SALON SUITES OF SARASOTA

Hair Extension Care Guide 

Your hair extensions are an investment—and with the right care, they can last 12–18 months or longer. Following these guidelines will help maintain their look, feel, and longevity while keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. 

 

Appointment Prep 

Please arrive to your appointment with clean, fully dried hair that has been thoroughly washed and rinsed. 

Install and reinstall services do not include a wash by default. If you would like a wash and style, this must be scheduled in advance and will incur an additional fee. 

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Arriving with unprepared hair may result in your appointment needing to be rescheduled. 

 

Daily Care 

Brush your hair thoroughly multiple times a day to prevent tangling. We recommend using a high-quality brush like the UnBrush, though a wide-tooth comb can also be used to gently detangle curls. 

 

When brushing, always start below the weft and work your way up. Never brush directly at the top of the weft, as this can cause loosening or damage. Use your free hand to hold the weft securely while brushing. 

 

Hydration is Key 

Use a professional serum or oil daily on dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This helps maintain softness, shine, and overall health. 

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A leave-in conditioner should be used after every wash, and a deep conditioning treatment is recommended twice a month to keep your extensions hydrated and smooth. 

 

Washing Guidelines 

Your shampoo and conditioner must be pH-balanced,  ultra-hydrating, and professional-grade. This is non-negotiable—using improper products can damage your extensions. 

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Washing Tips: 

• If you have two rows, clip the top row up and wash the bottom row first 

• If you have one row, clip the hair above the weft and wash in sections 

• Rinse each row thoroughly—this is extremely important 

• Consider using a shower filter if your water quality is harsh 

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For added maintenance, incorporate a weekly clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and keep hair feeling clean and refreshed. 

 

Styling Products & Heat Care 

Always use professional-grade styling products. Your stylist can recommend what’s best for your hair type. 

Use a leave-in conditioner after every wash and a deep conditioning mask twice monthly. 

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Heat protection is essential—never use hot tools without it. Keep your temperature lower to avoid damage. High heat can compromise the quality of your extensions, and there is no need for extreme temperatures. 

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Extensions hold style exceptionally well, so you’ll likely only need to heat style a few times per week—saving time and reducing damage. 

 

Between Washes 

Dry shampoo is a great tool for keeping your hair fresh between washes. Apply at the roots to absorb oil, or lightly at the weft if needed—especially after workouts or if the hair hasn’t fully dried. 

 

Hard Water & Mineral Buildup 

Hard water can cause buildup, dryness, and unwanted brassiness over time. 

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We recommend using a shower head filter to help reduce mineral exposure. If your home uses well water, a full filtration system and water softener are highly recommended. 

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A clarifying shampoo can help remove buildup, but prevention is always best. 

 

Swimming (Pools & Salt Water) 

If swimming is unavoidable, prepare your hair beforehand. Saturate it with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or masque. 

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Secure your hair in a tight braid or bun to minimize tangling and absorption. After swimming, wash your hair as soon as possible and style as usual. 

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Whenever possible, avoid fully submerging your extensions, as chlorine and salt water can be very drying. 

 

Beach Conditions 

If using sunscreen, avoid formulas containing avobenzone, as this can discolor extensions. Keep hair secured away from contact when possible. 

 

Self-Tanning & Spray Tans 

Self-tanner can transfer onto extensions and cause discoloration. 

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If spray tanning, ensure your hair is completely covered—not just during application, but until you rinse. Any product transfer can stain extensions similarly to how it affects light-colored clothing. 

 

Sleeping Care 

Never go to bed with wet hair. This can cause matting and damage. 

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Before sleeping, loosely braid your hair to prevent tangling. Avoid tight top knots, as they create unnecessary tension on the weft. 

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A silk pillowcase is highly recommended to reduce friction, frizz, and breakage. 

 

We’re Here to Help 

If you ever have questions or concerns, please reach out to your stylist. Proper maintenance is key to protecting your investment, and we’re always here to guide you.