How to Properly Wash and Dry Hair Extensions

If you’re considering getting hair extensions or already have them, knowing how to care for them properly—especially when it comes to washing and drying—is crucial to keeping your hair looking as beautiful as the first day. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked or done incorrectly, leading to damage, tangling, or shedding. This guide will walk you through the correct way to wash and dry your extensions according to the type you have, helping prolong their lifespan and maintain their glossy appearance.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair with Extensions?

Hair extensions—especially those made from real human hair—require care similar to natural hair. This means you should still wash your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy. Ideally, you should wash your hair 2–3 times per week, depending on your scalp type, hair condition, and lifestyle. If you’re physically active or sweat frequently, it’s perfectly fine to wash it daily—as long as it’s done properly to avoid damaging the bonds.

Can You Wash Your Hair While Wearing Extensions?

The answer is yes—and in fact, it’s necessary. Regular washing helps cleanse both your scalp and the extensions, keeping your hair looking natural and beautiful over time. However, you must be cautious when using hair care products like conditioner or hair masks—avoid applying them directly on the bond areas (such as keratin, microlinks, or tape) to prevent loosening or slipping of the extensions.

How to Wash Hair Extensions Based on Their Type

Each type of extension requires specific care. Below are detailed washing instructions for the most common types of hair extensions:

Permanent Hair Extensions

This type is professionally applied and can last from 2 to 4 months. Though you don’t need to remove them daily, you can still wash them at home if you follow the correct process:

Proper washing instructions:

• Brush hair before washing to detangle and remove loose strands.

• Use warm water (not too hot or too cold) to wet your hair.

• Dispense shampoo into your hands, lather, and gently massage into your scalp and hair—avoid rubbing or scrubbing vigorously.

• Choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos without harsh cleansing agents.

• Shampoo twice to ensure thorough cleaning.

• Rinse well, then apply conditioner only to the mid-lengths and ends—avoid the bond areas.

• You may use a hair mask up to once a week, but never apply it near the roots.

• Always rinse with warm water to remove all product residue.

Tape-In Extensions

• Do not tug or pull at the tape area to avoid loosening the bonds.

• Never apply conditioner, hair oils, or masks on the tape section.

• Avoid using oily or dry shampoo products as they may cause the tape to slip.

Keratin/Fusion Extensions

• Do not rub or pull hair while it is wet.

• Avoid applying conditioner or oil-based products to the keratin bonds.

• Wash while standing upright, allowing the hair to fall naturally to avoid tangling the bonds.

• Blow-dry on medium heat to protect the keratin.

Sew-In (Weft) Extensions

• Gently clean the scalp area, avoiding excessive pressure on the stitched sections.

• Do not apply conditioning products on the sewn-in areas.

• Avoid oil-based or dry shampoo products, which can cause buildup at the weft.

Temporary Hair Extensions

These are the easiest and most flexible types, usually clipped in or attached with a halo wire, allowing you to switch up your style with ease.

How to wash clip-in, halo, or other temporary extensions:

• Remove the extensions before washing.

• Detangle each piece carefully before placing it in water.

• Prepare a basin of warm water and soak the extensions for a few minutes.

• Follow a similar routine to washing natural hair: cleanse, condition, and use a hair mask if needed.

• Let them air dry or blow-dry gently.

How to Properly Dry Hair Extensions

After washing, proper drying technique is vital for maintaining the shape and protecting the bonds from damage.

Should You Let Hair Extensions Air Dry Naturally?

Ideally, no—especially not for permanent extensions. Letting your hair stay wet for too long can weaken the strands, lead to tangling, and damage the bonds. Instead:

• Use a hairdryer on a medium heat setting.

• Dry the roots and bond areas first, then dry the rest of the hair.

• Do not brush wet hair—dry it first, then gently detangle starting from the ends upward.

How Long Should You Blow-Dry Hair Extensions?

Drying time will vary depending on the thickness and length of your hair, but generally, it shouldn’t exceed 15–20 minutes. Using the right technique will help your extensions hold their shape, stay smooth, and maintain a healthy shine longer.

Lotus Hair Vietnam – A Leading Manufacturer of High-Quality Hair Extensions

With over 14 years of experience, Lotus Hair Vietnam takes pride in being one of Vietnam’s leading hair extension manufacturers, specializing in providing premium Vietnamese hair to international markets. Established in 2010, we have continuously developed and strengthened our reputation worldwide, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Quality is always our top priority at Lotus Hair. We are committed to delivering consistently high-quality hair products with smooth texture, natural shine, and long-lasting durability.

Every batch of hair extensions undergoes strict quality control to ensure strength, softness, and compliance with international standards—ready to conquer even the most demanding markets like the U.S. and Europe.

Whether you are a retailer, salon owner, or distributor, we offer tailored supply solutions to help you grow your business with direct-from-factory pricing and premium-quality products.

Contact us today for expert consultation and the best pricing options!

LOTUS HAIR VIETNAM
Hotline & WhatsApp	+849.9595.3999 – Ceo – Mr. Ben +849.969.01.777 – Mr. Erik +849.969.03.777 – Ms. Tina +849.969.05.777 – Ms. Vietnam +849.969.06.777 – Ms. Maria
Email:	[email protected]
Address:	210/11J Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.