Extension Hair Care Guide
Getting 6–12 Months of Wear
Genius Weft extensions are an investment — thin, hand-tied wefts that lie flat and blend seamlessly. With the right routine, they can last 6–12 months (sometimes longer) through multiple reinstalls. Here's how to protect them.
1. Washing
- Frequency: Wash every 7–14 days, not daily. Overwashing dries out the cuticle and speeds up shedding/tangling.
- Method: Wash hair down and vertically in the shower (not flipped upside down or scrubbed in circles) to avoid matting at the wefts.
- Products: Use sulfate-free, alcohol-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Avoid anything with heavy sulfates or drying alcohols.
- Conditioner placement: Apply conditioner mid-shaft to ends only — never directly at the weft/root, as it can loosen the bond over time.
- Rinse: Cool or lukewarm water, never hot. Hot water opens the cuticle and accelerates dryness and tangling.
2. Drying
- Gently blot with a microfiber towel — never rub or twist.
- Air dry when possible, or blow dry on low heat with a heat protectant, brushing gently as you go.
- Always dry the weft area fully before bed or tying hair up — trapped moisture near the tracks can cause matting, odor, or mold in the bonds.
3. Brushing
- Use a loop brush or a wide-tooth comb, brushing from ends to roots first, then working up.
- Always hold the weft firmly at the root while brushing above it to avoid pulling on the tracks.
- Brush at least 2x daily (morning and night), even on non-wash days, to prevent tangling and matting near the tracks.
4. Heat Styling
- Use a heat protectant every single time before hot tools.
- Keep tools under 350–375°F (175–190°C) — high-quality human hair extensions can handle heat, but repeated high heat shortens lifespan.
- Avoid styling directly over the tracks/wefts to prevent damage to the bonds.
5. Sleeping
- Braid hair loosely (a loose braid or low ponytail) before bed to prevent tangling and matting around the wefts.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
- Never sleep with wet hair — always fully dry before bed.
6. Product Use
- Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or hair oil on the mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the root/weft area.
- Avoid heavy oils, butters, or silicone-heavy products directly at the tracks — buildup here can cause slipping or odor.
- Deep condition or use a hair mask every 1–2 weeks on the mid-lengths to ends.
7. Maintenance & Reinstalls
- Move-up appointments: Every 6–8 weeks, have your stylist move the wefts up as your natural hair grows, to keep tension even and prevent matting at the roots.
- Between appointments: Check the tracks periodically for shifting, and don't manipulate or pick at the beads/tracks yourself.
- Storage between installs: If wefts are removed and reused later, wash, condition, dry fully, and store them flat or gently coiled in a breathable bag — never damp or in direct sunlight.
8. What Shortens Lifespan (Avoid These)
- Sleeping with wet or unbrushed hair
- Tight ponytails, buns, or headbands that stress the tracks
- Chlorine and saltwater without protection (rinse and apply leave-in conditioner before swimming)
- Excess heat or skipping heat protectant
- Product buildup at the roots/wefts
- Going too long between move-up appointments (roots grow out unevenly, causing tension and matting)
Bottom line: Genius Wefts last as long as you treat them gently — minimal manipulation, consistent gentle washing, protecting them at night, and staying on schedule with move-ups. Following this routine consistently is what gets you to the 6–12 month mark (or beyond) rather than 2–3 months.