THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXTENSION CARE

BELLAMI CARE CENTER

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO EXTENSION CARE

Learn what makes extension hair unique, plus expert care tips to keep yours soft, strong, and long-lasting.

KNOW YOUR EXTENSIONS

Every BELLAMI extension is made from 100% Virgin Remy human hair with the cuticle intact. The right care routine helps preserve its softness, shine, and longevity, so you can wear it with confidence.

100% VIRGIN REMY HUMAN HAIR
100% VIRGIN REMY HUMAN HAIR
4-POINT QUALITY CHECKED
4-POINT QUALITY CHECKED
HIGH-GRAM, CUTICLE INTACT HAIR
HIGH-GRAM, CUTICLE INTACT HAIR
6-8 MONTHS OF WEAR
6-8 MONTHS OF WEAR

Why Extensions Need Different Care

Natural Hair vs. Extensions

UNDERSTANDING HAIR INTEGRITY

Professional Extensions Begin with Cuticle-Aligned Hair

A strong cuticle helps preserve moisture, softness, and shine. Everyday exposure can gradually wear it down, changing how your extensions look and feel.

||
STRONG
COMPROMISED

Lies flat and smooth

Reflects light

Locks in moisture

Stronger and more resilent

Soft and manageable

Raise and rough

Does not reflect light

Prone to moisture loss

Dull, brittle, frizzy ends

Color fades, feels weaker

PRO CARE TIPS

A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY.

Follow these six expert tips from BELLAMI stylists to keep your extensions soft, strong, and looking their best.

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

Visit your stylist every 6–8 weeks for move-ups and assessments.

BRUSH GENTLY DAILY

BRUSH GENTLY DAILY

Use an extension-safe brush, starting at the ends and working upward.

CONDITION REGULARLY

CONDITION REGULARLY

Restore softness, replenish moisture, and help maintain cuticle integrity after each wash.

PROTECT FROM HEAT

PROTECT FROM HEAT

Use heat protectant and keep tools on low to medium settings.

RINSE AFTER SWIMMING

RINSE AFTER SWIMMING

Rinse immediately and clarify to remove chlorine and minerals.

EXTENSION-SAFE PRODUCTS

EXTENSION-SAFE PRODUCTS

Use gentle, sulfate-free formulas designed for extensions.

COMMON CONCERNS

NOTICING CHANGES IN YOUR EXTENSIONS?

Click a concern below to see causes, solutions, and pro recommendations.

CAUSE

Moisture loss from heat,​ environmental exposure,​ or insufficient conditioning.​

AT HOME PREVENTION

Use a shower filter. If it persists, use a clarifying shampoo once a month, followed by a moisturizing conditioner​.

CAUSE

Moisture loss from heat, everyday exposure, or not enough conditioning​

AT HOME PREVENTION

Weekly moisturizing masks and heat protection.​

CAUSE

Cuticle disruption caused​ by dryness, mineral buildup,​ improper home care,​ or product buildup.​

AT HOME PREVENTION

Brush properly, keep hair hydrated, and stick to extension-safe products. Skip heavy protein or bonding treatments.​

CAUSE

Chlorine, salt water, or​ mineral build up.​

AT HOME PREVENTION

Use a shower filter. If it persists, a clarifying shampoo once a month, followed by a moisturizing conditioner​.

CAUSE

Sunscreen transfer (avobenzone)

AT HOME PREVENTION

Use mineral sunscreen only and avoid direct hair contact until it is fully dry.​

CAUSE

Chlorine exposure

AT HOME PREVENTION

Wet your hair and apply a generous layer of leave-in conditioner before swimming, then rinse with filtered water immediately after.​

CARE QUESTIONS

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Answers to all the questions we hear most about caring for your extensions.

What does hair extension maintenance involve, and how do I maintain them between salon visits? 
Your stylist will walk you through your specific schedule at your consultation, it varies by install method. In general, brush daily while dry, wash gently, condition from mid-lengths down, and always dry roots and attachments completely. Don't sleep on wet hair, and don't wait until things feel uncomfortable to book your next appointment. Staying on schedule prevents most issues!
How do I wash, deep condition and dry hair extensions properly? 
Detangle your extensions while they are dry first, then wash them in lukewarm water with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, mostly at the scalp. Let water and product flow downward rather than scrubbing or piling hair on top of your head. Condition from mid-lengths to ends (skip the attachments), and rinse thoroughly. Blot dry, never rub or wring, then apply heat protectant and make sure roots and attachments are completely dry before you tie hair up or go to bed.
How do I refresh hair extensions mid-week? 
Brush thoroughly, ends up. A little dry shampoo at the roots and a lightweight oil through the ends (skipping the attachment points) can go a long way. A quick low-heat blow-dry can smooth things out if needed. If hair feels heavy or greasy, that's a sign it needs an actual wash, not more product.
How do I sleep with hair extensions without tangling or matting them? 
Brush thoroughly and make sure hair is fully dry before bed. Wet hair overnight is the number one cause of matting. Loosely braid or tie it back with a soft scrunchie, and a silk or satin pillowcase (or bonnet) makes a real difference. Clip-ins should always be removed before bed.
How do I style hair extensions—braids, updos, ponytails, waves and texture? 
Start dry and detangled, and always use heat protectant before using hot tools. Keep ponytails and updos comfortable, as tight styles worn the same way every day can stress the attachments over time. Avoid pins or backcombing directly over tapes or bonds. Your stylist can show you styles that work best with your specific placement.
How do I revive extensions that have gone dry, dull or hard? 
First, figure out if it's dryness or buildup, they need different fixes. Wash with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, follow with a hydrating mask (avoiding attachment points), and ease up on heat styling for a bit. If buildup's the culprit, a clarifying treatment can help. Extensions can't replenish moisture on their own the way natural hair does, so if things don't improve, check in with your stylist.
How do I keep hair extensions from getting frizzy or matting at the roots? 
Brush throughout the day, dry only, working from the ends up, and get into the inner layers near the attachments, not just the surface. Never sleep with wet hair; braid or tie it loosely and use a silk or satin pillowcase to cut down on friction. Stay on top of maintenance appointments too, shed natural hairs get trapped near the attachments and need to be cleared out regularly.
Is dry shampoo safe to use on hair extensions, and which kind is best? 
Yes, sparingly, and mainly at your natural roots, not sprayed onto the extension lengths or attachment points. Look for a lightweight formula that brushes out clean. Layering it day after day can cause buildup and leave hair dull or itchy, so treat it as a refresh tool, not a replacement for washing.
What’s the best heat-free way to style hair extensions? 
Loose braids, satin rollers, or flexi-rods all work well without heat, just make sure hair is completely dry first (never style wet hair overnight). Keep product application light to avoid buildup, and skip anything that pulls on the attachment points, like tight rollers or elastics.
What heat tools and settings are safe for styling hair extensions? 
Always use heat protectant, and make sure hair is fully dry before applying any hot tool. Stick to the lowest setting that gets the job done, generally at or below 350°F. Avoid holding heat directly on tapes, bonds, or wefts, and dial it back if you notice dryness, dullness, or color shifting.
What’s the best brush for detangling hair extensions without damage? 
A loop or extension-safe detangling brush is your best bet, it glides over attachments without catching. Hold the hair below the attachment point while you brush, and always start at the ends, working up. Never force a brush through a knot, and avoid brushing wet hair unless your stylist says otherwise for your method.
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