Hair Extension Maintenance Schedule: How Often to Move Up, Wash & Trim in Chicago

If you’re investing in premium hair extensions in Chicago, you want to make sure they last—and look flawless—for as long as possible. Whether you’re rocking hand-tied, weft extensions, keratin bonds (K-Tips), or tape-ins, the key to longevity is all in the maintenance schedule.

As a professional hairstylist in Chicago’s West Loop, I work with clients every day who want to keep their extensions looking fresh, full, and fabulous between appointments. Here’s your go-to guide for how often to move up, wash, and trim your hair extensions—so your investment stays beautiful all year long.

24" Ktip hair extensions installed by Mallory

How Often Should You Move Up Hair Extensions?

Move-up appointments are essential to keeping your extensions comfortable and undetectable. Here’s a breakdown by extension type:

• Hand-Tied, Weft (aka sew-in) Extensions: Every 6–8 weeks. The natural hair grows, causing the wefts to shift downward. Regular move-ups keep the tension even and prevent matting.

• Keratin Bond (K-Tip) Extensions: Every 12–14 weeks. These are a more long-wear method, but they’ll still need to be fully removed and replaced to avoid tangling and breakage.

• Tape-In Extensions: Every 6–8 weeks. These require a full removal and reapplication as the adhesive grows out with your natural hair.

💡 Chicago Tip: The dry winter air and humidity in the summer can affect extension wear, so staying on schedule is key—especially during seasonal transitions.

How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?

• 2–3 times per week is ideal for most extension clients.

• Always use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent loosening bonds or drying out the hair.

• Focus shampoo on the scalp, and let the suds run through the extensions—don’t scrub them directly.

• Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially in harsh Chicago winters.

How Often Should You Trim Hair Extensions?

Even though extensions aren’t "alive," they still benefit from regular trims to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of your style.

✂️ Trimming also helps extensions last longer—less frizz and breakage means you’ll get the most out of your investment.

Bonus: Hair Extension Maintenance Chicago

If you're searching for hair extension maintenance in Chicago, you want a salon that understands the nuances of both your hair goals and lifestyle. In the West Loop, we specialize in custom maintenance plans for all extension types, tailored to your hair texture, daily routine, and seasonal needs.

Final Thoughts

Hair extensions are a luxury—so treat them that way. By staying on top of your maintenance schedule, you’ll extend their life, protect your natural hair, and always look camera-ready (yes, even in Chicago’s unpredictable weather).

📅 Ready to book your move-up or trim? Let’s get you on the right schedule so your hair looks flawless from now through next season.

👉 Schedule your consultation in Chicago’s West Loop today and let’s create a custom hair extension maintenance plan just for you. Book Online here or reach out with any questions you have about extensions - my inbox is always open.