How to Care for Human Hair Extensions
A professional-grade, step-by-step routine to keep your bundles soft, shiny, and tangle-free between salon visits — because proper care at home is the secret to making your investment last.
Your Bundles Are an Investment
High-quality human hair extensions are meant to last — but only when they're cared for properly. With the right routine, your bundles can stay silky and beautiful for a year or more, saving you hundreds of dollars in replacements. Neglect them, and even the best raw hair will shed, tangle, and dry out quickly.
This guide walks you through the exact professional-grade care routine we recommend to every AKX Manes client.
Your Step-by-Step Care Guide
Follow these five essentials to keep your extensions healthy, hydrated, and salon-fresh at home.
Washing Techniques
Use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free shampoo. Never scrub or pile hair on top of your head. Instead, gently glide shampoo down the length of the strands in one direction to prevent tangling and matting.
Deep Conditioning
Hydration is everything. Apply a moisturizing conditioner or deep mask from mid-shaft to ends every wash. Let it sit 10–15 minutes, then rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
Gentle Detangling
Always detangle from the ends up to the roots using a wide-tooth comb or loop brush. Use a leave-in or detangling spray for slip, and never rip through knots — patience protects the wefts.
Drying the Right Way
Blot — don't rub — with a microfiber towel. Air dry when possible, and always use a heat protectant before blow drying. Keep dryers on low-to-medium heat and avoid concentrating heat on the wefts.
Nighttime & Storage
Always sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. When storing bundles between installs, keep them clean, conditioned, and hanging or laid flat in a breathable bag.
Frequency of Care
Co-wash weekly, shampoo every 2–3 weeks, and deep condition with every wash. Moisturize daily with a lightweight leave-in to keep strands hydrated and elastic.
What to Use — and What to Avoid
Use These
- Sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo
- Rich deep conditioner or hair mask
- Leave-in conditioner or detangling spray
- Argan or jojoba oil for shine and sealing ends
- Heat protectant before any hot tools
- Wide-tooth comb or extension loop brush
Avoid These
- Sulfates, parabens, and drying alcohols
- Heavy silicones that cause buildup
- Hot water — it opens the cuticle and dries hair
- Sleeping on cotton pillowcases
- Going to bed with wet extensions
- Excessive heat styling without protection
Is Your Hair Trying to Tell You Something?
Catching damage early can save your bundles — and your natural hair underneath. Watch for these signs it's time for a maintenance appointment.
Persistent Tangling
If hair mats or knots at the nape no matter what you do, the cuticle may be lifting.
Excessive Shedding
Some shedding is normal, but heavy loss from the wefts signals stress or improper washing.
Dry, Straw-Like Ends
Brittle strands that won't hold moisture need deep hydration or a professional trim.
Loss of Shine
Dull, cloudy hair usually means product buildup — time for a clarifying wash.
Related Articles From The Journal
Raw Hair vs. Other Hair Extensions: What You Should Know
Not all bundles are created equal. Learn what makes raw hair different — and why it's worth the investment.
Read More →How to Care for Your Sew-In and Protect Your Natural Hair
Your install is only as healthy as the hair underneath. Discover the routine that keeps both looking their best.
Read More →LET YOUR BUNDLES THRIVE
Need professional bundle care between installs? Ready to invest in premium, long-lasting extensions? AKX Manes is here to help you protect your investment and keep your crown thriving.
