like cotton bags or specialized extension boxes with separate compartments for each piece.

Store your extensions in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and create an environment for mold or mildew.

Consider hanging longer pieces on padded hangers to prevent creasing and maintain their natural fall. Shorter pieces can be stored flat in drawers lined with tissue paper.

General Hair Extension Care Tips

Preventing Color Fading

Protect your extensions from UV damage by using sun protection sprays when spending time outdoors. Choose shampoos specifically labeled as color-safe or sulfate-free to preserve vibrancy. Wash in cool water instead of hot, as high temperatures open hair cuticles and allow color molecules to escape. Store extensions away from direct sunlight between uses to prevent gradual fading.

Addressing Dryness and Damage

Extensions lack natural oil production, making them prone to dryness over time. Apply deep conditioning masks weekly, focusing on mid-lengths and ends where damage typically appears first. Use protein treatments monthly to strengthen weakened hair fibers and restore elasticity. Avoid over-processing with excessive heat styling or chemical treatments that can worsen existing damage.

Restoring Shine and Softness

Rinse extensions with cold water after washing to seal cuticles and enhance natural shine. Use clarifying shampoo once monthly to remove product buildup that dulls appearance. Apply lightweight oils like argan or coconut oil sparingly to restore softness without creating greasy residue. When you care for clip in hair extensions consistently with these methods, they maintain their original luster longer.

Mistakes to Avoid With Your Clip in Hair Extensions

Never Sleep with Extensions On

Sleeping with extensions attached ranks as the biggest mistake extension wearers make. This causes unnecessary tangling, matting, and stress on both natural hair and clips. Remove them every night without exception.

Avoid Brushing Wet Hair

Brushing wet extensions damages fragile hair fibers when they’re most vulnerable. Always allow complete air-drying before detangling with appropriate tools.

Don’t Use Harsh Shampoos

Don’t Use Harsh Shampoos Using regular shampoos with harsh sulfates strips moisture and causes brittleness. Invest in extension-specific or gentle formulas designed for processed hair.

Always Use Heat Protection

Choose Proper Storage Materials

Storing extensions in plastic bags traps moisture and creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Choose breathable fabric pouches or specialized storage boxes instead.

Limit Washing Frequency

Over-washing removes essential moisture that keeps extensions soft and manageable. Limit washing to every 10-15 wears unless heavy product buildup occurs.