Premium quality hair extensions require equally conscious care. Selected Slavic-type strands, made with Double Drawn technology, can maintain their softness, full ends, and natural fluidity for many months. However, their appearance is determined not only by the quality of the product, but also by daily habits.
Most mistakes are not spectacular. They are small actions repeated every day: sleeping with damp hair, excessively high temperatures, conditioner applied to the tapes, or brushing without supporting the strands. Over time, they can lead to dullness, dryness, tangling, and weakened bonds.
Below you will find the five most common hair extension care mistakes, as well as precise tips on how to care for Tape-In and Keratin Bonds so they maintain a sophisticated look for as long as possible.
1. Brushing and sleeping with damp hair
Wet hair is more prone to stretching and mechanical damage. With hair extensions, the problem is particularly significant because they are not naturally protected by sebum along their entire length.
Why should you not brush very wet extensions?
Intensive brushing of wet strands can lift the cuticles, weaken the ends, and increase the risk of breakage. The tension is also transferred to the bond areas. With the Keratin Bonds method, it can weigh down natural hair at the roots, and with Tape-In, it can cause the tapes to shift or loosen.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel, without rubbing or twisting the strands. Only begin detangling once the hair is partially dry, using a brush designed for hair extensions.
Sleeping with damp hair
Moisture combined with friction against a pillow promotes tangling just above the bonds. The mats formed in this area are difficult to detangle and can unnecessarily burden natural strands. Long-term moisture is also detrimental to tapes and keratin bonds.
ARIA Ritual: before going to sleep, thoroughly dry your hair with a cool or moderately warm airflow. Then, braid it into a loose plait or tie it into a low, soft ponytail with a silk scrunchie.
2. Excessive temperature and styling near the bonds
Thermal styling helps achieve a smooth, elegant hair surface. However, without heat protection and temperature control, it can accelerate the loss of softness, elasticity, and shine.
Flat iron on damp hair
Do not use a flat iron or curling iron on damp strands. Rapid evaporation of water inside the hair shaft can lead to serious structural damage. Before styling, hair should be completely dry and protected with a light heat protectant.
High temperature contact with bonds
Heated plates can deform keratin bonds or weaken the adhesive in tapes. Run your styling tool only along the lengths of the hair, keeping a safe distance from the application points.
- Temperature: start at 160°C and increase it only if the hair structure requires it.
- Distance: keep a minimum of 3–5 cm from tapes or keratin bonds.
- Protection: apply heat protection to the lengths and ends before every styling session.
3. Improper washing and products applied to the bonds
The way you wash your hair affects both the look of the strands and the durability of the application. The most common mistake is intensive rubbing of the hair and applying rich masks, oils, and serums directly to the bond areas.
Products that can weaken the application
Oils, butters, and heavy formulas are valuable for the lengths of the hair, but they can reduce the adhesion of tapes or keratin bonds. You should also be cautious with strong clarifying shampoos used during every wash and products with high alcohol content, which can be drying.
Choose a shampoo suited to your scalp and apply it primarily to the roots. Distribute conditioner and masks from mid-length downwards, avoiding the tapes and bonds.
How to wash hair extensions properly?
Wash your hair in an upright position in the shower. Let the water flow in the direction of the hair growth. Clean the scalp with gentle movements between sections, without intense rubbing or lifting the entire length to the top of your head. The rinsing lather is sufficient to refresh the strands.
After rinsing, squeeze out excess water with a towel. Do not rub the hair or twist it into a tight turban.
4. Incorrect brush and brushing without support
A brush with hard bristles can snag the edges of tapes or keratin bonds. Regular tugging burdens both the extension strands and your natural hair.
Choose a brush designed for hair extensions, whose flexible bristles or loops pass freely between the bonds. The tool itself is not enough — technique is equally important.
- Divide your hair into smaller sections.
- Hold the strand with your hand below the bond area to limit tension at the roots.
- Start with the last 5–10 cm of hair.
- Gradually work your way up, without dragging the brush through the entire length in one motion.
- Finally, gently arrange the hair between the bonds.
Brush your hair regularly, especially before washing and before sleeping. This will limit the formation of mats at the roots.
5. Lack of emollients and protection for the ends
Hair extensions are not biologically connected to the scalp. Therefore, they do not receive natural sebum support along their entire length. Over time, they can lose moisture, especially under the influence of frequent styling, UV radiation, air conditioning, wind, and frost.
To maintain the Double Drawn effect — full, soft ends, and even density — the lengths of the hair need regular smoothing and protection.
- After every wash: apply conditioner or a mask to the lengths, away from the bonds.
- On the ends: distribute one or two drops of a light serum or oil.
- Before styling: use heat protection.
- Before sun exposure: reach for a light protective mist with a UV filter.
Hair extension care: good and bad habits
| Mistake reducing durability | Proper ARIA HAIR ritual |
|---|---|
| Sleeping with damp hair | Thoroughly dry hair and braid loosely before sleep |
| Brushing from the roots without support | Detangling from the ends while supporting the strand |
| Masks and oils applied to the bonds | Care from mid-length downwards |
| High temperature without protection | Heat protection, moderate temperature, and distance from bonds |
| Washing with intensive rubbing | Wash in an upright position, following hair direction |
How to extend the life of Tape-In and Keratin Bond hair?
The best results come from a combination of high-quality hair, professional application, and consistent home care. Choose gentle washing, thorough drying, controlled temperature, and regular protection of the lengths and ends.
If you are considering professional extensions, explore the Tape-In and Keratin Bonds collections. You can also use ARIA Personal Selection to get a recommendation for method, shade, and volume in 60 seconds.
Proper care should not be complicated. It should be precise. A few conscious habits are enough for hair to retain its silky softness, full ends, and the characteristic ARIA HAIR fluid movement effect for longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep with wet hair extensions?
No. Hair should be completely dry before sleep. Moisture and friction against the pillow promote tangling at the bonds and can weaken the durability of the application.
At what temperature should you flat iron hair extensions?
It is best to start styling at around 160°C and increase the temperature only if necessary. Always use heat protection and avoid tapes and keratin bonds.
How often should you brush hair extensions?
Brush them regularly, at least in the morning, before washing, and before sleep. Always start from the ends, supporting the strands below the bonds.
Can you apply oil to Tape-In and Keratin Bond hair?
Yes, but only to the lengths and ends. Do not apply oils, masks, or rich conditioners directly to the tapes or keratin bonds.
How long can ARIA HAIR extensions last?
With proper care, premium hair can maintain a beautiful appearance for up to 12 months. Actual durability depends on how often they are worn, styling, care, and the regularity of maintenance appointments.