Written by the HAIR STARS sourcing team — specialists in single-donor Russian and European Raw hair since 2018, rated 4.8/5 across 839 verified customer reviews.
Extensions are an investment, and how you care for them decides whether that investment lasts months or years. The good news: the routine is simple. This is the exact wash, dry, brush, style and store routine we give our own customers, plus the mistakes that quietly ruin a good set.
Washing: the single most important step
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates strip moisture and are the fastest way to dry out and tangle extensions.
- Wash less often than your own hair. Extensions do not get natural scalp oils, so frequent washing only dries them.
- Condition mid-length to ends only, never the roots, clips or bonds.
- Handle gently in water — no rough scrubbing or piling on top of the head.
Drying without damage
Squeeze out water with a towel, do not rub. Let extensions air-dry whenever you can. If you must blow-dry, use a low-to-medium heat and a heat protectant first. High heat every time is one of the biggest life-shorteners.
Brushing the right way
Always brush from the ends upward, working out tangles gently before moving higher, using a loop brush or soft-bristle brush. Brushing from the roots down drags tangles and rips out hair. Never brush when soaking wet — wait until damp or dry.
Heat styling safely
Genuine Raw hair takes heat like healthy hair, but still needs a heat protectant and moderate temperatures. Processed hair tolerates far less. Either way, protectant first, moderate heat, and do not iron the bonds or clip bases.
Sleeping and storage
- Take clip-in sets out at night. Sleeping in them adds tension and tangles.
- Store them flat or hanging, not crumpled in a drawer, ideally in the box or a satin bag.
- For semi-permanent sets, braid loosely or tie back before bed and use a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
The five mistakes that ruin extensions
- Sulfate shampoo.
- Brushing from the roots down.
- Sleeping in clip-ins.
- High heat with no protectant.
- Conditioner or oil on the roots/bonds, which loosens them.
FAQ
How often should I wash my extensions?
Less often than your own hair, only when there is product build-up or they lose movement. Extensions get no scalp oils, so frequent washing just dries them out.
What shampoo is best for hair extensions?
A sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates strip moisture and are the fastest cause of dryness and tangling.
Can I use heat tools on my extensions?
Yes on genuine Raw hair, with a heat protectant and moderate temperatures. Avoid the bonds and clip bases, and remember processed hair tolerates far less heat.
How should I brush them?
From the ends upward with a loop or soft-bristle brush, gently working out tangles before moving higher. Never brush from the roots down or when soaking wet.
Can I sleep in my extensions?
Take clip-ins out at night. For semi-permanent sets, braid loosely and use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
The bottom line
Sulfate-free washing, air-dry when you can, brush from the ends up, heat protectant before styling, and take clip-ins out at night. Do this consistently and quality Raw hair lasts years. Explore the HAIR STARS collection or message us on WhatsApp +966 556771520 for a free consultation. Verified Russian and European Raw hair, free KSA shipping, and Tabby/Tamara installments.
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