Shedding is one of the most common worries for extension wearers, and the good news is that it is very manageable. You’ve probably spent a lot of money on your extensions and want them to last. However, you can rest assured that this risk is easy to avoid and mitigate.
A small amount of shedding is normal for new hair extensions, but excessive shedding from Cliphair products is usually caused by incorrect brushing, harsh washing, or damaged weft seams. You can minimise hair loss by changing your maintenance routine and handling the wefts with care.
Yes, you might sometimes find a few loose strands of hair in your extensions, but this doesn’t have to pose some big, costly problem. It’s largely a matter of how you treat and look after your extensions.
Here are some tips on how to do it right…
Why Do Hair Extensions Shed?
A little shedding is normal
The subject of extensions and hair loss can be a great source of anxiety for some people. In reality, human hair extensions will always lose a few strands from time to time. These extensions are designed to emulate real hair, which itself naturally sheds.
So, if a few strands occasionally come off on your hands when you’re holding your extensions, there’s no need to panic. The much bigger problem is when extensions shed excessively, which can happen.
What causes excessive shedding
If you notice your hair extensions falling out, there can be various culprits. Perhaps you’re brushing your hair a little too roughly, yanking out strands in the process.
Also, what’s your shower routine? Are you applying too much shampoo or conditioner? Product buildup can lead to hair extensions matting and loosening. Are you rinsing enough, or perhaps even too much? It’s possible to over-wash your hair and end up dislodging your extensions.
The quality of the extensions is another factor. That’s why you should invest in good ones, like Cliphair’s 100% Remy human hair extensions, which are less prone to tangling. Also remember to store your extensions properly when you’re not using them, to help avoid damage.
Shedding vs hair loss, know the difference
It’s normal to see hair extensions shedding like natural hair. At the same time, it’s important not to get confused between shedding from extensions and hair loss.
An extension sheds when hair comes away from the weft or attachment, which is different from losing your natural hair. Poorly fitted or overly tight extensions can place excessive tension on your natural hair, potentially leading to traction alopecia.
Hair loss caused by medical, hormonal, or genetic factors has different underlying causes and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the condition.
Some scalp conditions that cause itching can also contribute to hair shedding, so persistent itching or noticeable hair loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Getting it Right from the Start
Prepping before a professional fitting
Have you found your nano rings, wefts, micro rings or tape-in extensions shedding? If so, act before your next salon appointment.
These types of extensions must always be fitted by a specialist, never at home. Make sure your scalp and hair provide the purest possible canvas for your hair extensions technician to work with.
Ideally, you should use a clarifying shampoo pre-appointment, and avoid applying any conditioner or oil on the day.
Choosing quality hair from day one
Working with hair since 2007, Cliphair knows what makes the difference between “good” and “bad” hair extensions. As extensions sold by the brand are made from 100% Remy, ethically sourced, cuticle-correct hair, they shed less than extensions consisting of lower-grade or non-Remy hair.
The Cliphair product range includes Classic (AAA) clip-ins and tape-ins. The clip-ins can last up to 12 months once installed, while the expected lifespan of the tape-ins is three to six months.
Also available from Cliphair are Remy Royale (AAAAA) extensions. These include tape-ins, wefts, nano rings, I-tips and flat tips, all designed to last from six to 12 months once fitted. With proper care, Remy Royale Seamless clip-ins and Halo extensions can stay the course for 12 to 18 months.
Remy double drawn hair extensions tangle less often than lower-grade hair, which leaves them less prone to shedding, too.
Using the Right Products
Extension-safe shampoo and conditioner
Want to know how to make hair extensions last longer? The haircare products you use are key pieces of that puzzle. When trying to decide which products to buy, look for “sulphate-free” and “alcohol-free” on the labels.
Sulphates and alcohol can both dry out your hair, thereby leaving it likelier to shed. Our hair care collection includes products safe to use on extensions.
Where oils and treatments should (and shouldn’t) go
When using conditioner or other deep-conditioning products such as hair masks, oils, or serums, never apply them to the attachments of your hair extensions. In the case of tape-in hair extensions, for example, this can loosen the attachment’s grip on your natural hair, making the whole lock fall out.
These oils and conditioning products should only touch the mid-lengths and ends. Keep them away from roots, rings, bonds or tape.
Many hair extensions are bonded with glue, but this adhesive can disintegrate when it comes into contact with oil-based products. If you want to add a little shine, keep any product to the mid-lengths and ends, well away from the roots and attachments.
Washing Without Causing Shedding
How often to wash
How often you ought to wash your extensions will depend on what type they are. With permanent extensions like tapes, micro rings or wefts, it’s okay to wash them once or twice a week. With clip-ins, however, you have to be more meticulous.
As clip-in hair extensions are meant to be taken in and out regularly, you should aim to wash them every 15 to 20 wears, or whenever you see product buildup. In any case, never wash your clip-ins whilst wearing them. Wash them separately and allow them to air-dry somewhere safe.
Washing technique that protects the weft
Always brush your extensions before wetting them. Wash them gently and pay attention to every stroke and movement that happens, especially as hair is at its weakest when wet.
As you wash, be careful not to scrub at the root, and be gentle when rinsing. A cavalier approach to washing can bring about weakened extensions and hair loss.
Brushing and Detangling the Right Way
Choosing the right brush
Be careful which type of brush you use on your extensions. A bobbled brush is no good, as it will cause shedding and seam damage. A detangling hairbrush is specifically designed to work through hair extensions without damaging the attachments.
With all this in mind, why not shop now for Cliphair’s Detangling Hairbrush?
Brushing technique step by step
Want to know how to prevent hair extensions matting? Brush them regularly whilst you’re wearing them, not just before or afterwards.
Brush from the ends upward in sections, all while supporting the weft/root with one hand. This will not only stop the hair extensions shedding quite so easily but also minimise the risk of you pulling out your actual hair.
It also pays to know how to detangle clip-in hair extensions if they do become matted.
Drying and Styling Without Damage
Air-drying temporary pieces
Any temporary piece should always be hung to air-dry somewhere safe, and out of direct contact with heat or the sun. Wait for your extensions to fully dry before you store or style them.
Heat styling safely
When it’s time to style your hair extensions, always be mindful to subject them only to moderate temperatures. As too much heat can damage extensions, it’s wise to use a heat protection spray before styling them.
Just like when brushing, support the root or weft with your fingers when curling or straightening the strands. Don’t pull on your extensions, as this could permanently detach strands of hair from the support.
Sleeping and Storage
Protective styles for professional extensions
Permanent hair extensions such as nano hair extensions and micro ring hair extensions are meant to be worn for weeks or months at a time. So, you’ll inevitably leave them on while sleeping.
To protect these extensions at night, opt for a protective hairstyle, like a loose braid or bun. Read our guide to 10 protective hairstyles for sleeping, including plaits and ponytails.
Storing temporary pieces properly
What if you wear temporary hair extensions, like clip-in bangs, clip-in ponytails, or top-up locks? When you’re not using them, store them by either hanging them up or laying them flat, away from heat or moisture that could otherwise damage them.
Especially if you’ve got pets and/or kids around, correctly storing your temporary extensions away will keep everyone (and everything) safe.
Shedding By Extension Type
Clip-ins
When it comes to clip-ins, we offer both Classic double weft and Seamless hair extensions. The former are made with a stitched seam concealed by a lace strip, while the latter instead use a thin silicone strip to hold the hair together.
This silicone strip is three times stronger than the standard stitching you get in double weft extensions. As a result, the Seamless extensions shed a lot less.
Seamless vs Classic at a glance
| Seamless | Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Remy human hair grade | AAAAA | AAA |
| Held together with… | Silicone strip | Traditional stitching |
| Strength | More | Less |
| Best for which hair types? | Thin/fine hair | Almost all hair types |
| Upfront price | More expensive | Cheaper |
Tape-ins and nano rings
Tape-in and nano ring hair extensions can be great options for those seeking to accentuate their hair fullness through more discreet, subtle means. In other words, in a way that makes it less obvious you’re actually wearing extensions.
However, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts of nano ring hair extensions maintenance. These extensions can too easily shed at the bond point if the beads are not installed properly or too many of them are added.
That’s why these extensions need to be fitted by a professional. They’ll know how to attach the beads properly and how many of them to add without weighing down your hair too much.
Wefts
While clip-ins are meant to be removed every night, sew-in wefts are supposed to remain in place for six to eight weeks after installation. Since you’re physically handling the clip-ins more often, they will probably shed more quickly, right? Not quite…
The wefts are actually more vulnerable to shedding, as they’re more exposed to friction. So, when detangling them, you must be especially gentle. On the plus side, weft hair extensions do add more volume, if that’s what you’re after.
When To See a Specialist
Signs it’s time for a check-up or refit
Over time, the bonds or rings that usually keep your extensions in place can start slowly slipping down your head, leaving visible weft gaps. This is obviously unsightly, but worse, it can put extra strain on your extensions, making them shed more quickly.
While refitting clip-ins is very much a DIY job, you should never attempt to remove or refit tape-ins, wefts, nano rings or I-tips at home. Instead, book a check-up or refit with a hair extension specialist if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Visible bonds
- Matted or tangled roots
- Grown-out hair
- Excess shedding
A professional can expertly remove your extensions, wash and clean your scalp, and reapply the extensions to get your extensions looking their best again.