
Extension Care & Maintenance Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are an investment in your appearance and confidence. Whether you're wearing Great Lengths keratin bonds, tape-in extensions, clip-ins, or any other type of human hair extension, proper maintenance is one of the biggest factors in how long your extensions will last and how natural they will continue to look.
At Glo Extensions Denver, hair extensions are what we do every day. We help clients maintain beautiful, healthy-looking extensions through Colorado's dry climate, active lifestyles, vacations, weddings, and everything in between.
This guide brings together our best advice for caring for your extensions at home.
Daily Hair Extension Care
Healthy habits make a tremendous difference in the lifespan of your extensions.
We recommend gently brushing your hair several times throughout the day using an extension-safe brush. Always support the hair near the attachment points while brushing and work from the ends upward to avoid unnecessary tension.
Before bed, loosely braid your hair or gather it into a low ponytail to help prevent tangling while you sleep. Never go to bed with wet hair, as moisture and friction can contribute to matting and knots.
If you are new to extensions, start with these helpful resources:
Washing Hair Extensions
One of the most common questions we hear is, "How often should I wash my hair extensions?"
In most cases, less is more.
Washing your hair two to three times per week is usually sufficient for both your natural hair and extensions. Overwashing can contribute to dryness and shorten the lifespan of extension hair.
When washing:
- Use salon-quality products recommended by your stylist
- Focus shampoo on the scalp rather than aggressively scrubbing the lengths
- Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends
- Rinse thoroughly
- Gently squeeze out excess water rather than rubbing with a towel
Helpful resources:
Washing Your Hair Extensions: 10 Quick Tips
Swimming, Exercise & Vacation Care
Many clients assume they have to give up swimming, beach vacations, or active lifestyles once they get extensions. Fortunately, that's not true.
Professional-grade human hair extensions can absolutely be worn while swimming, exercising, and traveling. The key is protecting the hair before and after exposure to chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and excessive sun.
Before swimming:
- Wet your hair with fresh water first
- Braid or secure your hair to reduce tangling
- Apply a leave-in conditioner if recommended by your stylist
After swimming:
- Rinse immediately with clean water
- Detangle carefully
- Avoid allowing chlorine or salt water to remain in the hair for extended periods
Helpful resources:
Heat Styling Hair Extensions
Human hair extensions can be curled, straightened, blow dried, and styled just like your natural hair.
However, because extension hair does not receive natural oils from the scalp, protecting it from excessive heat becomes even more important.
To maintain soft, healthy-looking extensions:
- Always use a heat protectant
- Avoid excessive daily heat styling
- Use professional-grade tools
- Keep heat away from attachment points whenever possible
Helpful resource:
Protecting Hair Extensions From Colorado's Climate
Colorado's climate can be challenging for both natural hair and hair extensions.
Dry air, winter weather, indoor heating systems, and hard water can all contribute to dryness, tangling, and mineral buildup.
To keep your extensions looking their best:
- Use moisturizing products recommended by your stylist
- Consider a shower filter if you have hard water
- Schedule maintenance appointments as recommended
- Increase hydration during the winter months
Helpful resources:
Care by Extension Type
Great Lengths Keratin Bond Extensions
Great Lengths keratin bond extensions are one of the lowest-maintenance options available for clients seeking long-term wear.
Because each bond moves independently with your natural hair, they are especially popular with active clients, frequent swimmers, travelers, and brides who want beautiful hair throughout their wedding season without frequent maintenance appointments.
Learn more about Great Lengths
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in extensions offer beautiful length and volume while requiring periodic maintenance appointments.
Proper home care, gentle brushing, and the right products can help maximize the lifespan of both the hair and adhesive tabs.
Learn more about Tape Ins
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in extensions are a flexible option for clients who want additional length or volume only when needed.
Store clip-ins carefully so they don't tangle, brush them regularly, and wash them only when necessary to keep them looking their best.
Learn more about our Clip Ins
Need Help With Your Hair Extensions?
Whether you're a current client or considering extensions for the first time, we're happy to help you choose the right method and develop a maintenance routine that fits your lifestyle.
Schedule a consultation with Glo Extensions Denver to learn more about Great Lengths keratin bond extensions, tape-ins, clip-ins, and specialized solutions for volume, length, and grey hair transitions.
Request an Appointment or Free Consultation
Frequent Questions About Hair Extensions Care & Maintenance
Can I swim with hair extensions?
«Yes. Both keratin bond and tape-in extensions can be worn while swimming, but chlorine, salt water, and sunscreen can affect the hair.
Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water, secure it in a braid or ponytail, and rinse immediately afterward.
K-tip extensions are often the preferred choice a beach honeymoon, frequent swimming, or extended travel because they are secure, discreet, and require no maintenance appointments.
Tape-in extensions can also be worn on while you swim, but they generally require a little more care and maintenance.
We'll discuss your maintenance during your consultation and help you choose the best option for your lifestyle.
Is hard water bad for hair extensions?
«Yes. Hard water minerals can leave deposits on both your natural hair and extensions, making them feel dry, dull, or tangled.
How often should I wash hair extensions?
«Most clients should wash their hair only two to three times per week. Overwashing can shorten the lifespan of the hair and contribute to dryness.
Can I Use Heat Tools on Hair Extensions?
«Yes. Human hair extensions can be curled, straightened, and styled with heat tools. Always use a heat protectant and avoid applying excessive heat directly to the attachment points.
Why do hair extensions get tangled?
«Tangling is often caused by dryness, friction while sleeping, wind, swimming, or improper brushing. Regular conditioning and proper maintenance can help prevent knots.
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Heather is incredible ! She truly is a hair extension artist. I'm almost a year into growing out my silver/natural hair and was in not a good place with my grow out process, so far. I have fair skin, light eyes and had dyed my hair for over 30 years, dark chocolate brown. I've shared my inspiration...pic with her ( I've had it for 2 years) and magically she gave me exactly what I needed; dimension, some length and style! She listens, asks the right questions and is really tremendous! read more

Heather is amazing! I had a year of bad extension experience with prior stylists and I initially went to her for a consultation and a professional opinion on what to do going forward. She wasn’t pushy on pushing her services and gave me an honest and professional opinion. I ended up booking fusion e...xtensions with her and I absolutely love them. They are so natural and lightweight! We also had so much fun during a long day of installs haha! read more

Go to Heather! After going through chemo I found my self confidence shattered. My hair was growing back slowly, patchy, thin, fragile and reminded me of wimpy baby hair. I was desperate to fix my appearance but scared extensions would cause further damage to my hair… until I found Heather! Heather h...as more knowledge than any other professional. She walked me through all the extension options and colors until we decided on “hot extensions” and “toppers” that have never damaged my hair. Heather has great skills in making my extensions hidden and looking completely natural. Heather didn’t just transform my hair, she transformed my confidence. 10/10 always recommend. read more

I have been seeing Heather at Glo for over a decade now. She is very talented and does amazing job. Heather did my wedding hair too and it looked amazing. If you are looking for a top tier hair stylist in Colorado - go to Heather at Glo!

Heather is truly the best of the best at what she does. I have been to several salons for extensions, and no one compares to her. Her knowledge and expertise have kept my hair healthy and growing so much that I don’t even need extensions anymore. That alone says everything.

Even though I’m wearing a slicked bun for my wedding, I’ll still wearing my Seventh Heaven Hair Extensions—because they make the look feel full, luxurious, and unforgettable. They’re softer than my real hair, and they hold up to everything—even a windy beach wedding.

No doubt Glo Extensions is the best hair salon in the Denver Metro area! Let me just say, I am SO picky when i comes to my hair and service. i want it all! 🙂 Excellent service, quality products, and professional approach. I've been lucky enough to have found that at Glo! I've been going to them for... a little over a year now, and I couldn't be happier. LOVE them all, especially my girl, Cortney G. It's always a fun time! Who doesn't love getting pampered and having girl time?!?! Definitely, recommend it to everyone! You WON'T be disappointed, i PROMISE. 🙂 P.S. The new location is amazing! read more

I am so blessed to have found this salon and Heather!! My family just moved to Colorado from California and I have had Great Lengths extensions for over 6 years now and needed some desperate hair love!! My hair was breaking off due to chemical damage from bleach overlap and the hair on my crown was...burnt off to a whopping 2 inches, if that. Fast forward to now, 3 weeks later and I have been completely transformed and could not love my hair more! I can actually wear my hair down again and my confidence has been restored!! My luscious locks look EXACTLY like the photo I showed Heather of what I wanted!! (Better, actually!) Heather took her time on my hair down to every last detail and really cared the whole way through. read more

Brittanie provided the BEST hair experience I have ever had. Never going anywhere else - ever!!! Gorgeous cut/color, precisely what I wanted.

Heather always does an amazing job on my hair! I have been going to her for years. She has cut and colored my hair, given me hair extensions, and did my style and make-up for a variety of special occasions (including my wedding day). Heather is very professional, always had the cleanest salon, and u...ses the best and newest products she discovers at the numerous professional developments she attends throughout her career. read more

Finally got my long mermaid color extensions that I have been dreaming about from Heather! The experience was fantastic, and pain free. Heather is so good at what she does and is all about what the client wants! I am loving my long locks and am definetely going to be addicted! Thanks to Heather and...the Glo team! read more

Heather is incredible ! She truly is a hair extension artist. I'm almost a year into growing out my silver/natural hair and was in not a good place with my grow out process, so far. I have fair skin, light eyes and had dyed my hair for over 30 years, dark chocolate brown. I've shared my inspiration...pic with her ( I've had it for 2 years) and magically she gave me exactly what I needed; dimension, some length and style! She listens, asks the right questions and is really tremendous! read more

Heather is amazing! I had a year of bad extension experience with prior stylists and I initially went to her for a consultation and a professional opinion on what to do going forward. She wasn’t pushy on pushing her services and gave me an honest and professional opinion. I ended up booking fusion e...xtensions with her and I absolutely love them. They are so natural and lightweight! We also had so much fun during a long day of installs haha! read more

Go to Heather! After going through chemo I found my self confidence shattered. My hair was growing back slowly, patchy, thin, fragile and reminded me of wimpy baby hair. I was desperate to fix my appearance but scared extensions would cause further damage to my hair… until I found Heather! Heather h...as more knowledge than any other professional. She walked me through all the extension options and colors until we decided on “hot extensions” and “toppers” that have never damaged my hair. Heather has great skills in making my extensions hidden and looking completely natural. Heather didn’t just transform my hair, she transformed my confidence. 10/10 always recommend. read more

I have been seeing Heather at Glo for over a decade now. She is very talented and does amazing job. Heather did my wedding hair too and it looked amazing. If you are looking for a top tier hair stylist in Colorado - go to Heather at Glo!

Heather is truly the best of the best at what she does. I have been to several salons for extensions, and no one compares to her. Her knowledge and expertise have kept my hair healthy and growing so much that I don’t even need extensions anymore. That alone says everything.

Even though I’m wearing a slicked bun for my wedding, I’ll still wearing my Seventh Heaven Hair Extensions—because they make the look feel full, luxurious, and unforgettable. They’re softer than my real hair, and they hold up to everything—even a windy beach wedding.

No doubt Glo Extensions is the best hair salon in the Denver Metro area! Let me just say, I am SO picky when i comes to my hair and service. i want it all! 🙂 Excellent service, quality products, and professional approach. I've been lucky enough to have found that at Glo! I've been going to them for... a little over a year now, and I couldn't be happier. LOVE them all, especially my girl, Cortney G. It's always a fun time! Who doesn't love getting pampered and having girl time?!?! Definitely, recommend it to everyone! You WON'T be disappointed, i PROMISE. 🙂 P.S. The new location is amazing! read more

I am so blessed to have found this salon and Heather!! My family just moved to Colorado from California and I have had Great Lengths extensions for over 6 years now and needed some desperate hair love!! My hair was breaking off due to chemical damage from bleach overlap and the hair on my crown was...burnt off to a whopping 2 inches, if that. Fast forward to now, 3 weeks later and I have been completely transformed and could not love my hair more! I can actually wear my hair down again and my confidence has been restored!! My luscious locks look EXACTLY like the photo I showed Heather of what I wanted!! (Better, actually!) Heather took her time on my hair down to every last detail and really cared the whole way through. read more

Brittanie provided the BEST hair experience I have ever had. Never going anywhere else - ever!!! Gorgeous cut/color, precisely what I wanted.

Heather always does an amazing job on my hair! I have been going to her for years. She has cut and colored my hair, given me hair extensions, and did my style and make-up for a variety of special occasions (including my wedding day). Heather is very professional, always had the cleanest salon, and u...ses the best and newest products she discovers at the numerous professional developments she attends throughout her career. read more

Finally got my long mermaid color extensions that I have been dreaming about from Heather! The experience was fantastic, and pain free. Heather is so good at what she does and is all about what the client wants! I am loving my long locks and am definetely going to be addicted! Thanks to Heather and...the Glo team! read more
