Want Your Extensions to Last? Here’s the Care Guide You Need

Hair extensions last the longest when you brush them correctly, use the right products, and follow a consistent routine that keeps the hair hydrated and protected. They behave beautifully when you understand the specific care they need, especially in Ottawa’s extreme climate. 

At Salon Rouge in the Byward Market, about eighty percent of our extension clients see their extensions last six months or longer when they follow the routine we teach them.

Hi, I’m Danielle, one of the color specialists here at Salon Rouge, and I’ve been behind the chair since 2006. I work with extensions every week, and honestly, installation is only half of the job. The real transformation happens when you know how to care for them day to day and season to season.

The Mistake That Changed How I Teach Extension Care

I’ll be honest with you. Early in my career, I installed a beautiful set of extensions but didn’t spend enough time teaching my client how to brush them properly. Six weeks later she returned with severe matting at the roots, and we had to cut out some of her natural hair to remove the tangles. 

I felt awful, and that experience changed everything for me. Now every extension client at Salon Rouge leaves with a detailed routine that protects both their extensions and their natural hair.

Why Your Extensions Need Special Treatment

Extension hair doesn’t receive natural scalp oils, so moisture never travels down the strand the way it does with your real hair. Because of that, the cuticle on extension hair can dry out and lift more easily, especially when the extensions have been colored to match your shade. 

Dry, lifted cuticles cause friction, tangling, and breakage. Ottawa’s climate intensifies this, especially in winter when the air is dry and in summer when humidity causes swelling and frizz.

Your Daily and Weekly Care Routine for Ottawa Life

Here’s the brushing method we teach every extension client at Salon Rouge to protect both the bonds and the hair itself:

• Hold your hair in a loose ponytail and brush the ends first to avoid pulling on the bonds.
  
• Work upward in small sections while continuing to support the hair with your hand.
  
• Gently brush over the scalp and attachment points to prevent matting at the root.
  
  

Brushing morning and night and before washing prevents small tangles from turning into major problems.

In winter, you need extra hydration because Ottawa’s cold air and indoor heating pull moisture from the strands. In summer, you need lightweight serums and UV protection because humidity causes swelling and sunlight fades color quickly. Your extension routine should shift with the seasons for the healthiest results.

Product Power: What to Use and What to Avoid

At Salon Rouge, we trust Redken because it keeps extensions moisturized without weighing them down. Sulfates must be avoided because they strip moisture and weaken extension bonds. 

You should also avoid hair contact with sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone or octocrylene because they can discolor blonde extensions. Adding Olaplex during maintenance appointments is another smart step because it strengthens your natural hair, helping it support the extensions better.

Do Not Skip Your Salon Visits

Move-ups are essential. Depending on your hair growth and extension type, you’ll need to return every four to ten weeks.

A move-up appointment at Salon Rouge typically takes sixty to ninety minutes and includes removing extensions, clarifying your natural hair, and reinstalling them closer to the scalp. Skipping these appointments can cause tangling, stress on your natural hair, or breakage.

A Real Client Transformation Story from the Salon

A client named Thalia R. from the Glebe came in frustrated last winter. She said, “My extensions keep tangling no matter what I do. I’m ready to give up.” During her appointment, I watched her brushing technique and realized she was brushing from the roots downward. That creates friction and stresses the bonds. We rebuilt her routine with the correct brushing technique, added a leave-in conditioner for winter hydration, and switched her to sulfate-free products. Eight weeks later she returned saying, “I can’t believe the difference. My extensions feel softer than my natural hair now.” She has since referred two coworkers dealing with the same issue.

The Most Common Extension Issues We Fix at Salon Rouge

Here are the problems we see most often with untreated or poorly maintained extensions:

• Dryness from lack of natural oils and Ottawa’s winter air
  
• Frizz caused by summer humidity and swelling of the cuticle
  
• Tangling from skipped brushing or overdue move-ups
  
• Discoloration caused by sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone

Frequently Asked Questions About Extension Care

What do I do if my extensions feel really dry?

At Salon Rouge, we recommend using a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a small amount of hair oil on the mid-lengths and ends daily. Ottawa’s winter air dehydrates extensions quickly, so adding moisture regularly keeps the hair soft and flexible.

How should I handle a small tangle without causing damage?

Isolate the tangle, apply a little conditioner or detangling spray, and gently work it out from the bottom upward using your fingers. At Salon Rouge, we teach clients to avoid pulling or ripping through knots because that can cause unnecessary breakage.

Can I swim with extensions?

Yes, but prep is essential. Before entering a pool or lake, wet your hair with clean water, apply a leave-in conditioner, and braid it tightly. This helps prevent chlorine and salt from being absorbed. We always recommend shampooing your hair immediately after swimming.

How do I know when it’s time for a move-up?

You’ll feel the wefts flipping up or notice increased tangling at the roots. Most of our clients return every four to ten weeks depending on their growth rate and extension method. Waiting too long makes matting much more likely.

Let’s Protect Your Investment Together

Extensions are a commitment, but with the right routine, products, and professional support, you can keep them looking salon fresh for months. With eighteen years of experience, I love helping clients build a personalized extension care plan that fits their lifestyle and Ottawa’s climate.

Visit us at Salon Rouge, 222 Dalhousie Street in Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7C8. You can call us at (613) 241-1110 or book your appointment online. We can’t wait to help you protect your beautiful investment.