Hair extensions can give you a major hair change, fast. With just a few pieces, you can instantly add length, volume, color or dimension to your hair. And their versatility makes them the perfect hair accessory for people with commitment issues. But when it comes to hair extensions, there are lots of options. So which is best? The answer to this question depends on your individual hair type and needs. We’re breaking down some of the most popular types of extensions —including tape-in, clip-in and sew-in— and diving deep in their installation, care tips, and length of wear. If you’ve been wondering “How long do hair extensions last?” read ahead for a comprehensive guide of everything to know.

So how long do hair extensions last? There’s no definitive answer to this, but in general, most full sets of extensions last between 2-4 months. But with proper care and maintenance, a high quality, well installed set can last up to 6-9 months or longer. And we’ll take a closer look at the proper care and maintenance later, but for now, let's take a closer look at the installation processes and lifespans of tape-in, clip-in and sew-in hair extensions.

Tape-ins are small sections of pre-taped hair extensions, about an inch wide, that are taped into sections throughout the hair. So how long do tape-in hair extensions last? This semi-permanent style is longer lasting-between 4-6 months depending on your hair texture. Compared to other, semi-perm types, tape-ins have the easiest installation process. They take about 45 minutes–2 hours, depending on hair density to install. They’re lightweight and comfortable, but they can be high maintenance and pricey with installation and touch-ups. And you’ll want to go back to the stylist who installed them to have them removed to keep your strands as healthy and damage-free as possible when they’re taken out.

Clip-in extensions are wefts of hair attached to small combs or clips that get –you guessed it— clipped to your natural hair. The lowest commitment of all types, clip-ins are a temporary and reusable option that are the easiest to apply and remove on your own. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes. So how long do clip-in hair extensions last? Because these can be removed before things like showering, working out and sleeping, clip-ins can last as long as the ways you handle and store them will allow. Clip-ins are the best extensions for a quick hair change at home because of their ease, practicality, and affordability.

With sew-in extensions, your natural hair is braided down to your scalp in rows, with a portion of hair left out on top. Tracks of hair are then sewn onto the braids, with the top portion covering it. The process takes between 2–4 hours and leaves most of the natural hair completely concealed. Because of this, and the fact that sew-in extensions are long-lasting, they make the perfect protective hairstyle for curly hair. How long do sew-in hair extensions last, you ask? Depending on the hair quality, maintenance, and wearing habits, sew-in extensions can last from 2-4 months. But your styling options are limited once they’re installed, so be sure about the commitment before you decide on sew-ins.

There are a few things to consider before getting to the bottom of the “how long do hair extensions last?” question. Several factors can impact the longevity of your hair extensions. The first is your lifestyle and hair habits including rough brushing techniques, frequent heat styling, swimming in chlorinated water, and chemical services. These can cause your extensions to shed and tangle more frequently, reducing their lifespan. The next is the amount of time invested in salon maintenance services like tightening, re-taping, and resetting the extensions. The last thing to consider in how long your extensions will last is the hair quality and where it's sourced from. So it’s a must that you handle them with care and protect them from things that can cause damage. Keep reading for more on how to make your extensions last as long as possible.

The most important thing you can do to extend the life of your hair extensions is to invest in a quality set. Regardless of whether you choose tape-ins, clip-ins or sew-ins they hold up much better than their poor quality counterparts. Next up when it comes to making your extensions last longer is your brushing technique. Brushing gently is essential to the life of your extensions, and using the right tool is just as important. Traditional brushes can snag or pull on hair causing the extensions to break. Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb and never brush when wet, as breakage is more likely to occur. Start and your ends and work up towards the root. Keeping your extensions tangle-free helps extend their lifespan. By now you’re likely wondering “How often should you wash hair extensions?”

For daily extension wearers, a general rule is to wash once a month. If you notice a ton of build-up or if your extensions are becoming difficult to style, it’s likely time for a wash. Avoid using unnecessary heat, and when you do, keep the temperature on your styling tools very low, as hair extensions will react easier and faster than natural hair. Finally, store your clip-in extensions with the clips closed and thoroughly brushed.

The more products you use on your hair extensions the more work will be required to maintain the hair. Product buildup can decrease the lifespan of your extensions. So use products sparingly or only when absolutely needed, like using a heat protectant spray before heat styling. Avoid products with SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, SD Alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, and Propyl. And use sulfate-and- alcohol-free products to preserve the health and longevity of the hair. Sulfates and alcohol strips the hair of natural oils and dries strands out quicker, causing tangles, split ends, and matting. When you do use them, Davines products can help contribute to a longer lifespan for your extensions. Our must-have product picks for hair extension include-

MELU Hair Shield

This heat protection spray is ideal for styling and protecting all types of hair from stress caused by hot tools. The Melu spray effectively protects the hair from heat temperatures up to 450°F.

OI Oil

Oiling the ends of your extensions is strongly encouraged, because unlike your natural hair that produces oils to keep strands moisturized, extensions do not. This anti frizz oil for dry hair adds shine and softness while detangling and fighting frizz, working especially well on extensions.

This Is A Medium Hairspray

To hold your hair extensions in place when styling, you need a re-workable, moisture-resistant formula like our medium hold hairspray. This brushable spray helps to eliminate frizz, add structure, while providing a long-lasting hold for your styles without leaving residue.

To sum up the answer to the question, “how long do hair extensions last?”, it depends on a few different things. This includes your lifestyle and hair habits, the amount of time invested in salon services and the hair quality of your extensions. Their longevity depends on using quality hair care products and following proper care and maintenance habits, so keep our tips on hand and use only the highest quality hair products on your extensions. Our styling products will help to keep your hair extensions (and the natural hair in-between) healthy, shiny and damage-free.

But why is my hair no longer curly? These are some of the most common reasons why your natural curls are losing their definition.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor