How to Maintain Hair Extensions — NYC Expert Guide (K-Tips, I-Tips, Tape-Ins & Sew-Ins)

Hair extensions are an investment, and with the right care, they can stay beautiful, soft, and healthy for months. Whether you wear K-tips, I-tips, Tape-ins, or a Sew-in weft, proper maintenance is the key to long-lasting results.

As a NYC Hair Extensions Specialist, here is the complete guide to keeping your extensions shiny, smooth, and tangle-free every day.

1. Brush Your Extensions Daily (The Right Way)

Brushing is one of the most important steps. It prevents tangles and protects the bonds.

How to Brush:

• Use a soft “hair extension brush” or loop brush
• Start from the ends and work upward
• Hold the hair at the root to avoid tension on the bonds
• Brush at least 2–3 times per day

Never brush your extensions when soaking wet.

2. Use Serum on the Ends Daily

Extensions do not receive natural oils from the scalp, so they need extra hydration.

Best products for the ends:

• Lightweight hair serum
• Argan oil
• Silicone-based smooth serums (safe for extensions)

Apply a small amount daily from mid-shaft to ends — avoid the roots and bonds.

3. Sleep With Your Extensions Protected

Sleeping correctly will prevent matting and tangles.

Before bed:

• Brush your hair gently
• Apply a little serum to the ends
• Put hair in a loose low ponytail or loose braid
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase

Never sleep with wet hair extensions.

4. Wash Your Extensions Carefully

Clean hair keeps the scalp healthy and prevents buildup on the bonds.

Washing Tips:

• Wash 1–3 times a week
• Use sulfate-free shampoo
• Keep conditioner only on mids → ends
• Avoid scrubbing aggressively at the roots
• Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue

The gentler you wash, the longer your extensions last.

5. Drying Your Hair

Air drying the top and blow-drying the ends is ideal.

Best method:

• Towel dry gently
• Use a heat protectant
• Blow-dry the roots completely to avoid moisture near bonds

Never sleep with damp extensions — this causes tangles.

6. Heat Styling Rules

You can style your extensions, but with caution.

• Always use heat protectant
• Keep heat below 350°F
• Do not apply heat directly on K-tip, I-tip, or Tape-in bonds
• Avoid excessive straightening on very dry ends

7. Avoid These Products

Certain ingredients can break down bonds or dry out the extensions.

• No sulfates
• No alcohol-heavy products
• No oils near the roots
• No purple shampoo on extensions unless recommended

8. Swimming & Gym Rules

Extensions need extra protection when exposed to sweat or chlorine.

• Braid your hair before swimming
• Avoid underwater swimming with loose hair
• Use a leave-in conditioner before pool or beach
• Wash right after sweating heavily

9. How Often to Move Up or Maintain

• Keratin K-Tips: 10–16 weeks
• I-Tips: 6–10 weeks
• Tape-Ins: 6–8 weeks
• Sew-In Wefts: 6–10 weeks

Regular maintenance prevents matting and protects your natural hair.

10. Signs You Need Maintenance ASAP

• Tangling near the roots
• Slipping bonds
• Sticky tape-ins
• Excess shedding
• Matted sections after sleeping

If you notice any of the above, book a visit right away.

Book Your Hair Extensions Care Appointment in NYC

Need help maintaining your extensions or want to refresh your look? Book your professional extensions maintenance appointment at Fabi Pro Beauty in Midtown East Manhattan.

Book now → https://fabiprobeauty.com/book