5 Tips on How to Care for Clip in Hair Extensions the Right Way
Apr
Clip-in hair extensions are a favorite for quickly transforming your hairstyle. To keep them looking their best, it’s important to know how to care for clip in hair extensions properly. With the right maintenance, you can keep your clip-ins looking smooth, healthy, and beautiful no matter the season, while also extending their lifespan and keeping your style on point.
How to Care for Clip In Hair Extensions: The Complete Guide
Clip-in extensions are a favorite for transforming your look on the go, especially for special occasions and events. To keep your clip-in extensions looking great and to make sure you do too, it’s essential to take proper care of them.
Here’s a complete guide on how to care for clip in hair extensions to help maintain their beauty, softness, and longevity.
Tip 1: How to wash clip in hair extensions
With regular wear, clip-in extensions can soak up natural oils and styling products, which can lead to buildup and affect their softness and shape. To keep them in great condition, follow these simple washing steps on how to take care of clip in hair extensions:
Set a wash schedule
Aim to wash your extensions every 10–15 wears or whenever they begin to feel heavy or greasy.
Soak gently
Fill your bathroom sink with lukewarm water and submerge the extensions. Avoid using hot water when washing your extensions. This is a key tip in learning how to care for clip in extensions properly.
Use a gentle shampoo
Apply a sulfate-free, clarifying shampoo by gently smoothing it along the strands. Be gentle. Don’t rub or scrub the hair, as it can lead to tangling. This step is essential when learning how to care for hair extensions clip in properly.
Condition and hydrate
Rinse thoroughly, then apply a lightweight, low-pH conditioner. For added moisture, use a deep conditioner every one to two weeks. Leave it on for several minutes or overnight for extra hydration, then rinse with cold water to seal in moisture.
Brush with care
Another point on how to look after clip in hair extensions is to always detangle using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions before washing. Never comb them while wet, as that can cause breakage or shedding.
Air dry for best results
Skip the heat when drying your extensions. Instead, gently blot them with a clean towel to soak up extra water, no rubbing or wringing. Then, lay them flat or hang them to air dry on their own.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting, though this should be done sparingly.
Air drying is the gentlest method and helps maintain the softness and texture of your extensions. This step is also an important part of how to maintain hair extensions clip on.
Hydration and hair products
Extensions need moisture just like your natural hair does to stay soft, smooth, and healthy. Always use high-quality, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and occasionally apply a leave-in conditioner or a light oil like Argan oil, especially on the mid-lengths and ends.
Avoid applying too much product, particularly at the roots, as it can weigh down the extensions and make them appear greasy.
Tip 2: Brushing and moisturizing
Once your extensions are completely dry, use a wide-tooth comb to carefully detangle them. Start at the ends and slowly work your way up to prevent breakage.
During colder months or after frequent heat styling, your extensions may feel dry. Use a small amount of leave-in conditioner or Argan oil to bring back softness, but remember, a little goes a long way.
Tip 3: Styling tips: Using heat the right way
The next part of how to take care of clip in human hair extensions is to style them. While heat styling adds flair, it should be done carefully:
- Synthetic extensions: Never apply heat, as it can melt the fibers.
- Human hair extensions (like Remy hair): Use heat tools only on the lowest setting.
- Always apply a salon-grade heat protectant spray before styling.
- Make sure the extensions are fully dry before using any heat tools.
To reduce heat exposure, consider owning two sets – one straight and one curly, so you can change up your style without constant styling.
Tip 4: Customizing your extensions
Want a more personalized look? You can dye, trim, or layer your extensions to better match your natural hair. If you’re planning to color them, opt for darker shades rather than bleaching, which can damage the strands. For best results, let a professional stylist handle the customization.
Tip 5: Storing your extensions correctly
Proper storage keeps your extensions in top shape:
- After using, brush your extensions gently and make sure they are dry completely.
- Store them in their original box, on a hanger, or in a silk- or satin-lined pouch to avoid tangling.
- Store them in a cool, dry spot, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
By following these care tips, your clip-in extensions will stay soft, full, and gorgeous and make you look your best, no matter the occasion. This is the essential information for how to care for your clip in hair extensions.
Some FAQs about How to Care for Clip In Hair Extensions
How often to wash clip-in hair extensions
This depends on how frequently you wear your clip-ins and how they feel. While salon professionals typically suggest washing them every 10 to 15 wears, you might need to clean them sooner, especially if there’s noticeable product buildup or an unexpected spill.
A good way to tell if it’s time is by running your fingers through the hair, paying close attention to the ends. This is a good example of how to take care of clip in extensions.
Ultimately, no one knows your extensions better than you, so trust your instincts when it comes to keeping them clean and in great shape.
How to keep clip-in extensions in quality condition
If you’re investing in high-quality human hair extensions, like the ones from Unihairvn – it’s important to treat them with the same care you give your natural hair.
Do:
Stick to gentle shampoos that effectively cleanse your extensions without stripping them, and always follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep the hair soft, shiny, and manageable.
Whenever possible, let your extensions air dry to preserve their integrity, or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting along with a heat protector.
A few drops of lightweight oil, like argan oil, can also go a long way in boosting moisture and enhancing shine.
Don’t:
Neglect regular washing. Letting weeks or even months go by without properly cleaning your clip-ins can lead to buildup and dullness.
Styling dirty extensions is just as difficult and ineffective as styling unwashed hair, so keep them fresh for the best results. This is part of how to keep clip in extensions from tangling.
How to keep clip-in hair extensions soft
While using the right hair products is important, the tools you use are just as crucial when it comes to keeping your clip-in extensions soft, smooth, and in great condition. This will help in how to care for clip in hair extensions.
Do:
Reach for extension-friendly tools like a Wet Brush, detangling brush, or bamboo paddle brush. These are ideal for preventing tangles and are gentle on the cuticles, helping your natural hair and extensions blend beautifully without causing damage.
Don’t:
Use brushes or combs that aren’t suited to your extensions’ texture. For instance, using a fine-tooth comb on curly clip-ins can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz.
And steer clear of styling products that contain alcohol, especially on curly hair, as they can dry out and dull your curls. Instead, opt for curl-enhancing products that define and hydrate the texture.
Can I shower with clip-in extensions?
While clip-in extensions are super convenient and versatile, it’s best to avoid wearing them in the shower. Getting them wet while installed can lead to tangling and unnecessary damage.
Do: Shower as usual, but protect your hair and extensions with a shower cap to keep them dry.
Don’t: Apply shampoo or any cleansing products while your clip-ins are still attached.
Can you sleep in clip-ins?
As comfy as it might seem, sleeping in your clip-ins isn’t a great idea. Since the clips are secured with small combs, tossing and turning overnight can cause tension and lead to breakage.
To keep your hair healthy and your extensions in good shape, simply take them out before bed and clip them back in when you’re ready to style the next day.
How should I store my clip-in extensions?
To make sure your clip-in extensions stay in great shape, proper storage is key.
Do: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store them in their original box or a protective hair extension bag to prevent tangling and damage.
Don’t: Toss them into a drawer or leave them mixed with other products. This can lead to knots and shorten their lifespan.
How long do clip-in extensions last?
With regular care, clip-in extensions can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. At Unihairvn, our premium extensions are made from cuticle-aligned, single-donor hair, ensuring they remain smooth, silky, and tangle-free from top to bottom.
Do: Maintain your extensions with consistent washing, conditioning, and proper storage after multiple wears.
Don’t: Overuse high heat or harsh products. This can lead to dryness, shedding, and early wear. If you’re thinking of switching up your color, consider choosing from our wide selection of natural shades in Black, Brown, and Blonde to match your desired look without the damage.
Conclusion
While you might not wear your clip-in extensions every day, they still need regular upkeep to stay in great condition. Knowing how to care for clip in hair extensions can go a long way in preserving their quality and extending their lifespan. With the right care, your extensions will stay soft, shiny, and looking their best throughout the year.
Now that you know how to properly wash your clip-ins, you can enjoy fuller, healthier-looking hair every time you wear them.
