How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

Whether you’re looking to add length, thickness, or volume – hair extensions offer an instant solution to all your hair concerns. But when it comes to investing in extensions, a question that will cross your mind is, “How long will they last?”. RUSH are experts in providing high-quality and professional advice on extensions and their maintenance and we’ll be diving into the different kinds of hair extensions available and how long each of these would last you.

Synthetic vs Human Hair Extensions

When deciding between human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions, RUSH recommends human hair extensions. Whilst they may cost more than synthetic hair extensions, human hair extensions will blend seamlessly with your natural hair – so much so, that some may be able to tell the difference between your natural hair and extensions! Human hair extensions do come at a steeper price point than synthetic hair extensions, but for their quality and appearance, it’s best to invest in them. When fitted correctly, human hair extensions can last for up to a year (or longer!), whilst synthetic hair extensions usually only last for 1 – 3 months. 

Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are a ready-to-wear extension that can transform your look instantly – adding volume, thickness, and length. These extensions can last for up to 12 months, depending on how often you wear them, and whether you perform the correct aftercare. Unlike hair extensions that are bonded to your hair, clip-ins are not to be worn constantly. Most people with clip-ins wear them a few times a week and others will only wear them occasionally. Like most hair extensions, if worn for too long, they will cause serious damage to your hair. 

Clip-in wefts tend to put too much strain on your natural hair, pulling it in tension due to its weight. This could lead to the hair breaking and potentially bald spots in sections of the hair where the clip-ins have been too heavy. When looking after your clip-ins, be sure to wash and air dry your extensions after using. To keep your clip-ins in pristine condition, brush the extensions through before storing them in a storage case in a cool and dry place. Be sure to place the extensions flat to ensure that the hair is not damaged when storing. 

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions tend to last anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks if taken care of correctly. After this time, you’ll need to return to the salon to have to refit. Wearing tape-ins for any longer than this can risk your hair becoming tangled and matted, damaging the extensions. This tangling and matting can be brushed out during the refit process, but it can cause your natural hair to break and the extension to become so severely tangled that they need to be cut out. 

When washing your extensions, do not scrub or rub your bonds or rings in a round motion. They will cause them to fall, meaning that you’ll need to have your hair refitted. We’d also recommend not wearing hairstyles that will put tension on the connections – so that means no high ponytails or top knots! Use two hands when brushing tape-in extensions, one to hold your hair just below where the extension is connected, and the other to brush through the lengths.

Fusion Hair Extensions (Keratin, U-Tip, I-Tip)

Fusion Hair Extensions are attached to your natural hair by bonding the extension strand to your own hair strand. These extensions are extremely popular as they blend seamlessly with your natural hair. But like many types of hair extensions, they require love and attention. Fusion extensions can last from anywhere from three to six months, if looked after correctly. When fitting fusion extensions, your stylist will use a hot tool to melt small keratin bonds onto your natural hair, which securely holds the extensions in. 

However, if worn for too long or if they’re not maintained correctly, fusion extensions can damage your natural hair, thinning and even bald patches. Apply shampoo from the middle of the hair down to avoid slippage, and air dry your hair when possible. Be sure to brush your hair only when dry and only from the bottom up to avoid putting tension on the connection. 

Weave Hair Extensions

Weave Hair Extensions are sewn onto cornrow braids close to the scalp, and depending on the growth of your natural hair and how you look after your extensions, they can last from 6 – 8 weeks before needing to be refitted. A major concern of weave hair extensions is the matting or dreading of your natural hair if worn any longer than the 8 weeks. Your hair will continue to grow underneath the extensions, and it doesn’t have anywhere to go, as the extension is attached to your scalp. Make sure to get your weave refitted every 6 – 8 weeks to release any tension on your natural hair. 

Micro-link Hair Extensions

Micro-link hair extensions are similar to fusion hair extensions, being more natural-looking than the alternative sew-in or tape extensions. They’re small silicone beads that are used to attach tiny, individual hair extensions to small sections of your natural hair, lasting for up to 3 months before they need to be refitted. The main issue experienced with micro-link hair extensions is that they can easily become loose. If you experience your micro-links becoming loose often, return to your salon to have your stylist refit them. People love micro-links as they wash, style and dry exactly like natural hair. We’d recommend investing in quality products to take care of your micro-links and limit heat as much as possible. 

Halo Hair Extensions

Unlike other hair extensions, the Halo Hair Extensions don’t attach to your natural hair, meaning it doesn’t require glues, clips, or bonds, whilst still blending seamlessly with your natural hair. This makes halo hair extensions the best for fine hair, as it’s a type of weft that forms a circle, like a halo. The halo hair extension is clipped to the back of the head and the flexible wire just sits on the top of your head like a headband. And because the extension is not attached to your own hair, your natural hair will continue to grow at the normal rate. However, this type of hair extension is only a temporary fix, being removed when you sleep, shower, and swim. But with proper care, halo hair extensions can last up to 12 months, whilst looking after your own hair’s health! 

Ponytail Hair Extensions

Ponytail hair extensions are a temporary, yet convenient fix to long, luscious hair – being perfect for parties, special occasions, or events! And they’re fool-proof! Ponytail extensions usually last anywhere from a few months to a year (or more!) when correctly stored with proper maintenance, and completely depending on how often they are worn. However, ponytail extensions don’t last as long as semi-permanent extensions, even if you only wear them once a week. To get the most use out of your ponytail extension, we’d recommend taking the time to prepare your natural hair when fitting your ponytail. This will not only enhance the overall look, but also the longevity of your clip-in ponytail.

Flip-in Hair Extensions

Flip-In Hair is a temporary hair extension that rests under your own hair, staying in place thanks to an undetectable, transparent wire. You shouldn’t sleep with flip-in extensions, meaning that you don’t have to wash them in the same way as you would with semi-permanent options. As with all extensions, if you take proper care of them, they’ll last longer. Wash your flip-in extension as little as possible and prior to washing, gently brush through the hair. Your flip-in hair extension will last for up to one year but avoid wearing them for a long period of time and give your natural hair a break!

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Ready to start your journey to long, luscious hair? Find a hairdresser near you or book your appointment online here to have a consultation with one of our experts! If you’re looking to find a new hair salon, then please read our expert guide on how to find a new hairdresser near you.