Hair extensions are an investment, and like any luxury they do best with a routine. The difference between hair that lasts a few months and hair that lasts several years rarely comes down to the quality of the hair – it comes down to how it's washed, brushed and moisturised. This guide is the foundation for 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 your scalp. Extensions have no such source. All moisture has to be added from the outside, and any wear and tear never grows out. That's why the whole routine is built on two things: add moisture regularly and reduce friction.
Washing
- Wash less often than your own hair – every five to eight days is often enough
- Choose a mild, strengthening shampoo such as KIS KeraMax Shampoo
- Massage your scalp and let the lengths slide straight through your hands
- Conditioner on the lengths and ends, never up at the attachments
- Finish with cool water – it smooths the cuticle and adds shine
Brushing
- Brush morning and evening, and always before washing
- Start at the ends and work your way up in small sections
- Hold the hair firmly above the attachments so you don't pull on them
- Use a soft loop brush or a brush designed for extensions
Heat
Heat isn't forbidden, but it should be used deliberately. Stick to medium heat, style no more than two to three times a week and always apply a protective layer before using your tools. Let your hair air-dry part of the way before reaching for the hairdryer – that way you need less heat overall.
Moisture
- A hair mask once a week, for example KIS KeraMoist Treatment
- A daily leave-in on the lengths, such as KIS Daily Leave-in Spray
- A few drops of KIS Argan Oil PowerSerum on the ends when your hair feels rough
Keep masks, oil and conditioner away from the attachments themselves. Products that make hair slippery can affect how tape and bonds 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 at a glance
- 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 three months: move-up, depending on the method
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my usual hair products on my extensions?
Most are fine, but avoid strong clarifying shampoos and products with a high alcohol content. They dry out hair that can't moisturise itself. Also avoid putting slippery, silicone-heavy products up near the attachments.
How do I know if my hair is dry or just dirty?
Dry hair feels rough and dull straight after washing, and the ends tend to tangle. Dirty hair feels heavy and flat at the roots but is still soft through 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 needs 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's explicitly heat-resistant. Always check what your particular quality can handle.
Would you like to build a routine that suits your hair type and your method? Take a look at our hair care and styling products, or get in touch and we'll guide you.