IBE® Hair Extension Aftercare Guide – Rebellious Beauty Salon, Chicago

Taking care of your IBE® hand-tied extensions properly will keep them looking flawless and lasting longer. Follow these tips for washing, drying, sleeping, styling, and brushing your extensions.

Cleansing Your Extensions
  • Wash your hair 1–2 times per week with a professional moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. We recommend Goldie Locks™ Ultra Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner.​
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  • Avoid products with protein. These are generally labeled as “repair,” “restore,” or “strengthen”. Instead, use products with extra moisture or hydration.

  • Avoid washing your hair daily; it can dry out and shorten the life of your extensions.

  • Before washing, brush all tangles out completely. If you have multiple rows, section your hair half-up, half-down to wash between rows.

  • Gently shampoo your scalp, avoiding rubbing the ends together.

  • Apply conditioner only from the ears down, avoiding the scalp and extension attachment points to prevent buildup or slippage.

Tip for frequent washers: If you can’t go without washing more frequently, try a “half wash.” Section out the top of your free hair and then put your extensions in a low bun, and wash just your natural top hair. This protects the extensions while saving time!
Drying Your Extensions
  • Gently squeeze out water, don’t rub.

  • Moisturize daily with a high-quality hair serum/oil.

  • Brush through your extensions before drying, starting with the ends and working your way up.
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  • Make sure extensions are completely dry before sleeping. Avoid letting the top of the weft stay damp to prevent matting.

  • Air drying is okay only if the top attachment area is completely dry.
Sleeping With Extensions
  • Braid or put your hair in a bun before bed.

  • Sleep on a silk pillowcase (great for your hair and skin). We recommend Slip™ (Sephora® ) or Kitsch™ (Ulta® ).

  • Never sleep with wet extensions — this can cause matting and damage to both your natural hair and extensions.

  • For curls, you can wrap hair on heatless curlers overnight to preserve and refresh your style for days!

Styling Your Extensions
  • You can curl, straighten, or style extensions like your natural hair.

  • Always use a heat protectant and keep tools at 350–375°F. Less heat is better for maintaining healthy hair.

  • Extensions hold style longer, which can save time — curls last all week with minimal touch-ups.

  • You can confidently put your hair in a high ponytail or bun without worrying about visible beads or tape. IBE® extensions are perfect for up-dos!
Brushing & Maintenance
  • Brush a few times a day to prevent tangles and matting.

  • Apply a little hair oil or serum before brushing to prevent breakage.

  • Always brush starting at the ends and working up to the top of your extensions. One row at a time.

  • Be gentle near the top of the weft or sewn-in area. Place your hand on the stitching to minimize pulling and protect the base.

Brushing Warning: 
Be gentle when brushing near the stitching of your extensions. Brushing too vigorously can damage the wefts, which will need replacement at your next maintenance appointment. Protecting the wefts helps keep your extensions looking flawless longer.
Swimming With Extensions
The big question: can you swim with extensions? Yes! But some precautions are essential to keep your IBE® Extensions  healthy and vibrant:
  • Chlorine or minerals in pools/lakes can react with extension hair, causing dryness or discoloration.

  • Saltwater from oceans can be extremely drying and may cause severe matting. Consider removing extensions before vacation if you plan on frequent ocean swims.

Tips for Swimming With Extensions:
  1. Wet your hair first with fresh water and apply conditioner, then braid or tie your hair in a tight bun or ponytail.

  2. Wash and condition your hair immediately after swimming.

  3. Protect from sunscreen damage: Many sunscreens contain ingredients that can turn extensions brassy or orange. We recommend Bare Republic™ sunscreen, available at Ulta® or Target®. Avoid sunscreens containing Avobenzone.
Pro Tip: Proper care will keep your extensions looking seamless, healthy, and gorgeous for months. Follow these steps, and you’ll love your hair every single day!

Extension Aftercare Must-Haves
 to keep your IBE® extensions looking their best, these products are essential:
  • Goldie Locks™ Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave-In, & Serum

  • Extension Brush

  • Paul Mitchell® Hot Off The Press™ (for heat styling)

  • Dry Shampoo

  • Soft Scrunchie

  • Silk Pillowcase

  • Avobenzone Free Sunscreen
    You can find some of our recommended products below.