Extensions and weave can really make you feel like you're that girl—there's just something about the extra inches and volume that puts an extra pep in your step. But when wash day comes around and it's time to cleanse your scalp, you'll need to take some extra steps to make sure your hair (and scalp) stays as healthy as possible.

That's why we reached out to two experts: Dafina Smith, founder of Covet & Mane hair extensions, as well as celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Yepez for some expert tips.

Does the Type of Hair I Use Contribute to Buildup?

Glad you asked, because yes it can, as well as things like the type of bonding glue used, tape, or melting spray.

"My experience with scalp issues is one of the reasons I created Covet & Mane," Smith shares. "It was a personal mission to create a way for women to enjoy the look and feel of hair extensions while providing them with free access to cleanse and care for their scalp."The brand offers hand-tied extensions that are customized to each client's scalp.

What's the Best Way to Take Care of My Scalp While I Have in Extensions?

First and foremost, making sure the hair is installed properly is the best way to take care of your scalp while wearing extensions.

"If you have more traditional forms of sew-in extensions, I highly recommend foregoing a net or anything that blocks access to cleansing your scalp," says Smith.

When it comes to actual cleansing, the beauty founder recommends using clarifying products on a weekly basis to ensure a thorough cleanse of your tracks. "I love products from the line Girl + Hair, especially their Clear ACV Clarifying Rinse, and Briogeo's Scalp Revival Brush," Smith shares. "But I'm also a fan of a good old-fashioned toothbrush to cleanse the scalp of any build-up before washing your hair."

You'll also want to be mindful of how long you leave your extensions in.

According to Yepez, you should take out clip-ins daily. "For bonds or tape-ins it depends on how fast your hair grows, but I would say typically two months," she adds. The two-month timeline also applies to sewn-in weaves.

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Yikes, I've Already Got Some Buildup On My Cornrows. How Do I Get Rid of It Without Wrecking My Weave?

Yepez recommends starting off with an oil as a pre-treatment like May11's Purifying Scalp Oil, then you can work a clarifying shampoo into the roots. Just make sure to not be too abrasive, as you can create micro-tears on the scalp.

You should also only use a standard conditioner from the mid-shaft to ends of your weave to avoid leftover product residue on the braided hair. As for any leave-out, feel free to condition as normal.

"I recommend using a dropper bottle, or a color application bottle, to really access the scalp between braids," Smith suggests. "This allows the clarifying shampoos or rinses you are using to penetrate the scalp as much as possible. The other really important step when you have a sew-in to make sure that you sit under a hooded dryer to extract residual moisture whenever you wash your hair. Moisture and product buildup can lead to odor, bacteria, and skin issues."

What Happens If I Don't Properly Cleanse My Scalp?

"Your scalp can get clogged, which can lead to thinning hair or hair loss," Yepez warns.

So yeah, make sure you have a proper wash day plan, focusing on scalp care, whenever you get a new weave installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to detox my scalp while wearing extensions?

    After you take our your weave or extensions, you'll need to do a detoxifying scalp cleanse to make sure that all of the build-up is removed and your scalp is completely clean.

  • Why should I use a clarifying shampoo to cleanse my scalp?

    A clarifying shampoo goes a step beyond a normal shampoo when it comes to cleansing the scalp. They are specially formulated to remove excess product build-up, oil, dirt, and more. If you've been wearing your hair in a protective style for longer than a week, you should use a clarifying shampoo to make sure your scalp stays clean and healthy.

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