Products & MaintenanceUpdated 3 hours ago

• Daily Moisture (Oils/Serums): One crucial habit to teach clients: regularly add moisture to the extension hair since it doesn’t get nourishment from the scalp. The stylist should recommend a quality, lightweight hair oil or serum for the client to use on their extensions every day. In fact, applying a small amount 1–2 times per day to the mid-lengths and ends is ideal – for example, a few drops in the morning and again before bed. This keeps the extensions soft, supple, and tangle-free. Emphasize that they should avoid applying oils near the roots or bonds, where it could interfere with adhesion. The oil/serum is meant for the ponytail portion of their hair (mid to ends). With consistent use, this replaces the natural scalp oils that the extensions are missing and will dramatically improve longevity and luster.
   
   
• Recommended Products: Provide clients with a list of approved shampoos, conditioners, and styling products (or a care kit) that are compatible with their extensions. If those aren’t available, high-end sulfate-free, silicone-free products are generally best. Reiterate that cheap drugstore products are not worth the risk – for instance, a bargain shampoo with sulfates can dry out extensions in one use or a hairspray with excess alcohol can make them brittle. It may help to explain that extension hair has been color-processed and needs gentle care (much like how ultra-blonded hair needs special products). As a stylist, you might even retail appropriate products to your clients so they leave with everything they need.
   
   
• Tools & Accessories: Make sure clients have the right brush (or sell them one). A loop brush or a boar’s-bristle paddle brush with intermingled nylon bristles is excellent for extensions – it will brush through the hair but not tug at the attachment points. They should also have a wide-tooth comb for detangling in the shower or when hair is wet. Recommend they use silk scrunchies or snag-free elastics for ponytails (standard rubber bands can catch on extension hair or pull it) A satin-lined beanie or silk scarf can be suggested for outdoor wear in winter to reduce static. By equipping clients with the proper tools, you empower them to take better care of the hair.
   
   
• Maintenance Appointments: Stress the importance of regular in-salon maintenance. Extensions are not “set and forget” – clients need to come in for scheduled move-ups or re-installs to keep their hair and scalp healthy. A general rule is every 6–8 weeks for most extension methods. (Tape-ins often require maintenance closer to 6 weeks, while hand-tied or beaded wefts and keratin bonds can sometimes go 8–10 weeks, depending on hair growth and method – advise what’s appropriate for the specific system installed.) During these appointments, the stylist will remove or lift the extensions, address any tangling at the roots, and re-attach them closer to the scalp. Emphasize that sticking to the maintenance schedule is crucial: extensions that grow out too far can tangle or stress the client’s roots, and bonds left in beyond their time can cause damage. Regular check-ins also allow the stylist to assess the client’s scalp and natural hair, ensuring everything stays in good shape.
   
   
• Professional Only: Caution clients never to attempt removal or reinstallation at home. Extension bonds (whether tape, keratin, or bead) require proper tools and solutions to remove without damage. If a client tries to peel off tapes or yank out bonds, they risk serious hair breakage. Make it clear they should return to you (or another trained professional) for any removal. If a tape or bond does happen to slip out or come loose on its own, they should save the piece and contact you – often it can be reinstalled if in good condition. It’s also worth reminding them not to cut the extensions on their own. Essentially, any adjustments should be left to the stylist.
   
   

• Extra Tips: Finally, share any brand-specific tips that apply. For example, if the client is wearing a particular line of extensions that has known care quirks (some hand-tied wefts advise not using heavy oils at all; some tape brands might suggest using a certain serum, etc.), include those. If the client travels, advise they take their extension brush and satin pillowcase with them. Little habits like these make a big difference in keeping the extensions looking salon-fresh. Encourage open communication – if the client experiences issues like itching, excessive tangling, or shedding, they should reach out to you promptly so you can help troubleshoot or bring them in for a check. With thorough aftercare education, clients will enjoy their extensions longer and keep their natural hair safe, which reflects well on the stylist’s work and professionalism.

Each of these aftercare points will empower your clients to care for their tape-ins, keratin bonds, or weft extensions properly at home. By covering these detailed maintenance steps – from washing techniques and product choices to bedtime routines and beyond – you ensure your clients get the most from their investment and preserve the integrity of their natural hair. The goal is for the extensions to remain undetectable, comfortable, and gorgeous until the next salon visit. With the guidance above (and the stylist’s support), clients can confidently manage their extensions and enjoy beautiful results for weeks on end.