The ultimate guide for maintaining your tape hair extensions

DO gently brush your hair extensions before shampooing. – This will take out any tangles which can be made worse with shampooing – It’s best to use a brush that is specially designed to be gentle to your extensions like the Seamless1 Care Brush.

DO hold the top of the hair extensions with one hand when brushing. – This creates stability at the root area which helps to minimise any stress on your roots caused by the pulling motion of brushing.

DO use the shampoo and conditioner your stylist recommends. – The type of products you use really do make a difference when it comes to keeping your new hair extensions looking their best. Invest in the shampoo and conditioner that will work in harmony with your extensions such as the Hairtalk Cleanse Shampoo and Hairtalk conditioner.

DO brush your hair thoroughly at least twice a day. – Extension hair needs regular grooming to help prevent tangles. Keep a brush handy in your bag and have a brush through a couple of times throughout the day. Brushing will also smooth out the cuticles, promoting your hair’s shine!

DO use a heat-protectant product before heat styling. –  Blow drying, straightening, or curling your hair with a hot tong? A heat protection product is an absolute must to help reduce heat damage to your extensions and your natural hair. One of our favourites that we love is the Kerastase L’incroyable Blowdry Heat Protection Lotion.

DO plait your hair before bed. – With your hair all up and out of the way in a loose plait whilst sleeping it will prevent you from accidentally pulling on your extensions during the night. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will also prevent your hair from matting because of the smooth surface!

DON’T colour your hair extensions on your own. – Good quality hair extensions can be coloured, but this should be done by a professional to avoid damage, not only the extensions, but your natural hair as well. Hair extensions should never be lightened.

DON’T rush into getting hair extensions. – Great hair is made by appointment only and hair extensions are no exception. Have a consultation before we order your new extensions to let us match the colour and texture of your hair perfectly to avoid disappointing results.

DON’T wash your hair every day. – Every day washing with hair extensions may wear down the tapes quicker, which can shorten their lifespan. Become best buddies with dry shampoo to help stretch out time between shampooing.  Try not to apply conditioner directly to your scalp and tapes, concentrate on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair only – this will help prevent your extensions slipping.

DON’T get your hair wet or sweat it up at the gym for at least 24-48 hours after getting tape-in hair extensions. – Letting your new extensions settle in for 48 hours before getting them wet will help the tapes adhere to your hair better.

DON’T be rough with your hair when you’re brushing and styling. – Your extensions are attached to a thin slice of your hair and a rough tug can potentially pull your hair out from the scalp. So be gentle!

DON’T try to remove your tape extensions yourself.  – Your tapes will generally need to be removed and reapplied after around 6 weeks. These tapes are very sticky as they are designed to stay put, attempting to remove them yourself could damage your extensions and your own hair. Let a hairdresser remove them gently with special tools and products designed for the job.