How to Revive Old Hair Extensions & Use Them Again (An Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Last updated on March 10th, 2023 at 11:03 pm

Are your hair extensions in need of a refresh? Here’s how to revive old hair extensions easily at home.

Buying hair extensions can be a big investment, so you’ll want to get as much use out of them as possible. Of course, over time, our hair extensions tend to look a little worse for wear — no matter how much love and attention we give them throughout their life.

But don’t worry, all is not lost. If your human hair extensions are ready for a refresh, it’s time to get to work, and add a little life to your set. Here’s how you can get your luscious locks shining once again. Whether you have ZALA clip-in hair extensions or tape hair extensions, here’s how to revive old hair extensions so you can use them again and again.

How to Revive Old Hair Extensions & Use Them Again

Gather a few supplies

Note: check what you already have around the house before you head out shopping. You might be surprised to find a few of these ingredients already waiting in your cupboard!

• Sulfate-free shampoo
• Conditioner (just the regular one you use)
• Hair mask
• Silicone spritz
• Comb
• Towel
• Hair straightener

Step 1

Grab a bowl from the kitchen, or simply fill your sink with warm water. Add about a tablespoon of sulfate-free shampoo. We’re loving Moroccan argan oil shampoo. It’s perfect for damaged or dry hair.

Next, use your hands to mix the shampoo and dissolve it into the warm water.

Step 2

Now it’s time to wash those extensions. The last thing you want is to turn your extensions into a matted mess, so it’s important to divide them up, and pop them in the water weft by weft to clean. It may take a little longer, but the process is well worth it — trust us!

Once you’re done, rinse off the extensions, and lay them out on a towel. Repeat with all the wefts. Empty out your sink or bowl, and rinse.

Step 3

Refill your sink or bowl with boiling water this time. You might need to use a kettle to get the right temperature. Add two tablespoons of your everyday conditioner. Follow up with a drop of the silicone spritz. Mix it all in together.

Step 4

Pick up your hair extension set carefully, and this time, you can place it all in the water at once. Use a spoon to make sure all the hair is submerged in the water, ready to soak up the moisture.

Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes to allow time for the hair extensions to soak up the conditioner.

Step 5

Carefully take your hair extension set out of the water, and lay flat onto a towel. Grab your hair mask and apply to each hair weft one at a time. We love Bondi Boost’s Miracle Mask which offers a deep treatment for your hair extensions, with castor oil.

Leave this mask on the extensions for 30 minutes. While you’re waiting, empty out your bowl or sink and rinse again.

Step 6

Rinse each weft in cold water to remove all remaining products. The cold water is beneficial in helping to seal the moisture and lock it into your hair extensions. Do this one weft at a time to avoid tangling. 

Once each one is done, lay it flat on the towel.

Step 7

Leave hair extensions to dry. Once ready, it’s important to give them a good brush with a comb to get any knots out. Start from the end of the hair and work your way up, going gently to avoid causing damage.

Once each weft is brushed, apply another spritz of silicone, and lay back flat to dry overnight.

Step 8

In the morning, it’s time to get out your hair straightener for the finishing touches. Prep with a heat protectant (so you don’t undo all your hard work) and straighten each of your wefts to give them a nice, glossy finish.

It’s amazing what a difference a good wash with the right products can make. Next time your extensions are looking a little worse for wear, don’t despair. Simply get the ingredients ready for a TLC hair day. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

Now you know how to revive old hair extensions! With just a little effort, your clip-in ponytail hair extensions will look as good as new. They’re ready to go once again, adding the perfect bounce to your step.

Also read:
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5 Natural Ways to Grow Healthy Hair
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