When you start to notice your hair extensions looking a bit rough, you’re probably wondering how often do hair extensions need to be replaced. From the day you first got your hair extensions, you might notice they aren’t looking as fab and fresh as they used to But that’s okay! That just means you’ve been wearing your extensions and loving them! (if you notice the hair wearing out soon after application it’s possible you got bad hair, here’s how to tell!)
At a certain point, you’re going to have to replace them. I know it’s hard to part with your hair (you might even feel attached to them—literally and figuratively!). When they’re lookin’ not so hot, it’s time to let them go. We promise it’ll be fine! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Our hair extension experts at Big Kizzy Hair will help you figure out if it’s time to replace your hair extensions with signs to look out for. Then, we’ll give you an idea of how often should you change your hair extensions. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Let’s get into it!
How Often Should You Change Your Hair Extensions?
If you have tape-in hair extensions, you should be getting them removed (using remover solvent) and reapplied with hair tape every four to six weeks—eight weeks is pushing it, but don’t let them go longer than that! Usually, tape-in hair extensions can be worn two to three times, sometimes four, before it’s time to replace them. This can be anywhere from six to nine months of regular use for your hair extensions. When in doubt, replace them if they look dry, damaged, and matted!
Will Hair Extensions Damage My Hair If I Wear Them For Too Long?
Keeping any type of hair extensions in your hair for too long isn’t good. And worn-out hair extensions are more prone to matting and tangling your natural hair in the process. This is why it’s important to keep up with changing your extensions when they’re worn out! You should also ensure you’re getting your hair extensions applied and removed by a professional stylist. By doing so, hair extensions shouldn’t cause any significant damage to your strands.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hair Extensions
Worn-out hair extensions are NOT a good look. If you’re Googling “hair extension how long does it last?” chances are it’s probably time to change yours out! As your hair extensions near their expiration date, you’ll start to notice your strands looking less than stellar. It’s understandable to want to wear your set of extensions for as long as possible. But when they show signs of wear, that’s when it’s time to retire them!
Look for these signs that your extensions are ready to be replaced:
Matted and Tangled Tresses
One of the most common signs of hair extensions on their way out is excessive tangling and matting. As hair extensions are washed, dried, brushed, and styled over time, they start to become more prone to knots. You can use a deep conditioner to keep your hair moisturized, but eventually, there comes a point of no return the more you use your extensions.
Split Ends and Hair Shedding
Do you notice more strands coming off your set of extensions? This is a surefire sign your hair extensions have seen better days. Breakage will start to show up in the form of split ends and shedding. It’s hard to remedy this issue once it starts, and it’s more noticeable on your extensions than your natural locks. Hair oil can help maintain your strands, but it's best to replace them when the split ends have gotten bad.
Frizzy and Dry Strands
From heat styling to exposure to the sun and extreme temperatures, your hair extensions will eventually start to look frizzy and dry. Unfortunately, hair extensions aren’t moisturized by natural oils from the scalp like it does for our actual hair. Sometimes, it’s just out of our control! There’s only so much that conditioning can do for hair extensions when they reach this level of damage.
Feeling Sticky and Looking Dull
Using products on your hair extensions eventually leads to build-up that weighs down the strands. Trying to wash and style your hair is difficult when your extensions get full of hard-to-remove gunk. No matter how many times you wash them, there seems to be no way to fully get rid of the dirt, oil, and product buildup. That’s when you know it’s time for a fresh start!
Take Proper Care of Your Hair Extensions
Now that you know how often do hair extensions need to be replaced, make sure you have the products you need to care for your new hair extensions! Start off strong with haircare essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and styling products that are gentle on your hair extensions. Having a routine in place to take proper care of your hair extensions helps them last much longer. Discover all of the best hair extension products by Big Kizzy Hair to live your best hair extension life!