You've invested in quality extensions, taken care of them, and loved wearing them. But lately... something feels off.
Maybe they don't look as full. Maybe they're harder to style. Maybe they just don't feel like they used to.
…But even the best extensions don't last forever.
So, if you’re wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to your hair extensions and shop for new ones, there are five clear signs they’ve reached the end of their lifespan (and what realistic lifespan looks like for quality hair).
Here’s how to know when your hair extensions are bad:
How Long Should Hair Extensions Last? (Setting Realistic Expectations)
Before we talk about warning signs, let's establish what "normal" longevity looks like.
Different extension types have different lifespans:
- Clip-ins: 6-12 months when worn occasionally and removed nightly (as recommended)
- Tape-ins: 8-12 weeks per install with proper care
- Wefts/Bundles (sew-ins): Up to 10 weeks per install
- Ponytails: 6-12 months with regular use
These timelines assume proper care, quality hair, and realistic wear. Budget extensions or poor maintenance? You're looking at a much shorter lifespan.
At Sleek by Hailey, our extensions are made to last when cared for properly—but they're not immortal. Knowing when to replace them is part of protecting your investment and keeping your look fresh.
Sign #1: Your Extensions Have Excessive Tangling and Matting
A little tangling here and there? Normal, especially for curls and coils.
But if your extensions are constantly matting—even right after you brush them—that's a bright red flag.
Why this happens: Over time, the hair cuticle gets damaged from washing, heat styling, and friction. Once the cuticle is compromised, strands tangle and lock together more easily.
What to look for:
-
Tangles that form within hours of brushing
-
Matting at the nape or underneath layers
-
Webbing or felting near the ends
The verdict: If detangling has become a daily battle (and you're using the right tools), your extensions are likely going ‘bad.’
Sign #2: Dryness That Won’t Go Away
Hair extensions don't get natural oils from your scalp, so dryness is always something to manage.
But when they feel chronically dry—straw-like, brittle, dull—no amount of conditioner or serum will bring them back. Honestly, chronically dry hair is one of the first ways to tell if your hair extensions are bad.
Why this happens: Repeated washing, heat damage, and environmental exposure strip moisture over time. Eventually, the hair structure is too damaged to retain hydration.
What to look for:
-
Hair that feels rough or crunchy even after deep conditioning
-
Loss of shine and bounce
-
Brittle ends that snap easily
The verdict: If your extensions have gone from soft and silky to permanently dry and lifeless, it's time to replace them.
Sign #3: Your Hair Extensions Are Shedding (Beyond Normal)
Some strand loss is normal…
But if you're losing clumps of hair every time you brush, wash, or even touch your extensions—that's not normal.
Why this happens: The weft construction weakens over time, especially if your hair extensions have been cut, improperly installed, or exposed to heavy products at the base.
What to look for:
-
Large amounts of hair coming out during brushing
-
Visible thinning or bald spots along the weft
-
Shedding that's gotten progressively worse
The verdict: Excessive shedding means the structural integrity of your extensions is compromised. Time for a fresh set.
Sign #4: Loss of Fullness and Volume
Remember when your extensions first arrived? Thick, full, bouncy. Now they might look... sparse. Stringy. Flat.
Why this happens: Between shedding, breakage, and general wear, extensions naturally lose density over time.
What to look for:
-
Wefts or clips that look noticeably thinner than when you bought them
-
Difficulty achieving the same fullness in styles
-
Extensions that blend less seamlessly because there's not enough hair
The verdict: If your extensions have lost significant volume, they've served their purpose. Investing in a new set will give you that fresh, full look again.
Sign #5: The Ends Are Visibly Damaged
Split ends. Rough, scraggly tips. Ends that look frayed or uneven.
Unlike natural hair, you can't just "trim and move on" with extensions—once the ends are damaged, the whole piece is affected.
Why this happens: The ends take the most abuse from styling tools, brushing, and friction. Over months of wear, they break down.
What to look for:
-
Split or frayed ends
-
Ends that feel rough or straw-like compared to the rest of the hair
-
Uneven texture from root to tip
The verdict: Damaged ends = damaged extensions. It's time for a replacement.
How to Extend the Life of Your Hair Extensions (And Prevent Them From Going ‘Bad’)
While no extensions last forever, if you’re reading this way sooner than you expected to (and are starting to think you’ll need to replace your extensions sooner rather than later), there are some ways to extend the life of your extensions:
-
Use sulfate-free and oil-free shampoo, they’re gentler on your extensions and protect your hair’s integrity without stripping or weighing it down.
-
Always use heat protectant and keep your tools on the lowest temp while styling.
-
Sleep with protection by using silk or satin bonnets and pillowcases to reduce friction and prevent tangling.
-
Use a wide-tooth comb or extension-friendly brush (we have a list of our favorites here!)
And it’s not just what you can do—it’s also avoiding the most common mistakes people make when caring for and wearing their extensions (like these)
Your Extensions Have Been Through A Lot & It Might Just Be Time to Replace Them
Late nights, style sessions, maybe even a few too many ponytails—your extensions have put in the work and now it’s time to give them a break (forever).
When you start seeing signs of wear or tear from your extensions, when your hair extensions are going bad, it’s time to re-invest and find a set of extensions that make you feel confident—not stressed.
Ready for a fresh set? Explore our full range of clip-ins, wefts, tape-ins, and ponytails here and start fresh with confidence.