5 Common Hair Extension Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Hair extensions are one of the best ways to instantly transform your look by adding length, fullness, or a new texture. But without the right guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to damage, frustration, or disappointment with your purchase.

At Sleek by Hailey, we’re passionate about helping you not just buy hair extensions, but truly love and care for them. Here are the 5 most common mistakes people make with extensions, and how you can avoid them:

Choosing the Wrong Texture or Colour

The mistake: Picking a texture or shade that doesn’t match your natural hair can make extensions look unnatural.

How to avoid it: Always shop from a brand that offers a wide texture and colour range (like ours!). When in doubt, consult Sleek’s texture guide or reach out for a colour match recommendation before purchasing.

Skipping the Prep Work

The mistake: Installing extensions on tangled, dry, or product-heavy hair.

How to avoid it: Start with clean, detangled hair before every install. If you’re wearing clip-ins or tape-ins, a quick clarifying wash ensures the extensions blend and hold properly.

Using the Wrong Tools

The mistake: Brushing with a regular paddle or comb, which can snag and cause shedding or breakage.

How to avoid it: Invest in the right tools, like a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb, to gently detangle extensions. And always brush starting from the ends, working your way up.

Neglecting Nighttime Protection

The mistake: Sleeping with your extensions loose, which can lead to tangling, dryness, and friction damage.

How to avoid it: Protect your investment by wearing a silk bonnet or tying your hair with a silk scrunchie before bed. Your extensions will last longer, stay moisturized, and remain frizz-free.

Forgetting Aftercare

The mistake: Treating extensions like they don’t need maintenance.

How to avoid it: Extensions, like natural hair, thrive when cared for properly. Use sulfate-free products, keep them moisturized, and schedule regular resets or maintenance depending on your extension type.

The Bottom Line

Extensions are a luxury investment, one that should enhance your confidence and make styling effortless. By avoiding these common mistakes and choosing high-quality hair, you’ll ensure your Sleek by Hailey extensions look beautiful and last as long as possible.

✨ Ready to shop with confidence? Explore our full range of textures and lengths here.