How long do hair extensions last?

Two different lifespans

Clients confuse the wear cycle with the life of the hair. The bond holds for two to three months; the hair strands can serve through several corrections. Explaining both numbers at consultation prevents the "but you said six months" conversation.

What determines the wear cycle

• Hair growth speed — roughly one centimetre a month moves the bond away from the root
• Hair thickness — fine hair reaches the matting point sooner
• Washing frequency and technique
• Whether the client sleeps with hair loose and damp

What shortens the life of the hair itself

Sulphate-heavy shampoos, oils applied near the bonds, daily heat without protection, chlorine and salt water without rinsing. Extension hair receives no natural oils from the scalp, so it dries out faster than the client's own hair and needs moisture rather than protein.

Realistic client expectations

• Correction every 2–3 months, without exception
• Hair replaced after 3–5 corrections, depending on quality
• Full replacement usually within 6–12 months

Signs the hair should be replaced

Ends that tangle within a day of washing, a dull texture that conditioner no longer fixes, and visible thinning of the strand. Reattaching worn hair damages the client's own hair through constant brushing and is the fastest way to lose a regular client.

How to make a set last longer

Correct on schedule, keep conditioner away from the attachment area, brush from the ends upwards twice a day, and dry before sleeping. These four habits, followed consistently, are worth more than any premium product.