How Long Do Hair Extensions Last? A Comprehensive Guide

by Emily-Jo Sutcliffe

How long do hair extensions last? This is probably one of the most common questions we recieve here at Spectrum One, and whilst we wish we could give a straight forward and definitive answer, the truth is it really does depend on many factors!

However, in this article we aim to help cover this question and look at what each of these factors are; from the type of hair extensions that you have, to your aftercare routine, each set will be different.

As with anything, if you neglect your extensions, you’ll undoubtedly see a shorter lifecycle. Whereas, if you care for them religiously, you’ll see them in the best health possible for much longer periods.

This post will outline everything you need to know about the factors that can increase how long hair extensions can last. It will also touch on the different methods and typically how long you can wear your hair before a fitting rotation is needed.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure, nailing down the right hair care routine to look after your extensions isn’t easy. However, this post should alleviate any worries and simplify the thought process.

Some of the things we'll cover in this post include: 

  • Where Your Hair Comes From And How It Is Treated
  • The Most Popular Types of Hair Extensions
  • How You Look After Your Hair Extensions
  • What Products You Use On Your Extensions
  • How You Style Them Daily

Where Your Hair Comes From And How It Is Treated

Origin and Process:

Suppliers buy human hair from all over the world including Japan, Russia, India and China, and its source can have a major impact on the longevity of extensions. Spectrum One have sourced their hair from rural China.

After Russian hair, Chinese hair has the most cuticle layers and therefore we have found, is stronger and thicker than other hair on the market. All of our hair is raw virgin hair before it is coloured so the hair is not damaged or has been previously dyed and will, therefore, last longer. Cheaper ‘city’ hair is often used by more budget hair extension brands but this hair can often be ‘fallen hair’ (not cut directly from the head) and previously dyed.

Whereas our hair goes through a gentle colouring process, city hair is often bleach bathed which is harsh and damages the natural hair. Don’t expect cuticle correct, double drawn, thick ends with this type of hair or for it to last that long!

The Most Popular Types of Hair Extensions

Clip-In Extensions:

Clip-in extensions are widely regarded as the lowest maintenance products - compared to ones sewn into your head. You can expect good quality human hair ones to last you anywhere between 3-6 months if worn every day, but as we’ve mentioned, it all depends on how well you look after them.

They’re ideal if you’re wanting to add volume and style to a wide variety of hairstyles - they’re highly versatile and are widely popular for people around the world not wanting to break the bank.

Plus, you don’t have to visit a professional to have them fitted or cared for.

Weft Hair Extensions:

Weft hair extensions are physically weaved into screws that are clamped to your normal hair so there is no damage to your natural hair. Unlike clip-ins, you can’t just take them out as you please to give your normal hair a little bit of TLC but you achieve a gorgeous full finish.

Those with fine hair may want to steer clear of weft and opt for Tape or I-Tip methods instead. Weft hair extensions have to be applied by a professional and regular visits to the salon - every 6 weeks is advised for tightening and 12 weeks for a refit - are required to keep them in the best condition possible. Spectrum One Hair Weaves last 9 months with the correct aftercare - if not longer!

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Like weft hair extensions, tape hair extensions need to be applied by a professional. They’re becoming increasingly popular because of how quickly it takes to apply them and the amazing effects you can achieve through mixing tones. You can have a full head or just pop in one or two packs for a bit of thickness.

That means they can be pretty versatile, however, you may have problems wanting to wear your hair up with the way that they’re attached. All up is easily achieved but a half up half down do can be a bit tricky.

Tapes need taking out, retaping and refitting every 6-8 weeks (4-5 weeks for thinner hair so as not to damage it). Again, Spectrum One Hair Tapes can last 9 months or longer with the correct aftercare.

I-Tip Hair Extensions:

I-Tip Hair Extensions do take a longer time to apply, and you need a lot of them in your head to achieve a full look, however, the individual bonds mean that colours can be mixed to achieve gorgeous results.

I-Tips, like Tapes, are very versatile and can be used to add thickness as well as length and I-Tips make it easy for you to wear your hair in a variety of ways.

Expect to pop into your salon for a rotation every 12 weeks and again Spectrum One Hair I-Tips will last 9 months plus with the correct aftercare!

How You Look After Your Hair Extensions

This one's pretty self-explanatory, if you don’t look after your extensions properly, they’re not going to last as long, are they? Whereas, if you have a proper hair care routine and look after your extensions, you’re going to be able to enjoy them for much longer and they’ll look a lot healthier.

So, what is the perfect way to look after your hair extensions? Well, here are some top tips from our professionals for you to integrate into your daily routine.

Separate the I-Tip Bonds Daily

While this may seem like a long task - it actually only takes a few minutes. Once a day, you should run your fingers through the hair to separate the bonds. When doing this, you’re checking if they still sit properly when untangled.

Without separating the bonds, you’re running your hair extensions dramatically and encouraging them to tangle themselves up. Tangled hair extensions look shoddy - that’s not the desired look for anybody, is it?

Wash Them Often and Correctly

If you stick with your regular routine, you’re likely going to ruin your extensions. But if you aren’t sure of how to correctly wash them, how would you know? You wouldn’t. Firstly, wash your hair in warm water, not overly hot, as the temperature can hamper the feel and look of your extensions.

Secondly, you must use the right products. If you carry on as normal and use the wrong products on your extensions, you’ll ruin them quickly. Meaning you’ll be wasting a lot of money and will need to get them redone by a professional or purchase a new set of clip-ins.

Dry shampoo is a no-no with hair extensions, especially Tapes! It will cause the glue to break down and they will slip out.

Brush Your Extensions Gently

Take care when brushing your hair - you wouldn’t brush your normal hair too hard, would you? So, why be too aggressive with your extensions? Start from the ends and work your way up, brush gently and remove any tangles without pulling on your hair too much.

Pulling on the tangles can be uncomfortable and can damage your extensions and scalp too! Plus, there are special brushes that you can get so that brushing never damages your extensions.

You work hard for the money that you’re investing into your hair looking in top condition, the last thing you want to do is ruin it with something so simple as brushing it, right?

What Products You Use On Your Extensions

Using the wrong products on your hair extensions can be fatal - and we’re not being over-dramatic, that’s just the way things are. Caring for your extensions in the right way can enhance the look, feel, longevity and ensure that your look is always on point. So, what products are perfect for your extensions?

Well, for starters, all products used should be paraben, sulphate and protein-free. With that in mind, at Spectrum One, we’ve teamed up with the amazing Bruno Marcantoni to stock his amazing The Art of Hair (TAOH) products.

All our products are free of these harmful substances and will leave your hair extensions looking and feeling revived.

At Spectrum One, we recommend that you use a combination of:

  • TAOH Argan Oil
  • TAOH Hydrate Shampoo
  • TAOH Hydrate Conditioner
  • TAOH Hydrate Mask
  • TAOH Tanglefree

While we realise this may look like a lot of products to include in a daily hair care routine, if you want perfect hair extensions, it’s a small price to pay. Giving your extensions the attention and love that they deserve will pay off in the long run.

The last thing you want to do is have to reinvest in a fresh set because you can’t look after them, right?

How to Style Your Extensions Daily | Spectrum One Hair Extensions

How You Style Them Daily

How you style your extensions daily can have a huge impact on how long they last. Certain hairstyles put more strain on the hair, for example, wearing it up in a tight bobble. In this case, that isn’t healthy for the hair and can weaken the fibres within it. If your bobbles are too tight, you risk snapping the hair.

Using curling tongs and other heated appliances too much on the hair or at too high a temperature can cause damage too. While there’s nothing wrong with adding curls to change things up sometimes, overusing will harm the quality of the hair.

So, when styling your hair, be mindful that overusing hot devices can ruin your extensions and reduce the longevity of them.

At Spectrum One, We’re Here to Help!

So, there you have it - while there’s no definitive time scale of how long your hair extensions will last. However, it all depends on how you look after them once you’ve bought them and had them fitted.

There are various factors you must consider, from the different types to what products you use on them. While aftercare is important, you need to find the right extensions for your needs and requirements first up. Everybody is different, which means the same style and type of extensions won’t be well suited to each individual person.

At Spectrum One, we realise that and work tirelessly with our customers to find the perfect product for them. We’re experts in all things hair extensions! So, if you’re looking to invest in a new set to enhance your style and fill you with confidence, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re dedicated to ensuring that our customers are nothing shy of 100 percent satisfied with their products and service. We look forward to speaking to you in advance!