The Elite Extensions Care Guide
How to Care for Elite Hair Extensions
Beautiful hair starts with care that protects your natural hair and your investment.
Your Elite Extensions are designed to look natural, move beautifully, and fit comfortably into your life. A consistent hair extension care routine helps keep the extension hair soft, manageable, and tangle-free, so your natural hair stays healthy and protected between salon visits.
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This guide walks through washing, conditioning, brushing, and drying your extensions, along with styling, sleeping, swimming, and general care between salon visits. Your stylist may give you additional instructions based on your natural hair, lifestyle, and installation, so always follow the personalized guidance you receive at Elite Extensions.
Have a care question? Text us for the fastest response.
What to Expect During the First Few Days
New extensions may take a little time to feel familiar, especially while sleeping. You may also need additional drying and styling time because you have more hair than you are used to. Plan a little extra time during your first few mornings while you settle into your routine.
A small amount of extension hair shedding is normal and does not mean you are going to lose all of your extension hair. Contact Elite Extensions if shedding seems sudden or excessive, if you feel repeated pulling, or if anything about the installation feels unusual.
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Itching sometimes occurs in the beginning. Use a dandruff shampoo or Tea Tree Oil on a hot spot. Condition your hair well after using those products, though, as they can sometimes be drying.
Sleeping With Hair Extensions
New hair extensions can feel a bit tight, especially if this is your first time and you don't know what to expect. A travel pillow or a rolled towel behind your neck can add extra comfort while you adjust.
Before bed, make sure your hair is completely dry and gently brushed, then secure it in a loose braid or low ponytail to keep the lengths together without pulling too tight. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and keep your extensions looking smooth.
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After a few days, as your hair settles in, you'll barely notice you're wearing extensions while you sleep, but everyone else will definitely notice how great you look.
A ROUTINE YOU CAN FOLLOW
The best routine is simple enough to follow consistently. Brush gently every day, wash with the right products, dry your hair completely, protect it from heat, and keep your recommended maintenance appointments.
Your Elite Extensions Care Routine
1.
Daily
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Brush gently two to three times daily.
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Begin at the ends and work upward.
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Support the hair near the scalp while brushing.
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Use heat protection before using hot tools.
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Contact Elite Extensions if something feels wrong.
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Every night
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Always go to bed with hair completely dry.
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Wear your hair in a loose braid or low ponytail.
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Use a silk or satin pillowcase.
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Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your natural hair.
2.
Wash day
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Detangle before washing.
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Shampoo twice and rinse thoroughly.
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Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends.
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Blot gently with a soft towel.
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Use a heat protectant and dry the hair near the scalp first.
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Maintenance
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Schedule maintenance appointments in advance.
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Never adjust or remove your extensions at home.
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Report a loose bead promptly.
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Follow the maintenance schedule recommended for your hair.
Brush Gently Every Day
Brush your extensions two to three times daily to prevent small tangles from becoming larger ones. Use an extension-friendly brush and begin at the ends. Work upward gradually instead of pulling the brush from the scalp through the full length in one motion.
Support the hair near the scalp with one hand while brushing with the other. If you encounter a tangle, slow down and work through it gently. Never force the brush through a knot or repeatedly pull on one area.
When to brush:
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In the morning before styling
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Before washing your hair
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After your hair is completely dry
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Before securing your hair for sleep
A Hair Care Note:
Avoid aggressive backcombing near the scalp. If tangling repeatedly returns in the same place, contact Elite Extensions.
How to Wash Your Elite Hair Extensions
Most Elite Extensions clients wash their hair two to three times each week. Washing too infrequently can allow oil and product buildup to collect, while overly aggressive washing can create unnecessary tangling. The goal is a clean scalp and thoroughly rinsed hair without rubbing, twisting, or piling the lengths on top of your head.
Before You Wash
Gently brush through the hair and remove tangles. Use lukewarm, not hot, water, and use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner recommended for hair extensions.
Shampoo Twice
Shampoo your hair twice. The first wash loosens surface oil, product, and buildup. The second wash thoroughly cleanses the scalp and hair. Use your fingertips to gently work the shampoo into the scalp, then let the lather run through the length of your hair. Do not scrub aggressively.
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Rinse thoroughly. Product left behind can make both natural hair and extension hair feel heavy, dull, or difficult to manage.
Condition to Lock in Moisture
Apply conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends, where extension hair needs the most moisture. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the scalp, as it can weigh down fine or thin hair. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time, then rinse completely.
A moisturizing mask or leave-in product may help when your stylist recommends it, but more product isn't always better. Choose lightweight formulas and use only the amount your hair needs.
Dry Your Extensions Completely
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and blot the hair with a soft towel. Do not rub the hair against the towel or wrap it tightly while it is wet. Wet hair is more vulnerable to stretching and tangling, so handle it carefully.
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Using a heat protectant, dry the areas near the scalp first using moderate heat, then continue through the lengths. Make sure your hair is completely dry before sleeping, securing it for the night, or wearing it up for an extended period.
Heat & Styling
Elite Extensions are made with premium 100% Remy Human Hair and can be blow-dried, curled, or flat-ironed. Always apply a heat protectant first and use moderate temperatures. Repeated use of the highest heat setting can dry out both extension hair and your natural hair, shorten the usable life of the extensions, and make the ends feel rough.
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Allow each section to cool before brushing through a curl or wave. If the hair begins to feel unusually dry, reduce the heat and ask your stylist whether you should adjust your routine or products.
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Not all products work well with hair extensions. Gel, hairspray, or products containing large amounts of alcohol can be very drying and cause build-up or itching. Use heavy oils and serums sparingly, and apply them mainly to the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying conditioner or heavy styling products directly to the scalp, especially if your natural hair is fine or becomes oily easily.
Coloring Hair Extensions
Extension hair can process differently than your natural hair, and overprocessing may lead to dryness, tangling, or an uneven color result. Always speak with Elite Extensions before attempting to color your extensions.
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If you're hoping for a drastic color change, it's often better to remove your current extensions, color your natural hair first, and then have new extensions color-matched to your fresh shade rather than trying to force your existing extensions to match a dramatically different color.
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The good news is that touching up your natural root color won't affect your extensions at all, as long as color is applied carefully and kept away from the extension hair itself.
Swimming, Sun, & Vacation Care
Chlorine, salt water, lake water, and prolonged sun exposure can leave extension hair dry or tangled. Before swimming, brush your hair and secure it in a loose braid or low ponytail. Avoid leaving wet hair tied up for long periods. Apply or braid in a deep conditioner before swimming or tanning to protect your hair from harsh UV rays.
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After swimming, rinse your hair promptly with fresh water. Shampoo after chlorine exposure, condition the mid-lengths and ends, and dry the hair completely. Pack the products you already know work well instead of experimenting with unfamiliar formulas while traveling.
SUNSCREEN
Mineral Sunscreen Is a Must. Chemical sunscreen can turn blonde or light hair extensions peach or orange. Use a mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Wash your hands after applying it, let it absorb, and keep freshly applied sunscreen from rubbing against your hair.
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Keep sunscreen away from extension hair whenever possible. Apply it carefully around the neck, shoulders, and back, wash your hands afterward, and secure your hair while applying or reapplying sunscreen.
Elite Extensions Maintenance, Reuse, & Professional Removal
Most Elite Extensions clients return every two to three months for professional removal and reinstallation. Your exact schedule depends on your natural hair growth, placement, home care, and your stylist's recommendation. We'll schedule your maintenance appointments in advance to help keep you on track.
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The cost of your maintenance appointments matches your initial appointment price, unless you have ordered new hair or are adding more hair at that visit.
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Maintenance timing is different from the total lifespan of the extension hair. With proper care, Elite's premium 100% Remy Human Hair can typically be reused two to three times before new hair is needed. Staying on schedule gives your stylist the chance to evaluate your natural hair, remove the extensions professionally, and adjust the installation as your hair grows.
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Never remove or reposition Elite Extensions at home. If a bead or attachment point feels loose, contact Elite Extensions promptly. Leaving it uncorrected can lead to tangling or pulling.
When to Contact Elite Extensions
If something feels wrong, don't wait until your next appointment. Text or call your Hair Extension Specialist if you notice persistent tangling, matting, unusual discomfort, continued itching, repeated pulling in one area, a loose bead, a sudden change in placement, or sudden or excessive shedding.
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Small concerns are almost always easier to address early. We'd rather answer a quick question than have you struggle with a problem at home, which is why we give our clients our personal cell phone numbers, so help is always just a text or call away.
Hair Extension Care FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Elite Extensions.
Can I use regular hair products on my Elite Extensions?
Not all hair care products are ideal for hair extensions. Choose gentle, moisturizing products that help keep the extension hair soft without leaving heavy buildup.
Avoid harsh sulfate shampoos and use oils, serums, and styling products sparingly. Your Elite Extensions stylist can recommend products based on your natural hair, extensions, and styling routine.
Can I use dry shampoo with Elite Extensions?
Yes, but use dry shampoo sparingly. Too much can build up on the scalp and hair, especially when you use it repeatedly instead of washing.
Apply only what you need and continue following your regular washing routine. Use a clarifying shampoo if you notice product buildup on your scalp.
What should I do if I miss or need to change my maintenance appointment?
Contact Elite Extensions as soon as possible so we can determine the best next step for your hair. Going too long between maintenance appointments allows more natural hair growth between the scalp and the extensions, which can make the hair more difficult to manage and increase the chance of tangling.
Your maintenance schedule is recommended based on your natural hair, growth, and installation, so it is important to stay as close to that schedule as possible.
What should I do differently when traveling with hair extensions?
Bring the hair care products and tools you already know work well with your extensions rather than relying on hotel products or unfamiliar formulas.
Pack your extension-friendly brush, shampoo and conditioner, heat protectant, and anything you normally use to secure your hair at night.
If you'll be swimming or spending time in the sun, bring mineral sunscreen and follow the swimming and sun-care recommendations in this guide.
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If you forget one of your Elite hair care products while you're away, contact us, and we'll be happy to ship it to you.
How do I know if I'm caring for my extensions correctly?
Your extensions should stay soft, manageable, and easy to brush without persistent tangling or matting, and your natural hair and scalp should feel comfortable too.
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Following your recommended washing, brushing, drying, styling, and maintenance routine will help keep both your natural hair and extensions looking their best.
If something suddenly looks or feels different, contact Elite Extensions rather than waiting until your next appointment.
At-home care is your responsibility, so take good care of your investment and enjoy your beautiful new look!
Protect the Hair You Love
Every Elite Extensions client receives personalized guidance because no two heads of hair are exactly alike. If you have a question about your routine, products, or maintenance, reach out anytime. We're always here to help you care for your hair with confidence.