Care tips for your hair extensions

Human hair extensions are an investment, and with the right care they stay soft, glossy and natural for a long time. Because the hair gets no nourishment from the scalp, it needs help with moisture and protection. Here we have gathered our care tips for hair extensions – whether you have tape-ins, microrings, hair weft, sew-in, butterfly weft or keratin.

Wash your extensions the right way
Wash the hair 1–2 times a week with lukewarm water and a mild, sulfate-free shampoo suited to extensions. Focus the shampoo on the scalp and let the lather run down through the lengths, so you avoid rubbing and tangling the hair. Rinse thoroughly so no residue is left at the bonds. If you have just had tape-in extensions installed, wait 48 hours before washing your hair or sweating heavily, so the tape has time to bond properly.

Conditioner and moisture
Use conditioner on the lengths and ends, but avoid the bonds so they do not become slippery. If your extensions get dry, a hair mask, a leave-in or a serum helps restore the hair’s moisture balance and softness. We recommend KIS Haircare, which is developed for both extensions and your own hair. In our Hair care for extensions collection you will find shampoo, conditioner, masks and serums that are gentle on the hair.

Dry and style with heat protection
Gently squeeze out the water with a towel instead of wringing the hair, and let it air dry when you can. If you blow-dry, straighten or curl the hair, always apply heat protection first. Human hair can be styled like your own, but heat wears on every hair type, and heat protection helps the hair keep its shine for longer.

Brush every day
Brush the hair daily with a soft brush made for extensions. Start at the ends and work your way up, and hold one hand at the bonds so they are not strained. This prevents the tangles and knots that can otherwise form at the root. You will find suitable brushes among our brushes and combs.

Sleep, workouts and swimming
Never sleep with wet hair. Braid the hair loosely or tie it in a low ponytail, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and wear overnight. You can swim in a pool or the sea with extensions, but rinse the hair with fresh water both before and after swimming so chlorine and salt do not dry it out. After a workout, let your scalp and the bonds dry properly.

Move-ups and re-installation
How often your extensions need maintenance depends on the method. Tape-ins are moved up every 8–10 weeks, microrings and micro weft every 2–3 months, hair weft and sew-in every 2–3 months and butterfly weft every 1–2 months. A full weave is redone about every three months, and keratin and nail hair last 3–4 months before the bonds are redone. With the right care, the same hair can be moved up or re-installed many times. See our hair extension prices for move-ups and re-installation.

Choose hair care for your hair type
The right products depend on what your hair and your extensions are like. For curly hair there is KIS Curls, with shampoo, conditioner and leave-in that define curls without weighing them down. Colored and blonde hair benefits from KIS Color Protect, which protects the color, while KIS KeraMoist gives extra moisture to dry lengths. KIS KeraMax suits hair that needs rebuilding, and KIS Argan Oil PowerSerum adds shine and protection to the ends. Feel free to ask us if you are unsure which line suits you.

Common mistakes to avoid
Most damage to extensions comes down to a few habits. Sleeping with wet hair, putting conditioner or oil directly on the bonds, heat styling without heat protection or wringing the hair hard in a towel all wear on both the hair and the bonds. Putting off your move-up for too long also lets the bonds grow out and start to tangle at the root. If you follow the care tips and come in for maintenance on time, the hair lasts longer and looks fresher.

Coloring extensions
Our human hair can be colored both darker and lighter. We recommend having it colored in a salon so the hair is treated gently and the result is even. If you want to match the color before you buy, take a look at our color chart or send us a photo of your hair.

Help in our salons in Stockholm and Uppsala
Not sure which products suit your extensions, or need help with a move-up? You are welcome to visit our salons in Stockholm near Odenplan and in Uppsala. We have worked with hair extensions since 2009, and you can always book a free consultation, in the salon or online. To learn more about the methods, see our hair guide.