Nothing Stays Forever: How Long Do Hair Extensions Last? 

Extensions are just like a great relationship. It’s present with you through day or night. They help build up your self-esteem. They let you experiment with different things. But just like all things, they can’t stay forever. It is essential to recognize your hairpieces' limitations and accept how long do hair extensions last. How Long Do Hair Extensions Really Last? Extensions as they are can last from a few months to a whole year. Some can even go up to two years, but that’s under the presumption you won’t use them.  You can usually tell your hair extension’s life span is over when it starts to shed different strands or dry up. If you feel uncomfortable wearing the hair pieces, a replacement may also be time. Factors Affecting Your Extensions To narrow down how long do hair extensions last, assess a couple of factors. The main ones to look out for are hair extension type, quality and use. 1. Type of Hair Extensions The life span of certain hairpieces can change depending on your type. Many variations are available online and in stores, which explains why the global hair wigs and extensions market is projected to hold a value of $13.28 billion by 2026. Here’s an overview of different types of hair extensions and how long they may last with regular use: Clip-in hair extensions: Clip-in extensions are hairpieces attached to small metal clips you connect to your current hair. These weftts can be quite voluminous in nature, especially if they’re big in width. They can last around three months to about half a year. Tape-in hair extensions: Tape-in extensions offer a seamless look to your hair, installing strands with a pre-glued tab. A precise applicated is required when putting on tape-ins. When cared for properly, they can last about two to three months. Sew-in hair extensions: Also known as permanent extensions, sew-in hair extensions are strands sewn on an almost transparent cloth strip. Thanks to their application, they can adhere to your hair quite well compared to glued options. But contrary to its name, permanent extensions only last about less than three months. Fusion hair extensions: Fusion hair extensions or bonded hair extensions are hairpieces attached to the hair with keratin bonds and heat. These hair pieces last for about three to six months. Headband wig: A headband wig can help you get ready in minutes, adding instant style and volume to your hair without a fuss. As a headband wig is easier to apply and remove than other extensions, these can last for a year or more. 2. Hair Extension Quality Quality can also be a significant determining factor in how long your locks will last. High-quality human hair extensions can be quite an investment, but they seem more natural when worn. Human hair extensions also have quite a longer life span. Meanwhile, synthetic extensions are prone to damage despite being affordable. 3. Frequency of Use How much you intend to wear your extensions can impact their life span. Putting them out of storage and using them can expose the hairpieces to various environments. If you intend to use them regularly, it’s important to care for them. Low use and good maintenance routines can extend the quality of your hairpieces. Tips to Keep Your Hair Extensions Long-Lasting Now that we know how long hair extensions last, the next question is how to make them long-lasting. There are a variety of maintenance tips to adopt in your routine to keep your hair extensions quality and usable. 1. Be Conscious of Heat Damage Heat damage is the number one enemy of hair extensions, especially clip-ins and tape-ins. When you warm up the glue that binds all the pieces together, it can make the strands slip off or split apart. Try not to stay out in the sun too much. Opt for heat protectants if you want to use a hot curling iron or straightener to style your hair. 2. Avoid Sweating During Wear Having a nice head of hair at the beach or pool can give you a photogenic look. However, it’s recommended to leave the extensions out if you plan to go swimming. This can ensure you aren’t exposing the hair pieces to chlorine or ocean salt, which can frizz up and damage your faux hair pieces. 3. Protect Your Hair When Sleeping Ever woke up like Anna from Frozen? The tangles can deplete the life span of your hair extensions. Consider putting all your hair in a cap and scarf when heading to sleep If you move around too much, consider satin pillowcases. This material is perfect for lessening friction on your hair strands. They work for your natural locks, as well as your extensions. 4. Check Your Hair Product Details It’s essential to be vigilant with what products you use, especially when you have extensions on. Even human hair variations can be affected by certain ingredients. For instance, different kinds of sulfate and alcohol can dry out your hair. Meanwhile, shea butter products can pump in moisture to your hairpieces. 5. Moisturize and Condition Keep your extensions moisturized if you want to keep them around for a while. Conduct a weekly deep conditioning routine to tend to these hairpieces. Ideally, you’ll use a moisturizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner. When you rinse, remember to skip the blower and give them ample time to air dry. 6. Brush Regularly Make a habit of brushing your extensions. Make sure that these locks are dry as you go through them. A bigger brush with multiple bristles can help gently pull out tangles. You can also practice using your fingers to comb through the strands. Just be mindful of which parts of your natural strands the extensions are attached to. 7. Ensure Proper Removal and Storage If you want to give your extensions a break, remember to follow the removal process for your hairpiece. Go to a professional hair salon if you have to. And once they’re out of your hair, store them away properly. You can neatly stack the extensions away in a bag and hide them in a cabinet. Ensure they’re at room temperature and free of tangles to prevent damage. Make Your Hair Extensions Last Longer Extensions may only last for a couple of weeks, so most people recommend getting multiple sets under your possession. However, you can also preserve their quality by using the ones you already have. Follow the tips above to keep your hairpieces and overall look fabulous.

A good leave-in conditioner is essential to any curly girl’s hair routine. Natural hair needs plenty of extra moisture since it takes a long time for oils from the scalp to reach all the way to your ends. Without the proper product, your hair will likely end up frizzy and undefined.  Many ladies turn to oil-based leave-in conditioners, thinking those oils will mimic their hair’s natural ones. However, they often prove too heavy for curls and weigh them down. Also, while oil is excellent for hair health, its job is to lock in moisture that’s already there. To add extra hydration and get the best results, you’ll want a water-based leave-in conditioner. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you maintain your curls, reduce frizz and give your hair the moisture it craves.  1. Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils Quench Leave-In Conditioner The texture of this product melts right into your hair — a little goes a long way. It also works really well as a detangling product because it has a nice slip to it. It smells delicious but not too overpowering. This leave-in conditioner works well on wavy or kinky hair, offering great results for all curl types. The special ingredients in this stunner include shea butter, extra virgin olive oil and marshmallow root.  $6.97 from Amazon 2. Paul Mitchell The Conditioner Original Leave-In Paul Mitchell knows hair. This leave-in conditioner goes on completely clear and dries that way too. The Hawaiian awapuhi helps tame frizz and bring much-needed moisture to your curls. Women using this often find their scalp is also less dry and flaky. The herbal scents of lavender and rosemary add to the spa-like experience.  $34 from Amazon 3. Renpure Coconut Whipped Cream Leave-In Conditioner All of the options on this list are reasonably gentle. However, Renpure’s offering is the best choice for delicate strands — it’s free of dyes, gluten, propylene glycol, sulfates, parabens and phthalates. It’s also made from all-natural ingredients. The water base adds plenty of moisture while the extra virgin coconut oil locks it in place. If you love beachy smells, you must give this a whiff.   $23.16 from Amazon 4. Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner While Mizani 25 is one of the more expensive options, the results don’t disappoint. It has a convenient spray application, and the moisture it gives is incredibly long-lasting. In fact, this one is so intense that fine hair types may want to steer clear of this option. For those with coarse hair, Mizani 25 Miracle Milk is a dream. As a bonus, it also works as a heat protectant. For the best results, use it on freshly-washed, damp hair.  $26 from Amazon 5. Mielle Organics White Peony Leave-In Conditioner Mielle Organics brought it with this incredibly affordable option, available on their website or at some drugstores. The white peony water-based leave-in conditioner fights frizz and prevents damage from dry, broken locks. The only caution with this one is the smell — it’s nice but quite strong, so avoid it if you’re sensitive to scents.  $10.39 from Amazon 6. Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream Let’s be honest — if you’ve tried anything from Carol’s Daughter, you know her products smell amazing. The Goddess Strength leave-in cream claims to deliver hair that’s 15 times stronger with 94% less breakage after one use. Castor and black seed oils protect hair from further damage as it grows.  $12.97 from Amazon Your Perfect Product Is Out There Finding an option that’s just right for your hair type may take some trial and error. Hopefully, the recommendations on this list will get you started in the right direction. There’s definitely something here for everyone.

Are you constantly looking for miracle creams and gels to bring out your natural curls? Perhaps you’ve already tried dozens of products to no avail. Well, we’re here to tell you that hydrating, smoothing and maintaining your mane doesn’t have to be difficult. All you need are a few essential oils for your curly hair and a little bit of patience.   Nourish your hair, from roots to ends, with oils that’ll leave you smelling just as good as you look. Dilute each one with a base oil or add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner for easy, everyday application.  1. Ylang-Ylang Most people use ylang-ylang in diffusers because of its sweet scent. However, you can just as easily use it on your curls to condition them and make them smell amazing. This oil also works as a detangler, especially when you apply it to wet hair. Use a comb to distribute the ylang-ylang from roots to ends and massage a few drops into your scalp. Doing so will moisturize the skin, minimize dandruff and promote new hair growth so your curls appear thicker and fuller.  $8.89 from Amazon 2. Geranium Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians used geranium oil to beautify their skin before weddings and other special occasions. Now, people are using it to enhance their hair. Apply this essential oil a few times a week to increase protein keratin and grow stronger, healthier locks. Massage it into your scalp to balance sebum production and boost volume. geranium oil can even help ward off hair loss, improve circulation and promote hair growth, thanks to its amino acid content.  $14.39 from Amazon 3. Grapefruit Your hair comes into contact with hundreds of impurities each day, from dust and pollution to chemical-laden styling products. These compounds can accumulate on each strand and eventually weigh down your curls. Luckily, you can restore both bounce and shine with a few drops of grapefruit essential oil. Add them to your shampoo to remove build-up or make a hair mask for more intensive treatment. Grapefruit oil also controls sebum production so you don’t have to wash your hair as often.  $18.99 from Amazon 4. Lavender  Like ylang-ylang, lavender is a popular essential oil for aromatherapy lovers. However, this oil is good for more than just making you feel calm. In fact, adding a few drops to your scalp can help heal irritation to reduce itchiness and nix flaking. Lavender’s antimicrobial properties will also prevent bacteria and fungi from causing recurring issues in the future. Gently massage the oil into your roots. Then, comb it through the entire length of your hair to strengthen your curls and minimize breakage.   $16.95 from Amazon 5. Jojoba Jojoba oil has many benefits, especially for those with type three or four curls. While your scalp naturally produces oils, tighter curls make it difficult for them to travel to your ends. That’s why your scalp might feel like it needs a good scrub while your tips are dry and frizzy. By physically combing the jojoba oil into your curls, you can moisturize those dry spots and reduce frizz. Adding moisture back into your locks will also help them maintain their shape and shine — no touch-ups necessary! $12.99 from Amazon 6. Tea Tree Most people are familiar with tea tree oil for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. In recent years, it’s gained popularity in skincare formulations as it’s proven to be effective against acne, especially on the face. What most people don’t know is that you can also use tea tree oil on your scalp. Minimize irritation and moisturize your curls by adding a few drops to your roots. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent any burning sensations as the tea tree cleanses your skin.  $12.99 from Amazon 7. Rosemary  Rosemary is a staple herb in Italian cuisine, but it’s good for more than just seasoning. In fact, its scent is wildly energizing and can positively affect the nervous system when you use it in a diffuser. However, the beauty and hair care community most value rosemary essential oil for its ability to soothe the scalp and promote hair growth. Bring some life back into your tresses with a few drops of this powerful oil.  $25 from Amazon Essential Oils for Curly Hair Adding essential oils to your routine is as easy as one, two, three! All you need is an effective oil, something to dilute it with an application method. Once you have a solid formula, you can incorporate it into your daily routine until you see results.   If you have thinner hair, opt for every other day or a few times per week. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle and spritz your strands whenever you feel they could use a boost.