
Hair Extensions: Longevity and Care Tips
If you’re thinking about buying luxurious new hair extensions, there are some things you need to consider beforehand.
One of which is their typical lifespan. While the longevity of hair extensions differs between each type of hair extension, you can expect your extensions to last anywhere between 6 to 12 months. With the correct aftercare, your hair can last over 12 months.
Today, I’m So Pretty will be your beauty guide (or fairy godmother, if you will). This blog will focus on the typical lifespan of each type of real hair extension and how to keep your hair looking shiny and fresh, so you get your money’s worth!
How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?
Now, if you’re looking for hair that will last through multiple nights out, hangovers, and excessive heat from styling products (we suggest taking it easy), then ditch your old synthetic extensions for real human hair.
Not only will your hair look and feel a million times better, but you won’t have to worry about constant replacements, stiff strands, and less styling flexibility—it's a no-brainer!
Plus, hair extensions can cut down the time it takes for you to get ready every day; who doesn’t love extra sleep? European and Brazilian hair extensions are great choices if you're looking for enhanced volume, durability, and thickness.
You can find the lifespan for each type of hair extension below:
- Tape hair extensions: These are perfect for adding length and volume. With proper care and regular repositioning every 6 to 8 weeks, tape extensions can last up to 12 months.
- Nano-tip hair extensions: Nano-tip extensions offer a natural finish. With gentle care and adjustments after 12 weeks, they can last up to 12 months.
- Weft hair extensions: Weft extensions are ideal for thicker hair and can stay put for 6 to 8 weeks per installation. If maintained properly, the hair can last up to 12 months.
- Clip-in extensions: With proper care and infrequent washing, clip-ins can last up to 18 months. This is a low-maintenance option.
Top Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Hair Extensions
No one wants to pay a lot of money for princess hair only to have to cash out another mortgage for new extensions in a few week’s time.
While the quality of your extensions impacts their longevity, how long hair extensions last also depends on your own level of care for them. To avoid the heartbreak of your extensions giving up on you too soon, follow I’m So Pretty’s top tips below:
1. Always Detangle Before Washing
Leaving your hair a tangled mess before washing is a catastrophe waiting to happen (extensions or not).
Hair extensions are prone to knotting, especially at the roots, so gently detangle them using a wide-tooth comb before washing. Avoid unnecessary breakage by starting from the ends and working your way up.
2. Gentle Washing is a Must
Care for your extensions as you would your own hair (or with a bit more diligence). Hair extensions are delicate, and they deserve to be treated as such.
Because of this, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner are non-negotiable. Wash your hair with this no more than 2–3 times per week for soft, healthy, and hydrated hair.
Use lukewarm water when washing your extensions to avoid dry hair and slit ends. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends while avoiding heavy product build-up near the bonds or clips.
3. Avoid Sleeping with Wet Extensions
If you go to bed with wet hair, then you’re wishing for a tangled mess in the morning. Your hair extensions are weaker when wet, so thoroughly dry your hair beforehand to avoid matting or extensions falling out.
We also suggest tying your hair in a loose braid to avoid friction and sleeping with a satin or silk pillowcase; trust us, we know what we’re talking about.
4. Be Mindful of Heat Styling
Everybody wants to have perfectly styled hair, but overdoing the heat products is more damaging than you realise.
Heat can cause hair to become brittle and damaged. Too much heat will inevitably cause you to need to replace your hair extensions. To avoid this, always use a heat-protectant spray and keep the temperature below 180°C.
Give your hair a break from heat every few days and try some heatless styling methods instead; braids for waves and rollers for curls are your best friends!
5. Limit Product Use
While it’s tempting to try every styling product recommended by your favourite influencer, less is more with extensions.
Too much product can cause build-up, weighing down the hair and making it appear greasy. For shine and control, stick to lightweight, alcohol-free serums or sprays.
We always suggest using sulfate-free products to reduce irreversible damage.
6. Keep Them Moisturised
Extensions are more prone to drying out because they don't benefit from the natural oils on your scalp.
To keep them hydrated, use hair oil or a mild leave-in conditioner. Avoid putting oils close to the bonds or clips and concentrate on the ends.
Use a deep conditioning mask every 2 weeks to replenish moisture and keep them feeling soft.
7. Avoid Chlorine and Salt Water
Chlorine and salt water are hair extensions' longest enemies.
These can wreak havoc on your beautiful extensions, drying them out, tangling them, and weakening them. They can even cause discolouration, turning blonde hair into a brassy or greenish hue.
To avoid this, tie your hair up or wear a swim cap to minimise contact with the water. If you get any salt water in your hair, rinse it immediately. Coating your hair with a leave-in conditioner or a protective oil can also form a barrier against the water.
8. Use I’m So Pretty’s aftercare products
At I’m So Pretty, we want the best for you and your hair. That’s why we offer a carefully formulated hair care collection for your real human hair extensions.
Our pretty aftercare includes sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner infused with aloe vera, which keeps hair feeling soft and hydrated.
You can also browse our heat protection, which will protect your hair from styling tools and high temperatures, keeping it looking healthy and vibrant.