How Long Do Hair Extensions Last? & How to Make Them Last Longer!

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 7 min

Extensions are the ideal way to take the stress out of getting ready and ensure your hair slays every day! Unfortunately, no extensions last forever, so it’s important to know how long they last when deciding which type is best for you. So, how long do hair extensions last?

Our team of hair extension experts have broken down the lifespan of all the different types of extensions to help you choose the best extensions for your hair and find out which hair extensions last the longest.

They’ve also thrown in some handy tips to help you get the most out of your extensions and keep them looking fire!

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

Type of Hair Extension

How Long They Last

Clip-in Extensions

3 months – 1 year

Tape Extensions

6 – 8 weeks

Fusion Extensions

3 – 5 months

Nano Ring Extensions

6 – 8 months

Sew-in Extensions

6 – 8 weeks

How Long Do Hair Extensions Last, Really?

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:

How Long Do Clip-in Hair Extensions Last?

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.

How Long Do Tape Extensions Last?

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.

How Long Do Fusion Extensions Last?

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.

How Long Do Nano Ring Hair Extensions Last?

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 during this time, though!

How Long Do Sew-in Hair Extensions Last?

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.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Hair Extensions

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.

Tip #1) Give Your Hair a Break From Extensions

This might sound like counterintuitive advice from a hair extensions brand, but giving your natural hair and your extensions a break from time to time ultimately makes them last longer.

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.

If you've opted for nano ring or fusion permanent hair extensions , our experts highly recommend visiting a professional to get them removed .

If you can't get booked in at your salon, you can remove them yourself using our Expert Guide on how to remove hair extensions at home.

Tip #2) Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments for Permanent Extensions

Keeping your hair extensions looking fabulous is a common concern, and regular maintenance appointments are key to their longevity . These sessions ensure your extensions stay secure and fresh, maintaining their natural look.

During these visits, your stylist can spot potential issues and offer personalised advice for your hair type and extension method.

Prioritising these appointments not only extends the life of your extensions, but also keeps them looking their best.

Tip #3) Store Your Hair Extensions Properly

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


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


Special storage bags, like the  RiRi Hair Extension Bag , 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!


The RiRi Hair Extensions Hanger with Clips is the perfect solution for storing your extensions at home. This specially designed hanger helps your extensions retain their shape , preventing tangling, and is ideal for maintaining them with brushing or styling.


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

Tip #4) Use Appropriate Products to Care for Them

It's essential to use gentle, sulphate-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 cleaning your extensions with the RiRi Hair Extension Shampoo and RiRi Hair Extension Conditioner . These gentle products are specifically designed for use with both synthetic and natural hair extensions.

To keep your extensions looking their best, the  RiRi Extensions Boost is great for giving your locks an extra deep condition 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 hair extension, keeping them looking beautiful and helping you style them easily.

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

Why do you need to wash hair extensions?


  • Hair extensions, like natural hair, accumulate dirt, oil, and product buildup over time, which can degrade their quality and lifespan.

  • Washing hair extensions removes these impurities, ensuring they stay clean and maintain their shine and volume.

  • Clean extensions are easier to style and manage, making them more versatile for different looks.

  • Regular washing also helps prevent tangles and matting, especially for longer extensions.

Tip #5) Take the Time to Nourish Your Natural Hair

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 massages and treatments 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 or chemical straightening can damage your hair over time. Try to limit these treatments and always consult a professional.

Final Thoughts: Boost the Lifespan of Your Hair Extensions With RiRi!

RiRi's comprehensive range of specially formulated hair extension products can significantly extend the life of your extensions. From gentle shampoos and conditioners to revitalising treatments, our products are designed to nourish and protect both synthetic and natural hair extensions.


By incorporating RiRi's solutions into your care routine, you'll maintain the quality and appearance of your extensions, ensuring they look fabulous for longer.


Treat your hair extensions right with RiRi's range of hair extension care products to get extra wear out of your hairpieces! 

FAQs

How Long Can Hair Extensions Stay In?

Hair extensions can typically stay in for 6-8 weeks, depending on the type. Regular maintenance appointments are essential, as is proper care to ensure they last longer and maintain their beauty. Always consult your stylist for personalised advice.

Do Extensions Damage Hair Growth?

When applied correctly and maintained well, hair extensions do not directly damage hair growth. However, improper application or lack of maintenance can lead to breakage and stress on natural hair, impacting its health and growth.

Which Hair Extensions Last the Longest?

The hair extensions that last the longest are nano ring extensions, which can endure up to a year with proper care, followed closely by sew-in and fusion extensions lasting 3-8 months.

How Can I Increase the Lifespan of My Hair Extensions?

It is crucial to follow the right maintenance steps to increase the lifespan of your hair extensions. These include removing them when necessary, storing them correctly, using appropriate products to care for them, and maintaining your natural hair properly.

Why is it Important to Use Specific Hair Extension Products?

Hair extensions require special care because they lack the natural oils that your scalp produces. Using hair extension-specific products can help maintain the smoothness, lustre, and bond of the extensions, prolonging their lifespan.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!

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