How to care for hair extensions.

Ask your stylist how soon you can wash your hair. For tape-ins it is usually 48 hours, so the tape can bond fully. Until then, keep the roots dry and avoid heat at the scalp.

• Brush twice a day with a soft, cushioned extension brush, which gives over tapes and beads instead of catching on them.
• Start at the ends and work up, holding the hair at the root with your other hand.
• Brush before you wash, so tangles don't set.

• Wash two or three times a week with a sulphate-free shampoo.
• Shampoo the roots and let it run through the lengths; don't pile the hair on top of your head.
• Use conditioner or a mask from mid-lengths to ends, keeping it away from tapes and beads.
• Rinse with cool water to keep the hair smooth.

Blot with a towel rather than rubbing. Then dry the roots fully: damp roots near the tapes or beads can loosen them or cause matting. A blow dryer on a medium setting is fine.

Use a heat protector and keep tools at 180°C or below. A colourist can tone extensions or take them darker; we don't recommend lightening them.

Never go to bed with wet hair. Sleep with it in a loose plait or low ponytail, ideally on a silk pillowcase, to stop it tangling.

Tie your hair up in a plait. Before you swim, wet it with clean water so it absorbs less chlorine or salt, then rinse, condition and dry the roots fully afterwards. After the gym, dry any sweat at the roots.

Keep to your refit schedule: every 6–8 weeks for tape-ins and every 8–10 weeks for wefts. Don't remove extensions yourself; your stylist reuses the same hair at each refit, so it lasts 12 months and more.