Hair & Extensions Aftercare
Beautiful Hair Needs Good Aftercare.
Your appointment is only part of the result.
How you wash, dry, brush, style and maintain your hair between appointments can affect your extensions, your natural hair and the longevity of your finished result.
Use this guide as general iHobbs aftercare support and follow any individual instructions provided for your specific service.
Important: Your individual iHobbs aftercare instructions take priority wherever they differ from the general guidance on this page.
Section 01
Caring for Your Hair Extensions
Hair extensions become part of your everyday hair routine, but they still require considered care. Good aftercare is not about being afraid to touch or enjoy your hair. It is about reducing unnecessary tension, tangling and stress while looking after both the extension hair and your natural hair.
Your extensions should work with your life, but good results require good habits between appointments.
Handle Your Hair With Care
Avoid unnecessary pulling, aggressive brushing or repeatedly placing tension on the attachment areas.
When brushing or styling, work with the hair rather than forcing through tangles.
If something feels unusually tight, uncomfortable or difficult to manage around an attachment area, do not keep pulling at it in an attempt to correct it yourself.
Keep Attachment Areas Manageable
Pay attention to the areas where your extensions connect with your natural hair.
Allowing significant tangling or matting to develop around an installation can make maintenance more difficult and may place unnecessary stress on the natural hair.
Separate and care for the hair as instructed for the extension method you are wearing.
Do Not Attempt DIY Maintenance
Important: Do not tighten, reposition, remove or repair a professional extension installation yourself unless you have specifically been instructed how to manage a particular issue by iHobbs.
Something appearing simple from the outside does not mean the professional installation can safely be adjusted at home.
If an attachment slips, becomes uncomfortable or something changes unexpectedly, contact iHobbs.
Avoid Unnecessary Tension
Hairstyles should not repeatedly place excessive tension on the natural hair or attachment areas.
Extensions may offer considerable styling flexibility, but if a style feels excessively tight or creates persistent pulling, change it rather than assuming discomfort is simply part of wearing extensions.
Important: Persistent pain or excessive pulling should not be treated as normal extension wear.
Treat the Extension Hair as Extension Hair
Even where human hair is used, extension hair is no longer receiving the natural oils and biological support that growing hair receives from the scalp.
It therefore needs appropriate handling and product care to help maintain its condition.
Avoid assuming that everything you routinely do to your natural hair will automatically produce the same result on extension hair.
Protect Your Natural Hair Too
Aftercare is not only about keeping the extension hair looking good.
Your natural hair and scalp remain part of the service. Pay attention to unexpected changes in comfort, shedding, density or the condition of the hair around the installation.
If you become concerned, contact iHobbs rather than waiting automatically for your next routine appointment.
Different Methods. Different Details.
Different extension methods do not necessarily have identical maintenance and home care requirements. Follow the instructions provided for the method you are actually wearing and any individual guidance given to you by iHobbs.
Explore your extension method
View all extension methodsWhen to Contact iHobbs
Contact iHobbs if you notice something you are concerned about, including persistent discomfort, unusual pulling, significant tangling around attachment areas or an unexpected change in your natural hair.
Do not wait simply because your next maintenance appointment has already been booked.
Section 02
Washing & Drying Your Extensions
You can wash your hair while wearing extensions. The important difference is how the hair is handled before, during and after washing. Good technique helps keep the extension hair manageable while avoiding unnecessary pulling, tangling and stress around the attachment areas.
Before Washing
Gently remove significant tangles before getting the hair wet.
Do not aggressively brush through knots or pull against the attachment areas.
If the hair has become unusually tangled or matted around the installation, contact iHobbs rather than trying to force through it at home.
Washing
Wash the scalp and hair in a controlled downward direction rather than vigorously rubbing, bunching or twisting the hair together.
Cleanse the scalp appropriately while taking care around the attachment areas.
Allow shampoo to move through the lengths without aggressively scrubbing the extension hair against itself.
Important: Your extension method matters. Product placement around attachment areas may differ depending on the extension method you are wearing. Follow the specific instructions given for your installation.
Conditioning
Extension hair needs appropriate conditioning through the lengths to help maintain softness and manageability.
Apply conditioning products according to the guidance provided for your extension method.
Avoid automatically applying heavy conditioning products directly onto attachment areas unless your individual aftercare guidance specifically allows it.
Rinsing
Rinse products thoroughly from the hair and scalp.
Residue can affect how the hair feels and behaves, so take enough time to rinse properly rather than rushing this stage.
After Washing
Do not aggressively rub wet extensions with a towel.
Remove excess water gently and handle the hair carefully while it is wet.
Wet hair can be more vulnerable to stretching, tangling and unnecessary pulling, particularly if it is handled roughly.
Drying
Do not routinely leave the attachment or foundation areas wet for prolonged periods.
Dry the hair and installation appropriately according to the extension method you are wearing.
When using a hairdryer, work methodically rather than overheating one area or aggressively blowing the hair into tangles.
Going to Bed With Wet Extensions
Important: Do not go to bed with wet or inadequately dried extensions.
Moisture combined with movement and friction during sleep can contribute to tangling and make both the extension hair and attachment areas more difficult to manage.
Give yourself enough time to wash and dry your hair properly before bed.
How Often Should I Wash My Extensions?
There is no single washing frequency that is appropriate for every client.
Your scalp, lifestyle, extension method, styling routine and individual guidance all matter.
The objective is not to avoid washing your hair for as long as possible. It is to keep your scalp and hair appropriately clean while caring for the installation correctly.
Important: Wearing extensions does not mean neglecting your scalp.
Wash your scalp properly, handle your extensions carefully and make time to dry them thoroughly. Good aftercare should support healthy habits, not make you afraid to wash your hair.
Section 03
Brushing, Sleeping & Everyday Styling
Your extensions should fit into everyday life. The way you brush, prepare your hair for sleep and style it between appointments can make a significant difference to how manageable the hair remains and how much unnecessary tension is placed around the installation.
Quick daily reminder
- Brush gently
- Keep attachment areas manageable
- Avoid unnecessary tension
- Sleep with dry, prepared hair
Brushing Your Extensions
Brush regularly enough to prevent avoidable tangling from building up.
Work through the hair gently rather than dragging a brush through resistance.
Support the hair appropriately while brushing so that you are not repeatedly pulling against the attachment areas.
If you meet a significant knot, do not repeatedly pull through it from the top. Work through tangles carefully and progressively rather than transferring the force directly to your natural hair or extension attachments.
Attachment Areas
Take particular care around the areas where the extensions connect with your natural hair.
Your individual extension method may require specific guidance about how these areas should be separated or maintained. Follow the instructions provided for the method you are wearing.
Sleeping With Extensions
Make sure your extensions are dry and reasonably free from tangles before going to sleep.
Leaving significant tangling to move and tighten overnight can make the hair considerably more difficult to manage the following day.
Depending on the length and extension method, loosely securing the hair before bed may help reduce unnecessary movement and tangling while you sleep.
Avoid creating a tight bedtime style that places unnecessary tension on the natural hair or attachment areas.
Friction
Repeated friction can contribute to tangling and affect how extension hair feels and behaves over time.
Pay particular attention to areas that experience regular rubbing, including longer hair moving against clothing or becoming trapped during sleep.
Ponytails & Up Styles
Many extension clients can continue wearing ponytails and up styles, but styling should take account of the method and placement of the extensions.
Avoid repeatedly forcing the hair into a position that creates significant tension or persistent pulling.
If high ponytails, gym hairstyles or regular up styles are important to your lifestyle, this should ideally form part of the extension planning from the beginning.
Important: A hairstyle should not need to hurt in order to hold.
Heat Styling
Straighteners, curling tools and other heated styling equipment may be used where appropriate for the extension hair you are wearing.
Use heat responsibly and follow the guidance provided for your extension hair and method.
Avoid repeatedly applying unnecessary heat to attachment areas.
Heat Protection
Where an appropriate heat protection product forms part of your hair care routine, use it according to the product and extension guidance provided.
Do not assume that every styling product should be applied directly to every type of attachment.
Styling Products
Styling products can be useful, but more product does not automatically produce better extension hair.
Heavy product build up may affect how the hair feels and can make the home care routine more difficult.
Use appropriate products in appropriate amounts and pay attention to any method specific guidance about attachment areas.
Do Not Cut or Alter the Installation Yourself
Important: Do not cut, reposition or alter extension attachments at home because part of the installation has become visible or difficult to style.
If something has moved, slipped or is no longer sitting as expected, contact iHobbs.
Attempting to correct professional placement yourself can make the eventual maintenance or correction more difficult.
Style your extensions. Enjoy them. Just do not repeatedly sacrifice comfort or the natural hair for a particular hairstyle.
Good extension aftercare is usually built from consistent everyday habits rather than complicated routines. If something suddenly becomes uncomfortable or difficult to manage, ask for help rather than forcing it.
Section 04
Exercise, Swimming & Holidays
Hair extensions are designed to be worn as part of everyday life. Exercise, swimming, travelling and holidays do not automatically become off limits because you wear extensions. They simply require sensible preparation and appropriate care afterwards.
What to Take
- Your appropriate shampoo
- Your appropriate conditioner
- Your usual extension friendly brush
- Any recommended styling or care products
- Your normal heat protection where relevant
Going Away?
If your maintenance appointment is due close to your holiday, plan ahead rather than leaving it until the last minute.
If you are unsure whether your extensions need attention before travelling, contact iHobbs.
Exercising With Extensions
You can exercise while wearing hair extensions.
If your hair is long, securing it comfortably during exercise can help reduce unnecessary tangling and movement.
Avoid repeatedly pulling the hair into an excessively tight style simply to keep it out of the way.
Sweat is part of normal scalp activity. Regular exercise does not mean you should avoid appropriately cleansing your scalp because you are wearing extensions.
Follow the washing and drying guidance appropriate for your extension method and lifestyle.
Important: Wearing extensions does not mean neglecting your scalp.
After Exercise
If your scalp or attachment areas become damp through exercise, allow the hair and installation to dry appropriately rather than routinely leaving them damp for prolonged periods.
If exercise means you need to wash your hair more frequently, follow the appropriate washing routine rather than attempting to avoid washing solely to preserve the extensions.
Swimming
Yes, but swimming requires additional care.
Chlorinated pool water, salt water, repeated wetting and environmental exposure can affect extension hair and may influence how it feels, behaves and needs to be cared for afterwards.
Before Swimming
Make sure the hair is reasonably free from tangles before swimming and secure longer hair in a comfortable way that helps reduce excessive movement and tangling.
Follow any additional guidance provided for your particular extension method.
After Swimming
Do not leave chlorine, salt water or other swimming residue sitting in the hair unnecessarily.
Rinse and care for the hair appropriately after swimming, then make sure the extensions and attachment areas are dried according to your extension method.
Work through the hair gently rather than aggressively brushing through wet tangles.
Important: Swimming is not the problem. Poor care before and afterwards is where avoidable problems can begin.
Hot Tubs, Spas & Saunas
Heat, moisture and prolonged exposure to water can affect both the extension hair and how an installation needs to be managed.
If you regularly use hot tubs, spas, steam rooms or saunas, tell iHobbs which extension method you are wearing and follow the relevant guidance for that installation.
Taking Your Extensions on Holiday
Holidays often change your normal hair routine.
More swimming, sun exposure, heat, humidity, frequent styling and different water conditions can all affect how extension hair behaves.
Plan your aftercare before travelling rather than trying to solve problems once you are away.
Sun & Heat
Strong sun, repeated heat styling and environmental exposure can affect the appearance and condition of hair, including extension hair.
Be sensible about unnecessary heat exposure and continue your normal appropriate conditioning and styling routine while travelling.
Different Water
Water conditions vary between locations and can affect how hair feels after washing.
If your extensions suddenly feel different while travelling, this does not automatically mean there is something wrong with the installation.
Continue appropriate care and contact iHobbs if the change is significant or difficult to manage.
Holiday Emergency Boundary
Do not attempt major DIY removal, tightening or reconstruction because you cannot immediately attend the salon.
Contact iHobbs for guidance where possible. If professional assistance is required locally, seek an appropriately qualified extension professional rather than improvising with the installation yourself.
Your extensions should travel with your lifestyle, not prevent you from having one. Preparation and good aftercare make the difference.
Section 05
Caring for Your Hair After a Keratin Treatment
Important: What you do after your Keratin Treatment can influence how the hair looks, feels and performs over time. Follow the individual aftercare instructions provided for your treatment.
Keratin Treatments are not Hair Extensions, so their aftercare requirements should be considered separately.
Follow the specific instructions provided following your iHobbs Keratin Treatment, particularly where your stylist has given guidance based on your hair, treatment or other services you receive.
Advice found online
Not all Keratin Treatments use the same formulation or protocol. Aftercare advice found online may therefore not apply to the treatment you received.
Washing After Your Treatment
Your stylist will advise you when and how to wash your hair following your treatment.
Follow the guidance provided for the treatment you received rather than relying on generic Keratin advice found online, as products and treatment protocols are not necessarily identical.
Choosing Your Home Care
The products used after a Keratin Treatment can influence how the hair feels and how the result is maintained.
Follow the home care recommendations provided by iHobbs for your treatment rather than assuming that every shampoo, conditioner or styling product is equally appropriate.
Heat Styling
One of the benefits clients may seek from a Keratin Treatment is easier everyday styling, but this does not mean unlimited heat is beneficial.
Use heated styling tools appropriately and avoid unnecessary repeated heat exposure.
Colour Services
If you are planning colour alongside a Keratin Treatment, tell iHobbs when arranging your appointments.
The order and timing of services should be considered professionally rather than assuming that colour and Keratin Treatments can always be carried out in any sequence.
Swimming & Holidays
Chlorine, salt water, frequent washing, strong sun and changes to your normal hair routine may affect how treated hair feels and behaves.
If you are having a Keratin Treatment specifically before a holiday, mention your travel plans when arranging the service so that appropriate aftercare can be discussed.
Keratin Treatments With Hair Extensions
If you wear Hair Extensions, tell iHobbs before arranging a Keratin Treatment.
Your natural hair, extension hair and attachment areas may not all have identical requirements, so the service should be considered in the context of the installation you are wearing.
If Your Hair Behaves Differently Afterwards
If you have a concern about how your hair looks, feels or behaves following your Keratin Treatment, contact iHobbs rather than attempting repeated corrective treatments or aggressive home processing.
We can help determine the appropriate next step based on the service you received.
The best Keratin aftercare is the aftercare that matches the treatment you actually received. Follow your individual guidance, use appropriate home care and ask iHobbs if you are unsure.
Section 06
Maintenance Matters
Hair Extension maintenance is not simply about keeping the extensions looking neat. It is part of wearing the service responsibly.
As your natural hair grows, the relationship between your hair and the installation changes. Appropriate professional maintenance helps ensure that the extensions continue to be managed according to the method you are wearing.
Important: Installation is only the beginning. Professional maintenance and good home care work together.
Quick Decision Guide
Everything feels normal and maintenance is approaching?
Before booking, please review our Booking & Cancellation Policy and Hair Loss Client Terms and Hair and Extensions Client Terms.
Something about the installation doesn’t feel right?
Concerned about unexplained thinning, shedding or visible Hair Loss?
When Is My Maintenance Due?
Maintenance schedules vary between extension methods and individual clients.
Follow the maintenance schedule provided for the method you are wearing and any individual instructions given by iHobbs.
If you cannot remember when your maintenance is due, contact us rather than guessing.
What If I Am Overdue?
If your maintenance appointment is overdue, contact iHobbs as soon as possible.
Do not assume that because the extensions still appear wearable from the outside, the normal maintenance service can automatically proceed unchanged.
Additional growth, tangling or changes around the installation may affect what needs to happen at your appointment.
Slippage or Movement
Some movement or changes to an installation may need professional attention.
If an attachment slips, becomes unusually visible or the installation no longer feels as expected, do not repeatedly pull, tighten, reposition or attempt to secure it yourself.
Contact iHobbs for guidance.
Tangling or Matting
Do not ignore significant tangling developing around attachment areas.
Gentle everyday management is different from trying to force through established matting.
If you cannot manage the area comfortably using your normal approved aftercare routine, contact iHobbs rather than repeatedly pulling through it.
Discomfort
Hair Extensions should not require you to tolerate persistent pain.
If you experience unusual or continuing discomfort, significant pulling, soreness or another sensation that concerns you, contact iHobbs rather than simply waiting for your next maintenance appointment.
Important: Persistent pain should not be dismissed as something you simply have to tolerate because you wear extensions.
Unexpected Changes in Your Natural Hair
Pay attention to your natural hair as well as the extensions.
If you notice unexplained shedding, progressive thinning, increasing scalp visibility, patchy loss or a significant change in density, do not automatically assume that the answer is simply another extension appointment.
iHobbs has a dedicated Hair Loss pathway for concerns that require a different type of assessment.
When Something Changes Suddenly
If your hair or installation suddenly behaves differently, consider whether anything has recently changed.
This might include a new hair product, another salon service, increased swimming, a holiday, changes to your normal styling routine or simply being overdue for maintenance.
You do not need to diagnose the cause yourself. Tell iHobbs what has changed and we can help determine the appropriate next step.
No DIY Removal
Important: Do not attempt major DIY removal because an installation has become uncomfortable, overdue or difficult to manage.
Contact iHobbs so that the appropriate next step can be considered.
Existing Clients
Already an iHobbs client?
Use your usual maintenance and support pathways wherever appropriate. You do not need to restart as though you are a new client every time you need help.
Good maintenance is proactive. If something changes, asking early is usually more useful than waiting until the next routine appointment and hoping it resolves itself.
Look After Your Result
Good Aftercare Continues Between Appointments.
Your home care and professional maintenance work together. Keep following the guidance appropriate for your service, maintain your appointments when required and contact iHobbs if something changes or you are unsure what to do.
Good aftercare should help you feel confident living with your hair, not frightened of it. Follow the guidance for your service, maintain it professionally and ask when you are unsure.
Maintenance
Due your next appointment? Keep your professional maintenance on schedule using the appropriate booking pathway for your service.
Before booking, please review our Booking & Cancellation Policy and Hair Loss Client Terms and Hair and Extensions Client Terms.
Support
Something doesn’t feel right? If you are concerned about your extensions, natural hair or how something is behaving, ask before trying to correct it yourself.
Ask iHobbs