How long will my hair extensions last?

At Foxy Hair Extensions, we know your hair is more than just style—it’s a reflection of your confidence. Choosing the right extensions is key to enhancing your look while ensuring lasting results. Wondering, “How long do hair extensions last?” Let’s explore the lifespan of different types of hair extensions and share proven tips to keep them looking fabulous for longer.

How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

The lifespan of hair extensions varies depending on the hair type and how well you care for them. Here’s an overview or how long hair extensions will be in your hair before they need to be removed and re-applied:

• Tape-Ins: Typically last 6–8 weeks before a re-fit is required.
• Clip-Ins: A convenient option that lasts for years with minimal wear and regular cleaning.
• Weaves: Usually at around the 6 week mark the weave has grown down significantly and will require a removal and re-fit. A weave is ideal for clients who need regular colour touch ups as this can be done as the weft is removed and before it is re-fitted.
• Pre Bonded Extensions: (Flat Tip/Stick Tip/Nano Tip) One of the longest-lasting options, these will last 3 months in the hair at which point reapplication will be required.

What Affects Hair Extension Durability?

Several factors determine how long your extensions will last:

• Hair Quality: Synthetic hair offers a budget-friendly option but doesn’t last as long or look as natural as human hair. Foxy only supply premium remy human hair extensions which are crafted to provide unmatched durability and style.  Our Indian hair line (find out more about Indian Remy Flat Tip Hair Extensions here) is great for clients who are on a bit more of a budget and/or like to replace the hair more often with fresh locks.  Whereas our Russian Mongolian hair is our top quality line and can be re-used for upto 12 months.
• Care Routine: Gentle washing with the correct products, 80% air-drying, and avoiding excessive heat styling can extend the life of your extensions. Always use the recommended shampoos and conditioners to maintain softness and keeop the extensions tangle free.
• Lifestyle: Excessive heat styling, incorrect product use, swimming, or skipping maintenance appointments can shorten the lifespan of your extensions. For more check out our salon aftercare page. 

Tips to Make Your Foxy Hair Extensions Last

• Professional Installation Matters: Proper application by a skilled stylist ensures your extensions stay secure and look seamless.
• Use the Right Products: Invest in extension-safe shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to avoid weakening the bonds or damaging the hair.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Visiting your stylist every 4-6 weeks for touch-ups prevents slippage and keeps your extensions in top condition.
• Use Foxy Aftercare: Not using our Foxy aftercare products will reduce the lifespan of the hair as the correct oils and nutrients our hair specifically requires will not be being replenished in the correct manner, or to the correct levels! If non Foxy aftercare is being used (Even if its “sulphate free” or says its for hair extensions) this will ultimately damage your hair extensions and thus reduce their life.
• Apply Heat Correctly: If you wish your professional hair extensions to last longer and look good, you’ll probably be surprised to know this simple and often overlooked rule! Human Hair extensions DO require heat, i.e., blow drying and straightening to close the cuticle layer, or the hair will look and feel like Velcro. One common misconception is that heat damages hair extensions, when actually not using heat or allowing your hair to fully air dry is about the worst thing you can do if you want your hair extensions to be manageable!  We recommend you air dry your hair extensions to around 80% then finish with a smooth blow dry, a straighten and some Argon Oil to finish.
• Holiday Care: Taking hair extensions on holiday will reduce their life no matter how amazing you think your aftercare is, the heat, sun, poor quality water, sea water all cause irreparable damage to the hairs condition (Not to mention often staining the more porous hair extension hair a pinky or green colour).

Everything You Need to Know for Long Lasting Extensions

Take a good look at your lifestyle as a whole before setting your expectations on the life of your hair extensions, gym goers, sun bed users, helmet wearers etc etc all will cause you issues.

Hair extensions are a lifestyle choice, and it’s not all doom and gloom as if you look at your lifestyle as a whole then it is still very easy to keep your hair extensions looking as good as possible. If you know you’re going to go on holiday with a set then plan this and buy extra aftercare products i.e. a boost to help you through this and ensure your aftercare is on point and you will still get fantastic use from them.

Where people go wrong is do all of the above, don’t follow our aftercare instructions, use the wrong aftercare products and then wonder why after a month they are like straw. Doesn’t it make sense to spend hundreds on quality hair and then not look after them? Hair extensions are an investment and do require love and attention, but if you give them this love and attention you will look fantastic at all times.

Next time you get a new set of professional hair extensions please take one of our aftercare sheets and give it a go and I promise you will be amazed at the difference it makes treating them right. Alternatively check out our salon aftercare page which gives a vast insight into dos and don’ts of hair extensions aftercare.

Exploring Different Hair Extensions

Extensions come in various forms to suit individual preferences. From temporary solutions to semi-permanent hair extensions, there’s something for everyone:

• Clip-In Hair Extensions: Ideal for a quick transformation. These clips in extensions are easy to attach and remove, lasting years with proper care. Perfect for those who prefer flexibility.
• Tape-In Hair Extensions: A lightweight option for a natural look, tape-in extensions and long lasting and can be reused. They blend seamlessly with natural hair extensions. Find out more about our tape hair extensions here.
• Flat Tip Hair Extensions: Known for their durability, pre bonded hair extensions involve bonding strands to your hair, lasting around 3 months before re-application is needed.
• Nano Ring Hair Extensions and Micro Bead Hair Extensions: These semi-permanent extensions are attached using small rings, providing a secure fit that lasts for months. (You can find out more about nano hair extensions here).
• Beaded Weave Hair Extensions: Beaded weave hair extensions also be sewn in, these wefts are attached to sections of your own hair by rings or a braid and need re-fitting every 6 weeks or so.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

Understanding the difference between human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions is crucial:

• Human Hair Extensions: These are the gold standard, offering a natural appearance and the ability to style with heat tools. They last longer with proper care, often a year or more.
• Synthetic Hair Extensions: While more affordable, synthetic options are less durable and prone to tangling. They’re better suited for occasional use.

How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?

The longevity of extensions depends on the type and care routine. Here’s how long popular options typically last:

• Clip-In Hair Extensions: Years, with proper cleaning and occasional use.
• Tape-In Hair Extensions: 6 weeks per application but reusable.
• Fusion Hair Extensions: 3 months before re-application.
• Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions: 3 months before re-application.
• Micro Rings: 3 months before re-application.

Proper care ensures your hair extensions last their full lifespan. This includes gentle washing, correct products, and avoiding excessive heat styling.

Maximising the Life of Your Extensions

Here’s how to keep your extensions looking flawless:

• Use products designed for extensions to maintain their shine and strength.
• Brush gently with a soft bristle hair extension brush to prevent tangling.
• Avoid heavy oils near the bonds, tape in hair extensions or nano ring hair extensions to prevent slippage.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimise friction on semi permanent hair extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do human hair extensions last?
With proper care, human hair extensions from Foxy can last up to a year or more for our Russian Mongolian range.

How can I extend the life of my extensions?
Follow a regular care routine, use Foxy products, and avoid excessive heat styling.

Your Hair Deserves the Best

At Foxy Hair Extensions, we’re committed to helping you enjoy vibrant, long-lasting extensions. With the right care and expert advice, your extensions can maintain their shine and volume for months. Ready to elevate your look? Explore our premium range or book a consultation with our specialists today.

Discover your perfect match—browse our collection or connect with us for personalised recommendations! Find out more about our Pre Bonded Stick Tip Hair Extensions – 20″ Russian Mongolian here.