How to Keep Your Hair Extensions Healthy (And What Not to Do!)

Because luxury hair deserves luxury care.

We know how scary it is to invest in extensions for the first time, especially if you’ve heard the horror stories. Tangled messes. Bald spots. Breakage that takes years to repair.

Most of the clients who walk into Studio She™ Salon for the first time say the same thing: “I love how it looks, but I’m so scared of ruining my hair.” 

And we get it. That’s why healthy, long-lasting results are our priority from day one.

Getting professional extensions is an investment, and not just in your look... but in how you feel every day. At Studio She™ Salon, we don’t just focus on installs that blend seamlessly and move beautifully. We care about how your hair holds up after you leave our chair.

So we're detailing exactly how to keep your extensions healthy, long-lasting, and just as stunning as day one.

Brush With Intention

Improper brushing is one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of your extensions.

No:

❌ Tugging from the root

❌ Using the wrong brush

❌ Skipping days between detangling

Do this instead:

✨ Use a loop brush or extension-friendly bristle brush

✨ Hold the hair at the base and start detangling from the ends

✨ Brush 2–3 times daily, especially before bed

Brushing correctly minimizes stress at the attachment points and helps distribute natural oils to keep your strands soft and shiny.

Keep Your Hair Extensions Healthy While You Sleep

How you sleep matters, because friction and tension can cause matting and breakage.

Here’s how to protect your hair at night:

✨ Tie your hair in a loose braid or low pony

✨ Use a silk or satin pillowcase

✨ Never sleep with wet hair

These simple tweaks keep your install smooth and stress-free while you rest.

Cleanse With Care

Washing your hair extensions isn’t the same as washing your natural hair. The wrong products or technique can weaken the bonds and dry out your strands.

Keep your extensions healthy by:

✨ Using sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo and conditioner

✨ Washing gently in a downward motion

✨ Applying conditioner only from mid-length to ends

And... if you're not sure what products are truly extension-safe, we've done the research for you.

We always recommend Virtue Labs' product line for our clients.

At Studio She™ Salon, we stand behind Virtue Labs — a standout brand that’s raising the bar in restorative haircare.

Their formulas are powered by Alpha Keratin 60ku®, a protein that mimics the keratin in your natural hair, helping repair damage from the inside out instead of just masking it.

We especially love their Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner for clients with extensions. They're gentle, sulfate-free, and formulated to strengthen without compromising your install.

TRY VIRTUE LABS NOW

Style With Protection

You can heat style your extensions, just do it mindfully.

What you shouldn't do:

❌ No heat protection

❌ Excessive daily heat use

❌ Styling too close to the root

Do this instead:

✨ Always use a high-quality heat protectant

✨ Keep the temp lower than you would for natural hair

✨ Style the mid-lengths and ends, not the bonds

This will keep your hair soft, silky, and damage-free longer.

Don’t Skip Your Move-Up

This is the number 1 rule for healthy, damage-free extensions. Waiting too long between maintenance can cause matting, slippage, and tension on your natural hair.

At Studio She™, we’ll map out your exact move-up schedule based on your method and lifestyle — and we’ll keep your natural hair integrity top of mind every step of the way.

Ask Questions. Get Support.

At Studio She™ Salon, we want to make sure you feel comfortable asking anything, no matter what it is.

Hair care shouldn’t be guesswork. We’re not the salon that sends you home with zero guidance and hopes for the best. Every client at Studio She™ leaves with clear aftercare instructions, product recs, and ongoing support if you ever have questions. This is a luxury service, from start to finish.

Because trust us, we’ve seen it all — including the damage that happens when clients come to us after poor installs, no education, and zero support.

So hey, seriously, ask us anything. Even if it feels like a “dumb” question, it’s not. We’re here to make sure your extensions stay flawless and your dream hair stays healthy. Always. ❤️

If you’re ready to wear extensions confidently and keep your natural hair healthy underneath, we’ve got you.

START YOUR CONSULTATION HERE

📍 Studio She™ Salon | Ellicott City, MD

📞 410-397-7966