What You MUST Know Before Removing Your Hair Extensions

Aug 19, 2023

By Jacqueline Laurean Yates

Looking to rock a certain hairstyle, but you need a few extra inches to fully embrace the look? Well, we understand, and there is a simple solution: just add hair. "I don't think hair extensions will ever go out of style. There are people who have experienced hair loss for various reasons for whom extensions are extremely useful, but extensions are also used to extend the length of your hair, increase volume, or experiment with new colors," says celebrity and editorial hairstylist, Lacy Redway, who has worked with red carpet heavy hitters such as Amandla Stenberg, Olivia Palermo, Uzo Aduba, and many more.

These days, you can try everything from a sewn-in hair installment and weaving in box-braid singles to clipping in natural-looking hairpieces or even just having a full-on wig moment. It can keep your look fun and fresh, and gives you tons of options to play with. However, there is one thing to be aware of, celebrity hairstylist, Ursula Stephen warns, "breakage and hair loss can be a result of wearing extensions for too long. They are great but very addictive." As much as you may fall in love with your new found faux-hair look, it is vital that you take care of your actual hair underneath to avoid any "uh-oh" moments next time you visit the salon. Because it is uber-important to know how to properly take care of your natural hair after removing extensions, we have rounded up a few hero hair experts for all the important things you need to know. Keep scrolling to learn a few insider secrets and a little more about some of the best treatment products.

Pre-Treating Is Key

Before we jump knee-deep into after-care solutions, it is important to remember that no matter what type of addition you have in your hair, you really should be going over and beyond to keep a close watch on your natural strands. Most extension styles might not allow you the pleasure of washing every single day without experiencing a heightened level of fuzz and tangling, but 9 out of 10 allow you to commit to washing your hair at least weekly. RPZL, a hair extension and blowout bar based in NYC, recommends shampooing thoroughly with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove buildup from oils, waxes, and products, paying special attention to your root area. You can also spritz on SheaMoisture 100% Pure Jamaican Black Castor Oil Spray to assist in preventing breakage and calming the scalp.

Hair Loss vs. Hair Shedding

When you do begin removing extensions from your hair, please try to refrain from being overly alarmed if you notice a little more hair shedding than usual. "Depending on the type of extensions you had in, normal daily shedding may occur and can be mistaken as hair loss. Our hair sheds daily, but we don't notice," says Lacy. "If you have in a style like sewn-in hair extensions or braids for a few weeks, a buildup of hair will shed because it has been stored inside your braids [for an extended period of time]."

Be as Gentle as Possible

Wearing anything foreign in your hair for an extended amount of time has a pretty big chance of causing some mild irritation (itchiness, buildup, sour smell, etc.), and even though you may be consistently treating your hair in between, remember to be gentle — especially when it comes to removing your extensions. Experts agree that if you are taking out a more complicated install such as a sewn-in weave, it is best to see a professional to avoid accidentally cutting your own hair or being too rough. Celebrity hairstylist, Kim Kimble, who has worked closely with such favorites as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Zendaya, says, "It is important that you go to a professional who knows what he or she is doing. Hair can become damaged if the extensions are put in too tight or left in too long."

Allow Your Scalp to Breathe

Even if you have routinely washed and treated your hair while wearing extensions, chances are there will still be a bit of buildup trapped underneath. Because you really want to keep your scalp in the clear, it is best to really get in there to deep cleanse and condition. A small sprinkle of dry shampoo does not quite make the cut here, people. Ursula advises the use of a great dandruff shampoo as well as a protein treatment to strengthen hair post-extensions. You can also try K2 Beauty Scalp Relief Scalp Treatment loaded with a blend of essential oils like peppermint and antiseptic eucalyptus to help reduce scalp itch, odor, and any leftover feeling of tightness. For naturally curly textures, try Ouidad Melt Down Extreme Repair Mask to help reawaken your limp coils.

Rebuild From Within

"Take a break from wearing extensions and focus on recovering your hair health with regular deep-conditioning treatments and taking supplements religiously," says, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of OUAI haircare, Jen Atkin — who's also the hair go-to gal for such notables as Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen. "If the hair is thinning or there are patches missing, address what other issues could be causing this, such as stress, trauma, or hormones. Work on maintaining whole body health before applying extensions again," she explains. You can also try OGX Biotin & Collagen Shampoo for strengthening weak hair follicles from the inside out.

Related: These Are The Game-Changing Hair Extensions That Lottie Tomlinson Loves