How to make hair extensions last longer

By Nicole Zerafa, Original Diva Hair Extensions, Hunters Hill Sydney. Last updated: 7 May 2026.

The difference between extensions that last 9 months and those that look worn in 3 comes almost entirely down to how you maintain them. After fitting thousands of sets at our Hunters Hill salon, here’s every care rule that actually matters.

Washing

• 1–2 times per week maximum. Daily washing dramatically shortens bond lifespan and dries out extension hair.
• Sulphate-free shampoo only. Sulphates strip natural oils and degrade extension hair faster than anything else.
• Wash in a downward motion — never scrub in circles, which causes tangling.
• Condition from mid-length to ends only. Conditioner on the bonds weakens tape adhesive and creates slippage with microbeads.
• Rinse thoroughly — product residue on bonds causes them to loosen early.

Brushing

• Use a loop brush or extension-specific brush — never a standard paddle brush near the roots.
• Start at the ends, work upward in sections. Dragging a brush from root to tip is the fastest way to damage bonds.
• Brush before washing to remove tangles. Never brush wet unless using a wide-tooth comb and detangling spray.
• Brush before sleep and braid loosely or put in a low ponytail overnight.

Heat Styling

• Always use a heat protectant before any hot tool — curling iron, straightener or blow dryer.
• Keep tools below 180°C where possible. Extension hair doesn’t have the natural oil protection that virgin hair does.
• Never apply heat directly to bonds — tape adhesive melts and microbeads can shift.

Swimming

• Braid hair before entering the water.
• Rinse with fresh water immediately after ocean or pool swimming.
• Chlorine and salt water are the two fastest ways to dry out extension hair and weaken bonds.
• Prolonged swimming sessions (over 30 minutes) will shorten the lifespan of both the hair and the bonds significantly.

Maintenance Appointments

Tape extensions: move-up every 6–8 weeks. Microbead extensions: maintenance every 8–10 weeks. Never push these past 10 weeks. As natural hair grows, bonds travel down the shaft and the weight distribution changes — increasing breakage risk at the roots. At our Hunters Hill salon, move-ups start from $80/pack.

FAQ — Extension Care in Australia

Can I swim with tape extensions in Australia?

Yes, with precautions. Braid before swimming, rinse immediately with fresh water, and avoid prolonged submersion. If you swim daily (e.g. ocean swimming or regular lap swimming), microbead extensions may be more durable than tape for your lifestyle.

What shampoo should I use with hair extensions in Australia?

Sulphate-free, paraben-free shampoo. Original Diva carries a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for extension hair — available in our online store.

Last updated: 7 May 2026