MAINTENANCE
Maintaining your extensions properly ensures they stay healthy, tangle-free, and long-lasting.
Sew-In Extensions:
Sew-in extensions are one of the most popular and protective styles, ideal for adding length and volume while shielding your natural hair. Installed by braiding your natural hair and sewing in wefts, sew-ins can last 6–8 weeks with proper care.
Washing is essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and prolonging the life of your sew-in. Use Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo every 1–2 weeks, focusing on the scalp and gently lifting the tracks to remove buildup. Follow with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, applying from mid-shaft to ends only to prevent loosening the tracks. Always ensure your hair and braids are completely dry using a hooded dryer or blow dryer on low heat to prevent mildew or odor.
Daily maintenance includes applying Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil to the scalp for hydration, avoiding direct application on the wefts. Brush gently from ends to roots, and wrap your hair nightly in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. Limit heat styling and heavy product buildup to preserve the integrity of the sew-in.
Recommended Salon Visit: Schedule a professional check-up or maintenance visit every 4–6 weeks to tighten tracks, treat the scalp, and ensure your natural hair remains healthy. After 8 weeks, consider a full removal or reinstallation to protect your hair from damage.
Tape-In Extensions:
Tape-in extensions are lightweight, reusable, and perfect for a natural look. Adhesive tape bonds attach the extensions securely, but they require careful handling to maintain longevity.
Wait 48 hours after installation before washing to allow the adhesive to set. Use Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and condition mid-length to ends only with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, avoiding the tape area. Brush gently with a loop brush to prevent tangling and stress on the bonds, and avoid tight hairstyles that could loosen the tape.
For styling, keep heat tools away from the adhesive area and always apply Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil as a lightweight protectant. Detangle carefully twice daily to maintain smoothness and prevent matting near the tapes.
Recommended Salon Visit: Reapplication or adjustment is recommended every 6–8 weeks. A professional stylist can reposition tapes as hair grows, ensuring the extensions remain secure and the bonds stay invisible.
K-Tip (Keratin Tip) Extensions:
K-tip extensions are strand-by-strand bonds applied with keratin adhesive, providing a seamless, natural look with full styling versatility. Proper care can extend their lifespan to 5-9 months.
Wait 2–3 days after installation before washing. Use Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo and Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner, applying conditioner from mid-length to ends only, avoiding the bonded area. Brushing should be gentle, using a loop or soft-bristled brush, and start from the ends and work upward. Sleeping with hair loosely braided or tied in a low ponytail under a silk or satin scarf prevents tangling.
When styling, avoid applying direct heat on the bonds and always use Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil as a heat protectant. Limit the use of heavy products on the bonded areas to prevent slippage or weakening.
Recommended Salon Visit: Schedule professional removal or maintenance every 1-3 months, or sooner if bonds start to lift. This ensures hair remains healthy, bonds stay secure, and extensions look flawless.
I-Tip Extensions:
I-tip (microbead/micro-ring) extensions are applied strand by strand using small beads. They are a flexible, heat-free, and glue-free option, lasting 6–10 weeks with proper maintenance.
Use Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo to cleanse your scalp, avoiding heavy conditioners or oils near the beads. Detangle gently with Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner applied only from mid-shaft to ends. Avoid tight hairstyles that may stress the beads, and apply Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil as a lightweight protectant.
Daily brushing with a loop or soft-bristle brush, combined with sleeping in a loose braid or wrapped in a satin scarf, prevents tangling and matting. Be mindful when styling to avoid tugging near the beads.
Recommended Salon Visit: Schedule tightening or bead repositioning every 6–10 weeks to ensure the beads remain secure and the extensions maintain a natural flow.
Micro-link Extensions:
Microlink (microbead) extensions are installed strand by strand using small beads that slide over your natural hair, creating a natural, seamless look without glue or heat. With proper care, microlinks can last 8–12 weeks before needing a maintenance appointment.
Wash your hair using Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, gently cleansing the scalp and avoiding excessive friction near the beads. Condition with Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner, applying from mid-length to ends only, and never directly on the beads to prevent slippage. Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue that could weaken the links.
For styling, avoid heavy oils or silicone-based products near the root area. Use heat tools sparingly and always apply Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil to protect strands and maintain shine. Detangle carefully with a loop or soft-bristle brush, starting from the ends upward, and sleep with hair braided or wrapped in a satin or silk scarf to reduce friction.
Recommended Salon Visit: Book a professional tightening or repositioning appointment every 6–8 weeks. Regular maintenance keeps the beads secure, prevents slippage, and ensures a healthy, natural look.
Quick Weave:
Quick weaves are a fast, protective, and versatile styling option, ideal for clients who want a temporary change without long-term commitment. They can be installed with glue or sewn over a protective cap. Quick weaves should last 4–6 weeks with proper care.
Before washing, protect your natural hair with a cap or barrier to prevent product buildup under the weave. Use Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo sparingly on the weave to cleanse without damaging the adhesive, and condition with Olaplex No. 5 Conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Avoid applying conditioner or oil near the adhesive.
Styling should be gentle, and heat tools should be used sparingly with Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil as a heat protectant. Sleep with your hair wrapped in a silk or satin scarf to maintain the style and reduce friction that can lead to tangling or loosening of the weave.
Recommended Salon Visit: Schedule a professional check or touch-up every 3–4 weeks to maintain the weave’s integrity, refresh the style, and ensure your natural hair stays healthy. Full removal should occur by 6 weeks to prevent damage or excessive buildup.
General Notes for All Extension Types:
Use only Olaplex products for washing, conditioning, and heat protection.
Detangle gently, starting from ends to roots.
Sleep with a silk/satin scarf or pillowcase.
Avoid excessive heat and heavy styling products.
Follow recommended salon visit schedules to ensure longevity, health, and appearance.
Additional Maintenance Tips:
Apply a light leave-in conditioner or Olaplex No.7 oil to the mid-lengths and ends before bed to prevent dryness and friction.
After workouts, always dry the root area completely to prevent odor or bacteria buildup. Sweat should never sit in the extensions.
Use a clarifying shampoo every 2–3 weeks to remove product buildup, then follow with an Olaplex treatment for moisture.
Limit heat styling to a few times per week and always use a heat protectant like Olaplex No.9.
Hold the root or track securely when brushing to prevent slipping; brush 2–3 times daily from ends upward.
Do not bleach, color, or chemically alter extensions at home—seek a licensed professional only.
Avoid ocean, lake, and pool water unless wearing a protective style; rinse and shampoo immediately after exposure.
Apply a lightweight anti-frizz serum on damp hair to help control frizz in humid weather.
Cleanse the scalp with gentle, extension-safe shampoo; use a nozzle bottle to reach between tracks or beads.
Always blow-dry roots or tracks first—never allow the base area to air-dry to prevent slipping or mildew.
Use a silk or satin bonnet and pillowcase together at night for maximum protection.
Avoid wearing tight ponytails or high-tension styles daily; alternate styles to reduce strain on natural hair.