From Salon to Home: Expert Hair Extension Care Advice
- Lorie Wright
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14

Stylists and Extension Wearers: Download our free hair extension care instructions here.
Well, hello, gorgeous! At Salon West OKC, we're all about helping you feel amazing. And if you've got gorgeous hair extensions, we know how much you love them! We do too! To keep those luscious locks looking their best for longer, we've created this super-easy guide packed with happy tips and tricks. Because you deserve to feel confident and radiant every single day!
The Best Care Instructions For Hair Extensions
Gentle Brushing is a Must: Think of your extensions as delicate. Treat them with care! Use a Wet Brush or an extension-friendly brush and gently detangle from the ends. Keep a brush with you so that you can brush through your day. "A few brushes throughout the day will keep tangles at bay."
Product Choices: Use only products your stylist recommends! Sulfate-free and alcohol-free products are a must. You've made a big investment in luxury hair and drug store products are typically not recommended. By choosing the right products, you will extend the life of your extensions! And they will be more healthy, shiny, and vibrant!
Shower Smarts: Warm (not hot!) water is your go-to for washing. Hot water can zap the shine right out of your extensions. Your stylist-approved shampoo and conditioner will do the rest. One of our clients likes to condition, shampoo and then condition again. And we think that's pretty genius.
Hydration is Key: A little drop of the right oil (recommended by your stylist, of course!) will keep your extensions happy and hydrated. Think of it as a daily dose of fabulousness! We recommended at least 1 time per day. But, you'll need to adjust to twice per day if the air is dry.
Sleep Happy: Loose braids, satin pillowcases, and satin scrunchies are your nighttime heroes. They'll protect your extensions while you snooze. And bonus...Silk pillowcases are also great for your skin.
Salon Time is Self-Care Time: Regular maintenance appointments are a must! Most stylists will want to see you every 4 - 6 weeks. Regularly timed move-ups will keep your natural hair healthy.
Hard Water at Home?: Hard water can be tough on extensions. A shower filter can really help to keep them looking their best! A shower head filter is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install.
Uh-Oh! Things to Avoid (the don'ts)
Heat's Not a Treat: High heat will damage extensions! Keep your styling tools below 350 degrees and consider a heat protectant. If your flat iron or styling tools don't have a temperature setting, don't use them as there is no way to tell how hot they are.
No Wet Hair to Bed: Never go to bed with wet hair! Dry your hair completely for the best results.
No Pulling or Tugging: Treat your extensions with tenderness; pulling and tugging can damage them or will cause them to slip down.
No Products on Bonds: Heavy oils or silicone-based products near the bonds can lead to problems (no matter the types of extensions you wear).
Sunshine Safety: While you may love the sun, your extensions will not fair well in UV light! Wear a hat. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Tanning beds apply here too.
Sunscreen will Discolor Extension Hair: Avoid sunscreen on or even near extension hair.
Skip the Purple: Unless your stylist says it's okay, skip the purple shampoo. It might cause unexpected color changes or damage.
DIY Disaster: Leave the extension removal to the pros! Attempting to remove them yourself can cause damage to your natural hair.
Water Worries: Chlorine, salt water, and hot tubs can be harsh on your extensions. If you want to indulge, please note that your extensions may not look or feel the same after. If you want to partake, rinse them thoroughly with fresh water, apply conditioner, and braid tightly. This isn't fail-safe but it may help.
Following these simple steps will help you keep your extensions looking fabulous and feeling great! Remember, a little TLC goes a long way. Your stunning extensions are an investment, and caring for them properly will pay off with luscious, healthy-looking hair for months to come.
How long can I expect my extensions to last with proper extension care?
Our extension clients can wear their hair for up to 1 year with great maintenance and care.
What extension brand do you offer at Salon West?
Our salon exclusively uses Lola Hair Extensions. Lola Hair Extensions is Oklahoma owned. In fact, the owner of Salon West is also the founder and CEO of Lola Hair Extensions.
Book a consultation with our salon today and see what we would recommend for you! Consultations are complimentary and a great way to connect with your new future stylist!
Comments