If you're reading this, you already know that professional hair extensions are an investment of time and money, so it's only natural to want them to last as long as possible. Proper care can extend their lifespan to an impressive 6-12 months! But what exactly is "proper" care? In the following list, we'll break it down for you, but keep in mind that it's not exhaustive, and we'll continue updating it with the best practices for hair extension wearers.

Gently brush your hair extensions throughout the day to prevent tangling and help distribute the scalp's natural oils through the hair. The best way is to start at the bottom and work up to avoid breakage and unnecessary tension on the attachment points.

A detangling or a boar brush which is kinder to extensions and won't tear and tug. As a bonus, the boar brush will condition and add shine.

Always brush your extensions BEFORE getting them wet. Hair is weakest when wet, so ensure your extensions are tangle-free before subjecting them to water.

It's important to space out your washes and use a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out your scalp and hair. This is especially crucial after getting extensions, as keeping the scalp clean without causing issues at the attachment point is essential. Remember, scalp care is hair care. While hot water may feel amazing, warm water does the job while maintaining moisture levels.

Step 1: Emulsify your shampoo in your palms.

Step 2: Using your fingertips (not your nails!), begin above the attachment point in the center of the head. Start by making small "Z's" in small sections, working your way toward the sides of the head.

Step 3: Repeat between your rows, working towards the neck area and repeat underneath the bottom row underneath the attachment points.

Step 4: Only condition from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. Please avoid the point of attachment to keep them strong and secure—we don't want slippage

Step 5: Thoroughly, and we mean THOROUGHLY, rinse your hair.

Give your hair extensions some TLC—the extra care will go a long way for your extensions' longevity. They are prone to dryness, so nourishing them will prevent breakage and tangling.

Once a week, replace your conditioner with a good mask to deeply condition and repair damage from daily stressors (e.g., brushing and heat styling). Our Miracle Mask penetrates the hair cuticle, leaves hair feeling soft and manageable, enhances bounce and shine, and protects hair color and vibrancy.

Use a leave-in conditioner on freshly washed hair extensions to lock in moisture and add a layer of protection before combing through them with a wide-tooth comb. We love using Flawless Blend for its ability to blend natural hair with extensions and add heat and UV protection.

Heat styling is a hot topic—it can be a friend and foe for hair extensions. BELLAMI hair extensions are designed to be styled with hot tools, but there are a few best practices.

Towel dry with a microfiber towel or let hair air dry 80 to 90 percent, then finish with the blow dryer to ensure attachment points are dried thoroughly. Before any heat touches the hair, apply a thermal protectant and make sure it is tangle-free.