By Heather Collier
Not sure if your hair care routine is actually doing what it’s supposed to do? You’re not the only one. There’s thousands of women out there who have run out of steam when it comes to their locks. The thing is, great hair doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t need to feel like a full-time job. With the right habits and the right products, your hair can look glossy, healthy, and easily be styled to perfection, whether you wear your natural hair, quick and easy clip in extensions or long term permanent hair extensions.
Our guide breaks everything down you need into ten simple, doable steps designed to work for everyone. Let’s get into it!
Step 1: Switch Up Your Washing Technique
Hair washing seems simple, but your technique matters. Cleansing should always start at the scalp, where oil and product build-up collect, but don’t forget to work the shampoo gently through your lengths and ends as well. Build-up doesn’t discriminate –it loves to settle everywhere.
Use your fingertips to massage your scalp rather than scratching with your nails, which can irritate the skin and lead to flaking or excess oil. If your hair is particularly greasy, double cleansing is perfectly fine, especially if the hair feels weighed down or you use styling products regularly.
Choosing the right shampoo is even more important if you wear human hair extensions. Sulphate-free, paraben-free, moisture-focused formulas are essential. Our Quench The Thirst Deep Moisture Shampoo gently cleanses while replenishing hydration, leaving both natural hair and extensions soft, smooth, and revived from the very first wash.
Step 2: Condition Like You Mean It
If you wear permanent extensions, keep conditioner away from bonds, tapes, or rings to avoid slippage. For those without extensions, a small amount near the scalp is fine, but heavy-handed application can leave hair limp.
The Quench The Thirst Deep Moisture Conditioner is ideal for both natural hair and clip in hair extensions, restoring softness and making detangling easier than ever.
Shop Deep Moisture Conditioner
Step 3: Mask Weekly for Maximum Results
Hair masks are the self-care Sundays of your routine. Used once a week, they deliver deeper nourishment than regular conditioner and are especially beneficial for dry, damaged or over-styled hair.
Apply your mask to the mid-lengths and ends and let it work its magic for around 15–20 minutes. If you’re wearing permanent hair extensions, avoid the attachment areas. Finish with a cool rinse to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
Paired with our shampoo and conditioner, the Deep Moisture Hair Mask is packed with avocado oil, coconut oil, fig extract and other natural goodness – it’s basically a smoothie for your hair. It restores elasticity, shine, and softness for both natural hair and extensions.
Step 4: Rinse with Intention
Rinsing is more than just washing product away. A cool water rinse at the end of your shower helps smooth the cuticle, boost shine, and calm the scalp. It’s particularly extension-friendly and works well for all hair types.
If you’re not wearing permanent hair extensions, you can occasionally change things up with an apple cider vinegar or rice water rinse to enhance shine and elasticity, but a simple cool rinse is your easiest option.
Step 5: Never Skip Heat Protection
Before blow-drying or styling, gently remove excess water using a microfibre towel. Regular towels can rough up the cuticle and cause frizz. Once you switch to microfibre, you’ll never go back.
Apply a heat protection spray evenly through damp hair before introducing any heat. The Cliphair Heat Protection Spray protects hair up to 230°C while helping reduce frizz, fly-aways and improve manageability, making it a must-have for anyone styling clip ins, professional hair extensions or natural hair regularly or on the go.
Step 6: Blow-Dry with Purpose
The secret to a great blow-dry is patience. Let hair air-dry on a holder or rough-dry until it’s about 70% dry before beginning your styling process. Working in sections, use a round brush with gentle tension and direct airflow down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle.
Keep heat settings moderate and finish with a cool blast to set your style and add shine. The result? Smooth, bouncy hair that actually lasts.
Step 7: Pick Your Aesthetic
How you style your blow-dry changes everything. Rolling hair inward creates a sleek, put-together look, while rolling outward adds volume and movement, perfect for layered cuts or curtain bangs. Play around and find the style that makes you feel like your best self!
Step 8: Apply Clip In Hair Extensions Seamlessly
Once your hair is completely styled, it’s time to apply your clip-in hair extensions. Start by sectioning neatly with alligator clips and working from the nape upwards. Avoid placing wefts too close to the hairline or crown and lightly backcomb roots with a pintail comb for extra grip if needed. This method ensures your clip in extensions blend as they should, adding length, volume, and body without being detectable.
Step 9: Set Your Style
If you’ve gone for curls, waves, or a bouncy blowout, a light mist of medium hold hairspray will help hold everything in place without stiffness or the dreaded crunch. Focus on areas that need longevity while keeping movement natural and touchable. For added softness, brush out curls or waves with a wave comb.
Step 10: Seal Moisture & Add Shine
We’re nearly there! Finish your routine by sealing in moisture. Whether you prefer oils or sprays, the goal here is to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine without weighing hair down. Our best-selling Moisturising Silky Spray is infused with Argan oil, Sea Buckthorn oil, Olive oil, and Blackcurrant seed oil to nourish both natural hair and Remy hair extensions. A few spritzes deliver instant gloss and softness that stays all day long – just keep it away from roots and extension attachments.
What you do at night can make or break your hair routine. Protecting your hair while you sleep helps prevent tangling, dryness, and unnecessary wear on both natural hair and extensions. For the full breakdown of the best habits, accessories, and techniques, head over to our Nighttime Hair Routine guide and give your hair the beauty sleep it deserves!
Looking for flawless, salon-worthy hair without breaking the bank? At Cliphair, we’ve got you covered with luxurious clip in hair extensions for quick transformations and permanent hair extensions for long-lasting glam. Extensions require special care and maintenance to preserve their quality, which is why we have all the top-notch hydrating haircare products needed to keep your style on point.
Need the perfect shade? Browse our full range of human hair extensions in over 70 rich, silky shades or check out our FREE Express Colour Match Service to ensure a seamless blend every time.