How to wash and condition hair extensions

When you wear hair extensions like havana twists, yarn twists/braids, or kinky twists, you need to wash your hair regularly. Extensions should be kept in no longer than 3-4 weeks depending on the hair type.

How to wash and condition hair extensions

Step 1: Fill a spray bottle half way with distilled or filtered water. Add 4-5 tablespoons of your favorite shampoo, mud wash, or hair cleanser to the spray bottle. Shake the bottle until the ingredients are mixed well.
Blogger Naptural85 tying her hair into a bun.
Step 2: Tie your extensions into a loose bun at the base of your head with a hair band. Step into the shower. Spray your hair with the spray bottle until damp, focusing on the scalp. Massage your scalp with your fingertips for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Turn the shower head on and rinse your hair. Let the water rinse your scalp first then let it run down the hair extensions.

*Step 4: Empty the spray bottle containing the shampoo mixture. Repeat Steps 1-3 again with your favorite conditioner.

Step 5: Dry your extensions with a 100 % cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to avoid frizzy hair. Let your scalp air dry. Condition your hair as usual.

*This step is for those who use a shampoo that is not a mud wash or for those whose shampoo and conditioner are separate products.

How to create a schedule for washing hair extensions

Wash your hair as often as you would if you did not have extensions. For example, I wash my hair every two weeks. So when I wear extensions, I also wash my hair every two weeks. You can extend your wash day up to one week. For example, sometimes I wash my hair after three weeks of wearing my extensions instead of two. The longer you wear hair extensions, the dirtier your hair and scalp will become. Make sure to schedule your washes!

Hair washing chart

This chart displays ideal washing schedules, however everyone’s hair is different and those differences should be taken into account. Use this chart as a guideline to create your own washing schedule.


photo courtesy of Naptural85.com


more: yarn extensions: everything you need to know

havana twists: everything you need to know

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