How to Maintain Healthy Hair While Wearing Extensions

Published by The Press Room Salon | Atlanta, GA

Hair extensions are a great way to add length, volume, and versatility to your style, but proper maintenance is key to keeping both your natural hair and extensions in top condition. Without the right care, extensions can become dry, tangled, or even cause damage to your natural hair.

At The Press Room Salon in Atlanta, we specialize in luxury hair extensions, including tape-ins, microlinks, and sew-ins, and we educate our clients on how to maintain extensions while keeping their natural hair healthy. Whether you're new to extensions or a long-time wearer, this guide will help you extend the lifespan of your extensions while protecting your real hair.

Why Hair Extension Maintenance is Important

Proper extension care helps to:

✔ Extend the longevity of your hair extensions.
✔ Prevent tangling, shedding, and matting.
✔ Keep your natural hair healthy and breakage-free.
✔ Maintain a polished, natural-looking style.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to tangling, dryness, scalp irritation, and even hair loss, so following the right routine is essential.

1. Choose the Right Type of Extensions for Your Lifestyle

Not all extensions work for every lifestyle. The best type for you depends on your hair type, maintenance routine, and daily activities.

Most Popular Hair Extensions & Maintenance Levels:

Extension TypeLongevityMaintenance LevelTape-Ins6-8 weeksModerate – Must avoid heavy oils near roots.Microlinks (I-Tips)2-3 monthsHigh – Requires regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks.Sew-Ins6-8 weeksLow to moderate – Scalp cleansing and moisture balance are key.Clip-InsTemporaryLow – Must be removed daily to prevent damage.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We help clients choose the best extension method based on their lifestyle and hair needs.

2. Wash and Condition Your Extensions Correctly

Improper washing can lead to product buildup, dryness, and tangling in both your natural hair and extensions.

How to Wash Hair Extensions Properly:

✔ Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping moisture.
✔ Wash in a downward motion to prevent tangling.
✔ Focus on the scalp when washing sewn-in or microlink extensions.
✔ Avoid excessive scrubbing near the bonds or wefts.
✔ Always follow with a deep conditioner to keep hair soft and manageable.

Washing Frequency:

• Tape-Ins & Microlinks: Wash once per week to prevent slippage.

• Sew-Ins: Wash every 7-10 days to avoid buildup and odor.

• Clip-Ins: Wash as needed (every 10-15 wears).

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We offer extension-safe washes and conditioning treatments to keep both your hair and extensions healthy.

3. Keep Extensions Moisturized Without Weighing Them Down

Hair extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp, making them prone to dryness and frizz. Proper hydration is key to keeping them soft and tangle-free.

Best Hydration Methods for Extensions:

✔ Use lightweight leave-in conditioners to keep extensions moisturized without buildup.
✔ Apply hydrating serums on the mid-lengths and ends (avoid the roots).
✔ Use argan oil or a light serum to add shine and reduce frizz.
✔ Deep condition extensions every 2 weeks to maintain softness.

❌ Avoid heavy butters, creams, or thick oils near the roots—these can loosen tape-ins or microlinks and cause slippage.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We recommend extension-safe hydration treatments that won’t weigh your hair down.

4. Protect Your Hair and Extensions at Night

Sleeping without properly securing your extensions can lead to matting, tangling, and breakage.

Nighttime Care Tips:

✔ Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
✔ Tie hair into a loose braid or ponytail to prevent tangles.
✔ Wrap hair in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet for extra protection.
✔ Never sleep with wet extensions—always air-dry or blow-dry first.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We teach clients the best nighttime care routines to maximize the longevity of their extensions.

5. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling

Too much heat can dry out and weaken both natural hair and extensions, leading to split ends, frizz, and shorter lifespan.

Heat Styling Best Practices:

✔ Use a heat protectant spray before flat ironing or curling.
✔ Keep heat tools under 375°F to prevent damage.
✔ Limit heat styling to 1-2 times per week to extend the life of extensions.
✔ Opt for heatless styles like braids or roller sets to achieve curls.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We provide low-heat styling techniques that keep your extensions looking polished while protecting your natural hair.

6. Get Regular Maintenance Appointments

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping extensions in place and preventing damage to your natural hair.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule:

✔ Tape-Ins: Reinstalled every 6-8 weeks.
✔ Microlinks: Adjustments every 4-6 weeks.
✔ Sew-Ins: Tighten or refresh leave-out every 3-4 weeks.
✔ Clip-Ins: Store properly and refresh every 6-12 months depending on usage.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to matting, excessive shedding, and breakage, so professional check-ups are key.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We offer regular extension maintenance services to keep your hair looking flawless.

7. Remove Extensions Properly to Avoid Damage

Improper removal can cause serious breakage, thinning, or bald spots. Always have your extensions removed by a professional.

How to Safely Remove Extensions:

✔ Use an oil-based remover for tape-ins to dissolve adhesive.
✔ Detangle and deep condition hair after removal to restore moisture.
✔ Take a break between installations if hair feels weak or over-processed.
✔ Trim ends after removing extensions to prevent split ends.

📍 At The Press Room Salon: We provide gentle, professional extension removals that protect the health of your natural hair.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Extensions & Natural Hair Healthy

With proper care, hydration, and maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting hair extensions without compromising the health of your real hair. Whether you wear tape-ins, microlinks, sew-ins, or clip-ins, following these steps will ensure your extensions remain soft, smooth, and flawless for weeks or months.

At The Press Room Salon in Atlanta, we specialize in luxury hair extensions and aftercare services to help clients achieve healthy, stunning hair that lasts.

📍 Book a consultation today to find the best extensions for your lifestyle and learn how to maintain your hair like a pro!

Visit us at: www.ThePressRoomSalon.com