How Long Do Hair Extensions Really Last? Our Expert Tips for Prolonging Their Lifespan

Hair extensions are an amazing way to transform your hairstyle. Whether you desire longer locks for a specific look or want to boost your hair's volume, extensions offer the perfect solution.

However, it's important to understand that hair extensions have a limited lifespan, which can influence how frequently you wear them and how you care for them. So, you may wonder: how long do hair extensions last? 

Let us tell you!

Here's a handy, quick guide to how long different types of hair extensions last in your hair.

There are so many different types of extensions, and all of them have different lifespans in your hair. Knowing how long different types of hair extensions last is important when it comes to choosing which extensions are right for your hair.

Here are some of the most popular types of hair extensions and how long they last on average.

Clip-in extensions are one of the most popular types of hair extensions thanks to their easy at-home installation and their versatility. 

Clip-in extensions can last anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending on how often you wear them and how well you take care of them.

Human hair extensions generally last longer than synthetic hair extensions when it comes to clip-ins. This is because natural hair is much more resistant to the effects of heating tools and the use of a hairbrush than synthetic fibres.

Tape-in extensions are another popular type due to their natural look and easy maintenance. They typically last for 6-8 weeks before they need to be re-taped or re-applied.

Depending on the quality of your extensions, you may be able to reuse the hair when it comes to re-taping. The old glue and strips are removed from the ends of the hair, and fresh ones are applied, and the hair is installed as before. 

But this does come down to how well you looked after the hair and the quality of the hair.

Fusion extensions are applied using a heating tool and keratin bonds. They typically last for 3-5 months with proper care and regular maintenance appointments.

Nano ring hair extensions are the most long-lasting of all the hair extensions on this list. 

On average, these hair extensions last for 6-8 months, but with proper care, they can last up to a year.

You’ll need regular maintenance appointments in this time, though!

Sew-in extensions provide a longer-lasting option as they involve braiding your own hair and then securely sewing the extensions onto the braids. 

You can enjoy their beauty for about 6-8 weeks, although with proper care and regular maintenance, they can stay gorgeous for as long as 3-4 months.

Once you've chosen the style of hair extensions that perfectly match your lifestyle or the look you're aiming for, it's crucial to follow the right steps to extend their lifespan to keep them looking their best.

Our resident hair extension experts have shared some valuable tips to help you maintain that fresh and fabulous look for much longer.

If you've opted for nano ring or fusion hair extensions, you get months of beautiful, long, voluminous hair. But there will still come a day when they need to be removed. 

With semi-permanent hair extensions, our experts highly recommend visiting a professional to get them removed. 

Although, if you can't get booked in at your salon, it's possible to remove them yourself using our detailed guide.

Also, as your hair naturally grows, the extensions will begin to grow out, too. You’ll need to go to regular salon appointments so that the extensions can be readjusted to account for your hair growth. This will involve removing and reapplying the extensions – which will need to be done professionally.

With clip-in hair extensions, removal is much easier, but it's also more crucial to help prolong the life of your extensions. Where possible, you should remove your clip-ins at the end of every day and try to hang them up or lay them flat to protect their shape and style.

This tip applies to extensions you can remove and reuse, such as your RiRi clip-ins!

When it comes to removing your hair extensions, to keep them safe from damage, you need to store them correctly.

There are special storage bags, like the RiRi Hair Extension Bag, that protect your hair from tangling and moisture. This bag is also ideal for travelling with your extensions so you can look your best wherever you go!

For storing your extensions at home, the RiRi Hair Extensions Clip is the perfect solution. Storing your hair extensions in this specially designed clip helps them retain their shape, prevents tangling, and is ideal to help you maintain them with brushing or styling.

(Psst! We also offer a RiRi Extension Bag and Clip combo to kit out your extensions!)

It's essential to use gentle, sulfate-free hair care products when washing or styling your hair extensions. Harsh chemicals can damage the hair fibres of both synthetic and natural hair extensions, so they should be avoided as much as possible.

We recommend using the RiRi Hair Extension Shampoo and RiRi Hair Extension Conditioner to clean your extensions. These products are gentle and specifically designed to be used with both synthetic and natural hair extensions.

To keep your extensions looking their best, the RiRi Extensions Boost and RiRi Argan Oil Treatment are great for giving your locks an extra boost to keep them looking and feeling healthy.

Our final product recommendation is the RiRi Signature Deluxe Hair Extension Brush. This brush has been specifically designed to gently detangle your hair extensions to keep them looking beautiful and to help you style them. 

Our brush can be used on pre-bonded hair extensions, micro rings, adhesive weft tape, and more!

Of course, it's not all about your extensions! Even the most beautiful hair extensions will struggle to elevate your look when your natural hair hasn't been maintained.

Here are our top tips for keeping your own hair ready for extensions:
 

• Don't skip regular trims: Regularly trimming your hair helps prevent split ends and promotes healthier hair growth.

• Hydration: Keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water has a positive impact on your hair's health.

• Heat protection: Use heat protection products to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat-styling tools.

• Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments help restore moisture and enhance your hair's resilience.

• Scalp care: Maintaining a healthy scalp is key to promoting strong, healthy hair growth. Use targeted scalp treatments and massages to stimulate circulation and remove any build-up.

• Avoid tight hairstyles: Repeatedly pulling your hair into tight hairstyles can cause tension and breakage. Opt for looser styles whenever possible.

• Limit chemical treatments: Frequent colouring or chemical straightening can damage your hair over time. Try to limit these treatments and always consult a professional.

Hair extensions are an incredible tool to elevate your look and style. However, their lifespan relies on factors like the type, frequency of wear, and maintenance. By giving them the proper care, you can greatly extend the life of your extensions, ensuring they always appear fresh and fabulous.

But obviously, the quality also has a massive impact on the life of your extensions! Poor-quality extensions won’t last nearly as long as professional-quality ones, so make sure you’re only choosing extensions made from the best hair – like the extensions from RiRi!

We only use high-quality synthetic hair and Remy human hair for our extensions, and they last for months with proper care.

Shop our range of extensions and hair care products today!