You’ve invested in stunning hair extensions, so naturally, you want them to look as beautiful as the day you got them. But without the right care and attention, even the highest quality extensions can lose their shine, become tangled, or shorten in lifespan. Hair extension care is about more than just looking after the hair itself, it includes choosing the right products, professional application, and a consistent at-home maintenance routine. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you’ll not only keep your extensions looking salon-fresh but also protect your natural hair and get the most value from your investment.
Here's everything you need to know about caring for hair extensions properly, and how SWAY can help every step of the way.
1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Extensions for Your Hair Type
The first, and often most crucial, mistake people make is selecting hair extensions that are incompatible with their natural hair type. This can result in poor blending, discomfort, or damage to your natural hair. Your hair’s density, texture, and overall condition should influence the type of extensions you choose. If your hair is fine or fragile, for instance, you’ll need something lightweight and discreet like Nano Bonds or Tape In extensions to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your roots. On the other hand, those with thicker or more textured hair may benefit from options like Weft extensions or Flat Tip Bonds that provide fuller coverage. It’s essential to consider not just the end result you’re after, but also how the extensions will work with your lifestyle, for example, how often you style your hair or wear it up.
How To Choose The Right Type of Extensions for Your Hair Type
- Assess your hair’s natural thickness. Is it fine, medium or thick?
- Take note of your hair’s texture. Is it straight, wavy, or curly?
- Factor in your lifestyle. How often do you heat style, wear your hair up, or visit the salon?
- Choose an extension type that aligns with your hair’s health and daily habits.
Need more help? Check out our blog on ‘Choosing The Right Hair Extensions for Your Hair Type’ or reach out to our team for personalised advice.
2. Choosing the Right Installation Method & Professional
Even with premium extensions, the wrong installation method or an inexperienced stylist can lead to a poor outcome. Whether it's visible bonds, uneven placement, or scalp discomfort, these issues often stem from going to a technician without proper experience in extension fitting. Different extension types require different techniques, and a skilled professional will know how to apply them based on your hair type and needs. For example, Tape ins must be sandwiched evenly and securely, while Nano Bonds require precise placement and blending.
A proper installation doesn’t just affect how the extensions look, it also impacts their durability and your ability to maintain them effectively. For best results, always go to a certified stylist familiar with SWAY’s extension systems and ensure they understand your hair goals from the start.
3. Using the Wrong Products on Your Hair Extensions
Using everyday shampoos and conditioners that contain harsh sulfates or parabens can strip the hair of natural oils and cause extensions to become dry and brittle. This is one of the fastest ways to reduce the lifespan and shine of your extensions. At SWAY, we recommend our Hydrate Duo Bundle, a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner set specifically formulated to nourish and protect hair extensions without weakening the bonds.
Incorporating Hair Oil into your daily routine and The Hair Hero as and when required, also adds essential hydration and helps reduce frizz and tangling. While the Hair Hero helps with protecting your strands from heat damage, topping up with the Heat Protection Spray before every blow-dry, straighten and curl, shields your extensions from the high temperatures of heat styling tools like the AIRE Flow Hairdryer and the AIRE Multi Styler. Remember, using the right products is not just a recommendation, it’s an essential part of proper hair extension care that will keep your strands soft, silky and strong.
4. Not Brushing Your Hair Extensions Correctly
Brushing your extensions incorrectly can lead to tangling, shedding and damage to both the extensions and your natural hair. Tugging through knots or using the wrong kind of brush can weaken the bonds and cause unnecessary fallout. We always recommend using a Professional Paddle Brush, designed specifically for detangling extensions without snagging or pulling. This brush will glide effortlessly through the hair and help maintain a smooth, polished finish.
How To Brush Your Hair Extensions
- Hold the extensions near the root to prevent pressure on the bonds.
- Start from the ends and work upwards in gentle sections.
- Use a downward, fluid motion to avoid yanking or breakage.
- Brush in the morning, evening, and before washing to prevent tangles.
5. Washing Your Hair Extensions Improperly
Washing hair extensions too frequently, using hot water, or applying conditioner too close to the bonds can all reduce their longevity and quality. Many people don’t realise that extensions don’t receive the natural oils from your scalp like your own hair does, so they must be cleansed and conditioned carefully to maintain moisture without buildup.
Washing should be kept to two or three times per week, and always with sulfate-free products. Apply shampoo with downward strokes and avoid vigorous scrubbing. When conditioning, focus on the mid-lengths and ends, never the root area. After rinsing, gently pat the hair dry rather than rubbing it. For an added boost, use a Hydrate Mask once a week to deeply nourish and restore softness.
Best Practices for Washing Hair Extensions
- Wash your extensions 2–3 times a week using lukewarm water.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo and apply with downward strokes.
- Condition only from mid-lengths to ends.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
- Apply a hydrating mask once a week for moisture and repair.
- Never let the hair air dry and always use a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
To find out more about washing your extensions, take a look at our blog on ‘How Often Should You Wash Your Hair Extensions’ or contact our experts directly for further advice.
6. Sleeping with Wet Hair Extensions
One of the simplest yet most damaging mistakes is going to bed with wet or damp hair extensions. When hair is wet, it’s more prone to breakage and tangling, and this is even more problematic with extensions, which don’t have the same natural elasticity as your own hair. If you fall asleep without fully drying your hair, friction from your pillow can cause matting and even pull on the bonds.
Always make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping, and ideally, tie it into a loose braid or low ponytail to minimise movement and friction. This small change can drastically improve your hair extension maintenance routine and prevent a lot of unnecessary damage. However, should you be faced with tangles and knotting, our blog on ‘How to Fix Tangles and Knots in Your Hair Extensions’ will provide you with the helping hand you need in your moment of need.
7. Excessive Heat Without Protection
Heat styling is part of many people’s daily routines, but when it comes to extensions, it needs to be done with extra care. Using curling wands, straighteners, or blow dryers on high heat without any protection can lead to dryness and breakage, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your extensions. It’s vital to use a quality heat protectant like the SWAY Heat Protection Spray before applying any kind of direct heat. This acts as a barrier, shielding both your natural hair and extensions from high temperatures and preserving their silky finish. Incorporating this into your daily routine is a non-negotiable step in proper hair extension care and will help keep your style looking polished without compromising your strands.
8. Neglecting Regular Maintenance Salon Appointments
Skipping salon appointments is one of the biggest mistakes when it comes to long-term hair extension care. Just like a fresh colour or haircut, extensions need regular upkeep to remain in top condition. Depending on your extension type, maintenance appointments every 6–8 weeks are essential for repositioning, removing any tangles near the root, trimming split ends, and ensuring your bonds remain secure and undamaged. Neglecting this can lead to matting, slippage or even breakage, both to the extensions and your own hair. A professional stylist will also be able to assess the condition of your extensions and give personalised advice on how to continue caring for them at home.
9. Not Blending Hair Extensions Properly with Your Natural Hair
No matter how luxurious your extensions are, if they aren't blended properly, the result will never look truly natural. Blending involves cutting and shaping the extensions to match the length, layers, and volume of your own hair. This is where a skilled stylist can make all the difference, adding soft layers, feathering the ends, and ensuring the colour match is perfect. Even small touches like styling your natural hair and extensions together can dramatically improve the look. Without proper blending, extensions can appear obvious or “blocky”, which takes away from the seamless, natural look they’re designed to create.
10. Not Storing Clip In Extensions Properly
Clip in hair extensions offer flexibility and ease, but improper storage can dramatically shorten their lifespan. After removing your clip-ins, it’s tempting to leave them on a dresser or toss them in a drawer, but this leads to tangling, dirt build-up and even damage. Always brush them gently before storing and place them in a satin or silk storage pouch. If possible, lay them flat or hang them in a cool, dry space, away from sunlight and heat sources. Proper storage is a simple yet highly effective part of hair extension maintenance, helping preserve the softness, length and colour integrity of your clip-ins between wears.
Why Choose SWAY Extensions and Haircare?
Choosing SWAY means choosing premium quality, expert design, and products created with the longevity of your extensions in mind. We offer 49 stunning shades, including rooted tones, which ensures the most accurate and natural-looking match for every hair colour. Our extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair, ensuring softness, strength and consistent results that last up to 12 months with proper care. Whether you’re after Nano Bonds, Flat Tip Bonds, Tiny Tip Bonds, Tapes, Clip-Ins, Wefts or Tape Wefts, we have a method to suit every hair type and styling preference. We also offer multiple length options from 14 inch extensions to 24 inch hair, making it easy to customise your look.
What truly sets us apart is our range of professional haircare products. Every item is cruelty-free and free from sulfates and parabens, designed to maintain the health and vibrancy of your extensions. Not sure which product or extension type is right for you? Browse our expert blogs or get in touch with our friendly team at SWAY today by giving us a call on 0333 207 4472, by emailing us at info@swayhairextensions.com or by filling out our online contact form, and we’ll be happy to help you make the most of your hair extensions.
SWAY Hair Extensions and Haircare FAQs
How often should I wash my hair extensions?
Washing your extensions two to three times a week is ideal. Over-washing can dry them out, while under-washing can lead to product build-up. Use lukewarm water and apply a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo with downward strokes to avoid tangling. Condition only the mid-lengths to ends, and always rinse thoroughly. To maintain hydration and softness, use a deep conditioning mask like our Hydrate Mask weekly.
Can I use regular shampoo and conditioner on my extensions?
No, regular shampoos and conditioners often contain sulfates, parabens or silicones that can strip moisture, weaken bonds, and reduce the lifespan of your extensions. Our Hydrate Duo at SWAY is specifically formulated for hair extension care. It cleanses gently while keeping your extensions soft, manageable, and protected. Using extension-safe products is essential for long-term hair extension care.
What brush should I use on my extensions?
A standard brush can tug at the bonds and cause breakage, so it’s best to use a tool designed for extensions. The SWAY Professional Paddle Brush is made to glide through the hair without pulling or damaging your strands. Brushing 2–3 times daily, especially before bed and washing, keeps your extensions tangle-free, smooth, and easy to style.
How long do SWAY extensions last?
With the right care, SWAY hair extensions can last up to 12 months. Longevity depends on your at-home maintenance routine and regular salon visits. Using the correct haircare products, brushing gently, limiting heat styling, and storing clip-ins properly are all key to ensuring your extensions stay in excellent condition over time.
How do I know which type of SWAY extensions are right for me?
Choosing the right type of extensions for you depends on your natural hair’s thickness, texture, and lifestyle. If you wear your hair up often, Nano Bonds or Tapes might be best. For extra volume or thicker hair, Wefts or Flat Tips could be more suitable. Check out our detailed blog on ‘Choosing The Right Hair Extensions for Your Hair Type’, or contact our team for personalised support.
Are your products safe for sensitive scalps?
Yes! All of our haircare products are formulated without sulfates, parabens or harsh chemicals, making them gentle on both extensions and your scalp. Our formulas are also cruelty-free, ensuring a safer and more ethical option for anyone with sensitive skin or those looking for clean beauty alternatives that support proper hair extension care.
How often should I attend maintenance appointments?
To keep your hair extensions in top condition, you should see your professional stylist every 6 to 8 weeks. These appointments allow for bond checks, repositioning, and removal of any tangles that may have formed near the root. Regular maintenance is a vital part of long-term hair extension care and helps prevent issues like slippage, matting or damage to your natural hair.
