How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

When it comes to hair extensions, most clients want luxurious locks that will last a lifetime. However, just as our real hair and natural hair grows and needs trimming, hair extensions also have an expiration date for best usage. How do you know how long they will last? That all depends on the type of extension (permanent extensions vs temporary), extension use, hair extension care, and your own hair care routines.

Understanding Types of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions have become one of the most popular and sought-after hairstyles in the last 15 years. With thin hair becoming a more common issue, the demand for different types of hair extensions has grown. The two popular types of hair extensions most commonly referenced are human hair extensions and synthetic.

Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

If you’ve ever searched for hair extensions for yourself, you will notice that the two primary types of extensions are extensions made from human hair and synthetic extensions. Both extensions can last depending on their use, but one can last significantly longer than the other.

HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS:

• Typically Last 3 Months to 1 Year
• More Costly
• Can Be Styled & Curled
• More Maintenance

SYNTHETIC EXTENSIONS:

• Typically Last 1 to 3 Months
• Cost-Effective When Compared to Others
• Capable of Melting When Styled or Exposed to Prolonged Heat
• Less Maintenance

Quality Grades of Hair Extensions

When it comes to the quality of the hair extensions, most extension wearers want great quality and to have their extensions last as long as possible. For example, real human hair extensions can last up to a year, depending on how you style your hair, your hair growth, your natural hair, and the quality of hair you choose. Choosing a higher quality of hair extension can ensure the lifespan of your extensions when compared to synthetic hair or “less expensive” quality wefts.

Lifespan of Hair Extensions: Which Extensions Will Last The Longest?

When it comes to the lifespan of your hair extensions, there are other ways to categorize them that let you know immediately which ones will last longer. One of the many ways to categorize hair extensions is by their duration & application type:

• Temporary
  • Clip-in Extensions
  • Halo Extensions
• Semi-permanent
  • Tape-in Extensions
  • Sewn-in Weft Extensions
• Permanent
  • Fusion Extensions
  • Pre-Bonded Extensions
  • Keratin Extensions

Temporary Extensions Lifespan

Temporary extensions for your hair can come in clip-in wefts, clear strands, or even a hair band with a weft attached. They are generally attached to the roots and the base of the scalp, typically using a clip that can be clipped shut, blended in with your real hair with clear and undetectable hair strands, or can attach to your natural hair with a hair band, just as you would with a ponytail or bun.

Temporary extensions are just as they say; temporary. Other extensions last longer, but temporary extensions are an alternative for those who don’t want a permanent solution or want to give their hair a break. The lifespan of a synthetic hair weft is typically weeks to months, depending on the usage, while real hair weft extensions can last anywhere from months to a year.

Clip-In Hair Extensions: Durability and Care

It’s important to take proper care of your extensions. This can increase the longevity of your set of extensions. Unfortunately, clip-in hair extensions last anywhere from several weeks to only a few months at best. With extended or daily wear clip-in extensions can last an even shorter amount of time, especially when compared to higher quality extensions made of real hair. Real human hair will always last longer than synthetic hair.

If you want your clip-in extensions to last, keeping them detangled is highly recommended. You can do this by using the proper tools and hair extension brushes with loops that are made to brush your hair without it bunching up into a terrible mess of knots. It’s also important to store your hair in a climate-controlled room without exposure to extensive heat.

Semi-Permanent Extensions Lifespan

Semi-permanent hair extensions are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural hair without having the trouble of removing them daily or storing them in a safe, cool space. These types of hair extensions require a commitment of weeks to months, as you want your natural hair to grow with them. These types of hair extensions last far longer than temporary extensions, while giving you the flexibility of hair extensions that require far less maintenance.

Tape-In Hair Extensions: How Long Do They Last

Tape-in extensions are ideal for your fine hair, and if you want to add volume to your hair. These extensions are attached at the base of the root of the hair using a special bond to hold them in place. Although this gives added convenience, the need for removal can cause more damage than other methods.  These types of hair extensions also need to be replaced more frequently, at a rate of every four to eight weeks. This may mean purchasing new hair extensions with an additional cost.

Learn more about Natural Beaded Rows vs. Clip In Extensions!

Sew-In Extensions: Duration Expectations

For hair extensions that will last, natural beaded row extensions stay for six to eight months and won’t do damage to your natural hair. These beautiful and natural extensions give your hair all the volume you could ever desire and flow seamlessly with your own strands of hair. Sew-in hair extensions are a perfect solution for a long-lasting look that won’t damage your hair and have become one of the most popular choices for everyone. With proper care and professionally trained placement by expert stylists, your sewn-in extensions may last the longest, even last up to a year.

Permanent Hair Extensions Lifespan

When you want long hair extensions but can’t achieve the length on your own, pre-bonded and fusion hair extensions are considered the best permanent solution.

Pre-Bonded and Fusion Hair Extensions Longevity

The biggest commitment of all would be the permanent hair extensions. These extensions are applied using a heat application tool to melt the keratin bond and fuse it to the natural hair. This hair extension method is called fusion. The bonded extension is fused underneath the strands of hair and just a few millimeters away from the scalp. Although this method is considered more permanent, these extensions need to be replaced every 4 to 6 months.

Factors That Affect Hair Extension Lifespan

The life of your extensions can be affected by many factors. Some of these factors include:

• Natural Hair Type (Fine Hair, Thick Hair, Curly Hair, Straight Hair, Oily, Dry)
• Extension Type (Synthetic Hair Extensions vs Human Hair Extensions)
• Daily Hair Care Routine (Washing, Styling, Brushing)
• Products (Shampoo, Oils, Conditioner, Hairspray)
• Lifestyle (Swimming, Sun Exposure, Exercise)
• Extension Wear (Daily Wear, Temporary or Occasional)

Extensions Need Daily Hair Care

Your hair care routine is very important when choosing extensions and ensuring your extensions will last. For removable extensions such as clip-in hair extensions, your hair care habits wouldn’t matter as much since the extensions cannot be exposed to heat, nor can they be styled other than the style they hold in their current state. For human hair clip-in extensions or halos, it is recommended that you wash them every 2-3 months unless you are styling them with heavy products or wearing them daily.

For sew-in hair extensions such as Natural Beaded Rows, you can style your hair, wash your hair or even wear your hair up in a ponytail. This means your extensions need to be washed every 3 to 4 days. Expert stylists also recommend that you wear your natural beaded row extensions in a ponytail or loose braid nightly to prevent pulling and detangling. When it comes to bedtime, don’t forget to invest in a silk pillow case. This helps to reduce frizz and to keep those luxurious locks tangle-free.

For tape-in extensions, prepare for 2 to 3 washes per week with careful rinsing around the taped portion of the hair extension. Washing any more than this can loosen the adhesive. Similarly with conditioning, take caution with application. Be sure to apply conditioner mid-length to the ends, avoiding the taped portion.

For fusion and permanent extensions, heat is the enemy of longevity. This means warm or cool washes every 3 to 4 days and shampooing from the middle of the hair down. The same rules apply for conditioning as well. It’s also recommended to never sleep in wet hair. Always keep it dry and moisturized for a longer extension life.

Learn more about NBR vs. Halo Extensions!

Product Usage and Recommendations

If you don’t already know, hair products are greatly important when it comes to your own natural hair and to your hair extensions. Professional stylists recommend shampoo & conditioning products that are sulfate-free and alcohol-free for human hair extensions. While your hair produces natural oils, your hair extensions will not, since they are without a root. Products that use sulfate can strip the oil and shine directly from your extensions. Some of the best recommended brands for human hair extensions are Goldwell and Oribe. Anything with moisturizing features always seems to work the best. Treat your extensions like you would your own hair, with care.

For synthetic hair extensions, it’s recommended to wash infrequently compared to human hair extensions. Like other extensions, it’s also recommended to use sulfate-free products. It’s also recommended to have a detangling spray on hand to keep the wefts of hair from bunching up into unmanageable knots.  Product buildup can be a major issue, so keeping synthetic hair extensions clean and detangled is key if you want them to last.

Heat Styling Impact

Synthetic hair wefts cannot be exposed to extreme heat, nor can they be styled with heat. Flat irons and curling irons should be avoided at all costs. As for human hair wefts, gentle styling with heated tools can be used, but must be used with caution. Although most wefts are securely held in place, it’s recommended to be gentle when using styling tools to avoid damage to the natural hair and to avoid the hair weft being removed improperly.

Swimming and Exposure to Elements

Temporary extensions should be removed before swimming or participating in extensive activities. For synthetic weft extensions, it is not recommended to get them wet or heavily saturated if you want to prolong your usage and preserve your own hair. For human hair extensions that are sewn in, such as natural beaded rows, you can swim, sweat, or do almost anything you would normally do in your daily routine.

Conclusion – How Long Do Hair Extensions Last

Many salon clients ask how long hair extensions last. The answer tends to vary based on the type of extension you choose and the quality of the hair extension itself. With synthetic hair wefts and temporary extensions, the lifespan can range from weeks to months, while human hair wefts, such as sew-in hair extensions, last significantly longer, sometimes up to a year.

Another factor in long-lasting extensions is the technique and skill found in your stylist. Not all hair stylists are the same when it comes to training. Some salons, such as Trademark Salon, put in countless hours of training and supervision in order to make sure natural beaded row extensions are applied with unique skill and will last longer than any other technique found while doing no damage to your own hair.

No matter what extensions you choose or how often you choose to wear them, hair extensions can bring life back to thin or dull hair, while building confidence that shows with every event you show up to. With an investment like this, hair extensions will last tremendously longer with the care you put into them.

Still have questions about hair extensions?

The Houston hair extension specialists at Trademark Salon are here to help! Contact us today to schedule your dream hair consultation.