How to Care for Fusion Hair Extensions

Last Updated: November 5, 2021

Fusion extensions, also known as bonding, or pre-bonded extensions, refer to hair extensions that are glued directly onto the individual strands of your hair with keratin. While these extensions tend to be a little expensive and they only last 2-3 months, they’re still incredibly popular. That’s due to one major benefit—fusion extensions look way more natural than other options out there, and they’re easier to care for, too. If you want to know more about keeping your extensions looking clean and fresh, we’ve got you covered.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Wait to wash your hair for 2 days after getting extensions.

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Leave your hair alone for a few days once the extensions are in. This will give the glue used for the bonds time to totally cure. It will also give you time to adjust to the way that your new hair feels. Just leave your hair alone for a bit. You can brush it or style it if you really want to, but your extensions will likely last longer if you leave them alone for 48 hours.^{[1]
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- Your stylist should have given you a list of aftercare instructions for the fusion extensions. Follow them if you want to avoid having to run back to the salon to get your extensions fixed!
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Method 2

Method 2 of 11:
Keep heat away from the bonds.

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The keratin bonds will melt if you use a curling iron of hot roller on it. You can still use heating products and tools on your hair when you have fusion extensions so long as you stay at least 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) away from the actual bond itself. If the bonds get too hot, your extension may fall out.^{[2]
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- If you’re using a hair dryer, use the lowest temperature setting available and avoid the bonds as best as you can.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:
Use a non-sulfate shampoo 2-3 times a week.

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You can use your regular shampoo so long as there are no sulfates. Aside from the fact that sulfates aren’t good for your hair, they may cause your bonds to fall out faster than they otherwise would. Read the ingredient list to see if there are sulfates. If there are, replace your shampoo with something softer on your hair.^{[3]
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Research source} Try to avoid washing your hair more than 3 times a week.^{[4]
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- Ask the hair stylist who installed your extensions if you need to avoid getting shampoo on the bonds. It’s normally fine, but it really depends on the type of glue they used. Just don’t overhandle the area where the bonds are located.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 11:
Wash your hair with your head tilted back.

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This will expose the roots of your hair to the pressure of the water. Shower or wash your hair so that the water starts on the crown of your head and flows down the same way your hair naturally hangs. The keratin glue isn’t particularly weak, and it’s unlikely to come out if you spray it directly with water, but it might lower the life expectancy of your extensions.^{[5]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 11:
Keep your hair dry when you aren’t shampooing.

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On days where you aren’t washing your hair, keep it 100% dry. Water can close the bonds to soften up and slide off of your hair. This is especially a problem if you aren’t shampooing, since the minerals in the water will end up soaking into your hair. The drier you can keep your hair, the better.^{[6]
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- If your hair does get wet, spray it with an anti-tap water product to keep the minerals and nutrients from eating away at the bond.^{[7]
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  Research source} You can use a leave-in conditioner instead if you prefer.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 11:
Brush your hair to detangle it, but avoid the bonds.

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Use an extension or round vent brush and avoid the bonds. See a reoccurring theme here? Leave the bonds alone! Detangle the extensions below the bonds, or the roots above the bonds. Work the hair out completely with the brush before entering the shower and before bedtime. That will keep your extensions from matting and tangling.^{[8]
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Method 7

Method 7 of 11:
Separate the bonds by hand if they get tangled.

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Spend a minute or two separating the bonds every day. As your hair grows, the bonds will grow out further from the roots. This can increase the frequency that the bonds end up tangled around one another. Every day, remember to use your hands to separate the individual bonds. It’s a little thing, but it will seriously prolong the lifespan of the extensions.^{[9]
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- Don’t use a brush to do this. It’s unnecessary since the bonds shouldn’t “stick” at all, and it may do more harm than good.
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Method 8

Method 8 of 11:
Wear a loose, protective hairstyle when you sleep.

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Before bed, put your hair up in loose pigtails or a high ponytail. Sleeping directly on the bonds will be painful, and the pressure from the weight of your head may cause them to come loose. Keep the bonds safe by putting your hair up in a way where you won’t lie directly on the bonds.^{[10]
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- Use a satin pillow to also prevent tangling.
- The first few nights might feel a little weird if you’ve just gotten the extensions put in. This should go away after a few days.
- Never fall sleep on wet hair extensions. Make sure the hair and bonds are dry before bedtime to avoid matting.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:
Keep your hair out of intense sun.

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Exposure to too much light can cause the extensions to come loose. If you’re going to spend a lot of time out in the sun, wear a hat or head scarf. This will protect the area where the extensions are glued into your hair and keep them from falling out prematurely.^{[11]
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Protect the bonds from wind with a scrunchie.

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High wind can pull or tangle the extensions, so cover them up! Use a thick scrunchie to put your hair in a loose ponytail, and place the scrunchie directly over the bonds. This will keep your hair safe from the wind, and prevent any tangles from getting way out of hand.^{[12]
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Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
See a stylist every 6 weeks.

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Fusion hair extensions require regular maintenance. Schedule checkups with your stylist every 2 months or so. The bonds for your extensions can come loose, and a strand or two may fall out over time. The stylist will be able to tighten any loose extensions and replace the strands that have fallen out.^{[13]
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- If you happened to grab any of the extensions that fell out, bring the strands with you to your appointment! The stylist can put them back in.
- They’ll also be able to re-dye your roots if your extensions are a different color or shade than your natural hair.
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Community Q&A

Question

How long is the average length of time that these last?

Community Answer

It all depends on your hair type and how fast your hair grows, but generally anywhere from 2 to 6 months.