Hair extensions are an investment, and like all luxury they do best with a routine. The difference between hair that lasts a few months and hair that lasts several years rarely lies in the quality of the hair – it lies in how it is washed, brushed and moisturized. This guide is the foundation of everything we write about hair care, and it works whatever method you have.
Why extensions need more care than your own hair
Your own hair gets moisture and natural oils from the scalp. Extensions have no such source. All moisture has to be added from outside, and any wear that occurs never grows out. That is why the whole routine rests on two things: add moisture regularly and reduce friction.
Washing
- Wash less often than your own hair – every fifth to eighth day is often enough
- Choose a mild, strengthening shampoo such as KIS KeraMax Schampo
- Massage the scalp and let the lengths slide straight through your hands
- Conditioner on the lengths and ends, never up at the bonds
- Finish with cool water – it closes the cuticle and adds shine
Brushing
- Brush morning and evening, and always before you wash
- Start at the ends and work your way up in small sections
- Hold firmly above the bonds so you don't pull on them
- Use a soft loop brush or a brush made for extensions
Heat
Heat is not forbidden, but it should be used with care. Stay on medium heat, style no more than two to three times a week and always apply a protective layer before the tools go on. Let the hair air dry part of the way before you pick up the hairdryer – then you need less heat overall.
Moisture
- A hair mask once a week, for example KIS KeraMoist Treatment
- Daily leave-in on the lengths, such as KIS Daily Leave-in Spray
- A few drops of KIS Arganolja PowerSerum on the ends when the hair feels rough
Keep masks, oil and conditioner away from the bonds themselves. Products that make the hair slippery can affect how tape and knots hold.
At night
A loose braid or a soft bun high on the head, and a satin or silk pillowcase. Never sleep with wet hair – wet hair is at its weakest and tangles fastest against cotton.
Your week in short
- Every day: brush morning and evening, leave-in on the lengths, braid for the night
- Once a week: wash followed by a hair mask
- Every eight weeks to every three months: move-up, depending on method
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my usual hair products on the extensions?
Most are fine, but avoid strongly cleansing shampoos and products with a high alcohol content. They dry out hair that can't moisturize itself. Also avoid putting slippery, silicone-heavy products up at the bonds.
How do I know if the hair is dry or just dirty?
Dry hair feels rough and dull right after washing, and the ends want to tangle. Dirty hair feels heavy and flat at the scalp but is still soft in the lengths. Dry hair needs a mask – dirty hair needs a wash.
Do human hair and synthetic hair need the same care?
No. Human hair wants moisture and tolerates heat with protection. Synthetic hair doesn't absorb moisture in the same way and rarely tolerates more than low heat, unless it is explicitly heat-resistant. Always check what your particular quality can handle.
Want to build a routine that suits your hair type and your method? Take a look at our products for hair care and styling, or get in touch and we will guide you.