How to Stop Clip-In Hair Extensions from Shedding
Nothing kills the joy of a fresh set of clip-in extensions faster than finding loose strands everywhere. If you’ve ever run your fingers through your extensions or brushed your hair only to see a tumbleweed of shed hairs, you know the frustration. For women in their 20s and 30s, clip-in hair extensions are a quick ticket to fuller, longer locks - so it’s disheartening when those pricey extensions start thinning out from shedding. Why do clip-in extensions shed, and how can you prevent it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tackle those questions with expert insights, salon-approved advice, and DIY tips to keep your clip-ins thick, beautiful, and shed-free for as long as possible. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to care for your extensions and even which products can make a world of difference in quality and longevity.
Why Do Clip-In Hair Extensions Shed?
Let’s start with the burning question: “Why the heck are my extensions shedding?” It’s easy to panic and assume you got a dud product, but take a deep breath - some shedding is completely normal. In fact, even the best extensions will lose a few strands over time due to a variety of reasons:
Manufacturing Method: Clip-in wefts are made by sewing many individual hairs onto a fabric or silicone band. With wear and tear, a few of those sewn strands can loosen. Think about it - your extensions are essentially stitched together with thread, so after repeated washing, brushing, and styling, it’s expected that some hairs might slip out (salonlareine.com). This is the nature of how extensions are constructed and doesn’t automatically mean they’re bad. (As one stylist puts it, extensions have a “limited shelf life” and are somewhat consumable (salonlareine.com).)
Normal Wear and Tear: Just like your natural hair sheds a bit each day, extension hair can shed small amounts with regular use. Brushing, styling, and even putting them on and taking them off creates friction. Over weeks and months, that everyday handling can lead to a few lost strands here and there - especially if you’re not handling them gently (more on proper handling below).
Low-Quality Hair: The quality of the extensions really matters. Cheap extensions (especially those made with non-Remy or synthetic hair) tend to shed much more than high-quality human hair extensions. Why? Lower-quality hair often has shorter strands or damaged cuticles that break off easily, and the wefts might be poorly constructed. High-end extensions use 100% Remy Human Hair (with all strands aligned root to tip) and secure wefts, making them less prone to excessive shedding. If your clip-ins are shedding like crazy from day one, it could be a sign they’re not the best quality.
Rough Handling: How you treat your extensions day-to-day is a major factor. Rough brushing, yanking out tangles, or tearing the clips out of your hair can all loosen the hair on the weft. Remember, the weft attachments can only withstand so much tugging. Improper care or handling is one of the most common causes of extension shedding. For instance, vigorously brushing from the roots down (instead of gently from the ends up) or combing wet extensions can pull hairs out of the seam. We’ll discuss gentle handling techniques below to save those strands.
Dryness and Lack of Moisture: Extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, so they can get dry and brittle if not regularly conditioned. And when hair becomes brittle, it’s more likely to snap or shed. In fact, extensions are more likely to shed when they’re dried out. Think of a dry leaf - it crumbles easily, whereas a hydrated leaf bends. If you notice a lot of breakage (short broken hairs) in addition to shedding from the weft, your extensions might be thirsty! Using the wrong products (like those with sulfates or alcohol) can exacerbate dryness and lead to more shedding, too.
Improper Storage or Environmental Damage: Believe it or not, how you store your clip-ins can affect shedding. Throwing your extensions in a drawer or bag in a tangled pile will cause knots and matting. Later, when you brush out that matted mess, more strands will come out. Sun exposure and heat can also dry out the hair. Storing extensions in a cool, dry place and keeping them tangle-free is key to preventing unnecessary shedding (we’ll detail a good storage routine in a bit).
Manufacturing Defects or Weft Cutting: Occasionally, shedding can be due to how the weft was finished. If the stitching at the ends of the weft wasn’t secured properly, hair can shed from those edges. Also, if you cut your wefts (for example, cutting a weft into smaller sections to fit your head), you’ve opened up the stitching - and unless you seal or re-stitch that cut edge, hairs near the cut may fall out. (There’s a simple DIY fix for this: sealing the weft with glue. Don’t worry, we’ll explain how you can do this at home to lock in those loose hairs.)
The Bottom Line: Some shedding with clip-in extensions is normal, so don’t panic over a few strands. Extensions often shed due to improper care, rough handling, or low-quality hair - all factors you can control or mitigate. The good news is that with the right techniques, you can greatly reduce shedding. Next, let’s get into those techniques: what salon experts recommend for caring for your extensions to keep shedding at bay.
Expert Tips for Preventing Extension Shedding
Professional hairstylists handle extensions every day, and they know what works (and what doesn’t) to keep them in tip-top shape. Below are salon-approved tips to help your clip-ins stay secure and healthy. Adopt these habits and you’ll notice far less shedding and a longer lifespan for your extensions:
Invest in Quality from the Start: First and foremost, choose high-quality extensions. It bears repeating - Remy Human Hair extensions tend to shed less than cheaper options. They’re made with the cuticles intact and aligned, which means less tangling and breakage. High-quality wefts are often triple-stitched or reinforced to hold hair tightly. If you’re continually battling shedding with bargain extensions, upgrading to a better brand will save you grief in the long run. (It might cost more upfront, but you’ll get more wears out of them without them thinning out.)
Brush Gently and Correctly: Treat your extensions with TLC, especially when brushing. Always brush out your clip-ins before and after each wear to remove tangles before they become big knots. Use a soft-bristle brush or a special loop brush made for extensions (these have looped bristles that won’t snag the hair). Start at the ends and work your way up in sections, holding the weft near the base with your other hand to avoid putting stress on the attachment point. Gentle, daily brushing prevents matting and minimizes shedding. Never rip through knots - take your time and use a detangler spray if needed. And remember to be extra careful when the extensions are wet (hair is weakest when wet, so aggressive brushing then can cause more hairs to slip out).
Wash with Care (and Don’t Over-Wash): Clip-in extensions don’t need to be washed as often as your natural hair. In fact, over-washing can dry them out and loosen the bonds. For clip-ins, washing every 10-15 wears is usually enough (or when there’s a lot of product buildup on them). When you do wash them, be extremely gentle: use lukewarm water and a sulfate-free, alcohol-free shampoo to avoid stripping moisture (regular shampoos with sulfates can make extension hair brittle, leading to more shedding). Hold the weft at the top and gently massage the hair downward - no scrubbing or twisting the hair in a pile, which tangles it. Rinse thoroughly and apply a moisturizing conditioner from mid-length to ends (avoid applying conditioner directly on the weft base, since it can loosen the stitching or any glue there). Rinse out the conditioner with cool water (which helps seal the hair cuticle). If your extensions are very dry, you can also apply a leave-in conditioner or a bit of argan oil to the ends after washing.
Always Air Dry (Heat is Not Your Friend): The golden rule for drying extensions is to air dry whenever possible. Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft towel (don’t wring or roughly towel-dry, as this can cause friction and breakage). Lay the extensions flat on a clean towel or hang them to air dry. Air drying helps them maintain softness and quality. If you’re in a rush and must blow-dry, use the cool or lowest heat setting and attach a diffuser; high heat can scorch the hair or weaken the bond at the clips. Keep the blow dryer moving and don’t over-dry - stop while the hair is just slightly damp and let it finish air drying. Never brush soaking wet extensions - wait until they’re about 80% dry, and even then use a wide-tooth comb very gently. Patience during drying will reward you with extensions that stay silky and intact.
Minimize Heat Styling: Similar to the above tip, any heat styling (curling irons, straighteners, etc.) should be used sparingly on clip-ins. Frequent high-heat styling will dry out the hair and cause breakage (i.e. more shedding). If you do curl or straighten your extensions, always use a heat protectant spray first and keep the temperature on your tool moderate (under ~350°F). Avoid going over the same strand multiple times with an iron. It’s also best to only style when the extensions are dry. Styling wet or damp extension hair with hot tools can literally boil the moisture out of the hair - not good! Whenever possible, try heatless styling methods on your extensions (like rollers or flexi-rods for curls) to give them a break from the heat. Protecting your extensions from heat will keep them stronger and reduce shedding.
Secure Storage: One tip that often gets overlooked is proper storage. When you’re not wearing your clip-ins, store them carefully to prevent tangling and damage. After removing the wefts from your hair, close all the clips so the teeth don’t snag the extensions (or anything else). Then brush each weft gently from ends to roots to remove any tangles or shed hairs. Store the extensions in a container or case where they lie flat - for example, in the box they came in, a shoe box, or a satin/silk drawstring bag. Make sure the storage place is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight (sun can degrade and dry the hair over time). Also, ensure the extensions are fully dry before storing to prevent any mildew. You can even coil them or gently braid the wefts together before laying them in the box, to keep them from moving around and tangling. Good storage habits equal longer-lasting, less-shedding extensions!
Be Gentle During Application & Removal: Clip-in extensions are meant to be easy to put in and take out, but you still need to treat them kindly. When sectioning your hair and clipping in the wefts, don’t force or snap the clips onto super thick chunks of hair - they should clip onto a neat, small section close to your scalp. If you ever feel a clip pulling uncomfortably, reposition it rather than leaving it tugging (constant tension could loosen the weft or your own hair). When removing your clip-ins, take a few seconds to do it carefully: find each clip and fully open it before sliding the weft out. Never yank out a weft without opening the clips - that’s a recipe for not only losing extension hair but possibly your own hair too! Proper installation (even though clip-ins are temporary) keeps both your natural hair and the extensions intact.
Don’t Sleep or Swim in Clip-Ins: We’ll expand on this in the “Common Mistakes to Avoid” section, but it’s worth noting as standard care advice: remove your clip-in extensions before going to bed, hitting the gym, or jumping in the pool. Not only can the clips tug and cause damage (or rust in water!), but the excess friction and moisture will lead to major tangles and shedding. Extensions are designed to be worn for the day or event and then taken out - give both your scalp and the extensions a break when it’s time to sleep or shower. If you want something you can wear continuously, consider more permanent extension methods; clip-ins are temporary by design.
Following these expert tips will dramatically improve the lifespan of your clip-ins. Gentle handling, infrequent washing with the right products, and careful storage are the secrets to minimizing shedding. Now, let’s look at a few DIY hacks and home-care tricks you can do for even better results. These are extra steps (beyond the everyday routine above) that can further prevent shedding and keep your extensions looking flawless.
DIY Tips to Stop Shedding at Home
You don’t have to be a professional to give your extensions top-notch care. There are several DIY measures you can take at home to reinforce your clip-ins and deal with shedding issues. These tips are simple but highly effective for preventing and managing any hair loss from your extensions:
Seal the Wefts: One of the best-known tricks among extension veterans is weft sealing. This is a game-changer if you’re noticing a lot of shedding. Weft sealing means applying a thin line of glue along the stitched part of the weft to lock the hairs in place. It’s a quick DIY task that can dramatically minimize shedding (salonlareine.com). You can use a fabric glue or a specialized weft sealer (available at beauty supply stores) - something that dries clear and flexible. To do it: lay your extension wefts on a flat surface (protect the surface with wax paper or newspaper). With the clips open and the stitched side of the band facing up, run a line of glue along the stitches across the width of the weft. Wipe off any excess and make sure not to get glue dripping onto the hair strands. Let the glue dry completely (per the glue instructions) before using the extensions. This extra seal reinforces the bond and safeguards the weft against excess shedding, making them last longer. Many extension users swear by sealing as soon as they get new extensions to prevent any initial shed. Pro Tip: If you ever cut a weft into smaller pieces, definitely seal the cut ends as well, since you’ve opened up the stitching.
Brush Before Washing: We mentioned gentle brushing as a daily care tip, but it’s especially crucial right before you wash your extensions. Take a minute to thoroughly detangle each weft while it’s dry, using a soft-bristle or loop brush. If you wash extensions that already have knots or tangles, those tangles will get much worse (imagine wetting and scrunching up a knotted necklace - it’ll clump up). By brushing beforehand, you reduce the risk of having to pull out snarls from wet hair, which is when shedding is most likely. It’s a small step that prevents a lot of hair from coming out in the wash.
Use Lukewarm (or Cool) Water: When washing extensions in the sink, stick to lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can swell and roughen the hair cuticles, potentially weakening them (and too much heat isn’t good for any sewn parts either). Cool water keeps the hair smooth and can even help reduce shedding by not overly expanding the hair shaft. Plus, cool water seals in moisture better. So when rinsing out shampoo and conditioner, go for a cooler rinse - your extensions will thank you.
Gentle Shampooing Technique: To reiterate, be extremely gentle when shampooing. One effective method is the “dip and squeeze” technique: fill a basin or sink with a bit of diluted shampoo and water, and dip the extensions in and out, gently swishing them. Use your fingers to lightly stroke the hair downward - never pile or rub the hair in circles. Think of washing a fine cashmere sweater; you wouldn’t scrub it aggressively. The same delicacy applies here. You can also hold the weft under running water and smooth the shampoo down the length. The key is to avoid any rough motions that could loosen hair. Rinse by similarly dipping or running cool water over the weft from top to bottom.
Deep Condition or “Co-Wash”: Since clip-ins can get dry, a smart DIY routine is to deep condition them every few washes. After shampooing (or even instead of shampoo occasionally), apply a rich conditioner or a hair mask to the extensions. Work it through from mid-shaft to ends (again, skip the very top where the clips are attached, to keep that area clean and tight). Let the conditioner sit for 10-30 minutes, then rinse out thoroughly. This “co-washing” (conditioner-only washing) gives the hair a hydration boost and can make a big difference in softness and shedding. One stylist described co-washing as giving your extensions a “mini-vacation” - it leaves them soft, moisturized, and tangle-free (salonlareine.com). You might co-wash every other time you clean the extensions, for instance. Just be sure to rinse out all product so there’s no residue. Well-conditioned hair is more pliable and less likely to break off.
Pat Dry with a T-Shirt or Microfiber Towel: Traditional terrycloth towels can be rough on hair and create friction. A neat trick is to use a smooth cotton T-shirt or a microfiber towel to blot your extensions dry. After washing, lay the weft on the T-shirt and gently press to absorb water. Microfiber and cotton cause less frizz and friction than a regular towel, meaning fewer chances of snagging hairs. It’s the same idea many people use for their natural hair to reduce breakage. This gentle drying method, combined with air drying, keeps the hair cuticle smooth and intact.
Reinforce Loose Clips or Wefts: As you use your extensions over time, periodically inspect them. If you notice any loose threads on the weft or a clip that’s starting to come unstitched, fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. You can sew the clip or weft back down securely with a needle and thread (if you’re handy), or take it to a professional to reinforce. Likewise, if a clip feels wobbly, tighten the little screws (if the clip has them) or replace the clip. Keeping the extension hardware secure ensures that you’re not accidentally pulling hair out due to a loose clip catching or a weft unraveling.
Limit Products (Especially Heavy or Harsh Ones): It’s fun to style your extensions with various products, but be cautious. Heavy sprays, gels, and creams can build up on extension hair and require more frequent washing (which, as we know, can lead to more shedding opportunities). Also, products with high alcohol content (like strong hold hairsprays) or high sulfate content can dry out the hair terribly, causing brittleness. The DIY fix here is simple: stick to lightweight, extension-friendly products. For example, use a small amount of a light serum or a spritz of leave-in conditioner for shine or frizz control, rather than dousing the hair in spray. If you need volume, try a little dry shampoo at the roots of your natural hair (underneath the extensions) instead of teasing the extensions. And whenever you do use products, make sure to wash the extensions as needed to remove residues - don’t just keep layering more on, or the hair will become dull and more prone to tangling (which leads to more force required to brush, and you guessed it, more shedding).
Store Extensions Properly After Use: Good storage is a DIY care step worth repeating. If you’ve worn your clip-ins for the day, take a minute to care for them before tossing them aside. Brush them gently, fasten the clips, and store them neatly. For instance, you can lay the wefts flat in a box or hang them on a hanger designed for extensions. There are extension hangers/stands you can buy, or you can improvise with a pants hanger (clip the top of the weft to the hanger). Storing them hanging is great for air drying too. The main goal is to prevent them from getting tangled or dirty between uses. A cool closet or drawer is ideal. This DIY habit of proper storage will prevent a lot of the tangles that cause shedding in the next wear.
Each of these DIY tips will further bulletproof your extensions against shedding. You don’t necessarily have to do all of them every time, but incorporating as many as possible into your routine will definitely keep more hair on those wefts. By now, you have a solid arsenal of techniques to care for your clip-ins. Next up, let’s highlight some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid - sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, there are a few pitfalls that extension-wearers (especially newbies) often fall into. Steer clear of these common mistakes, and you’ll save yourself a lot of shedding and frustration:
Sleeping with Your Clip-Ins In: We get it - after a long day or a late night out, taking out your extensions might be the last thing you feel like doing. But do not sleep in clip-in extensions. This is one of the worst offenders for causing shedding and damage. Tossing and turning all night creates friction between your extensions and the pillow (and the clips tug on your hair and the weft). The result by morning? A matted, tangled mess where a bunch of hairs have either broken or pulled loose from the weft. Even the highest quality clip-ins can be ruined by consistent overnight wear. Always take a few minutes to remove them before bed. Your scalp will thank you, too - sleeping in clips can make your head sore or even cause stress to your roots. Bottom line: Sleeping with clip-ins is a big no-no if you want them to last.
Wearing Extensions During Workouts or Swimming: This goes hand-in-hand with the above. Clip-ins are not meant for high-sweat, high-movement activities. If you hit the gym with them in, the sweat and constant movement can lead to tangling, and the salt in sweat can dry the hair (plus the clips might slip). And as we illustrated, don’t wear clip-ins in the pool or ocean. Chlorine and salt water will dry out the extension hair like crazy, and water can loosen the clips’ grip - there’s even a risk a weft could slip out mid-swim! Save yourself the horror and remove extensions before swimming (store them safely, then put them back in once your hair is dry and you’re out of the water). For workouts, it’s best to take them out as well, or at least avoid really intense exercise with them in. The extra washing you’ll have to do after heavy sweating also isn’t great for the wefts. So, plan for extension-free gym sessions and swim days.
Brushing Aggressively or Improperly: Brushing mistakes are a huge contributor to shedding. Two big ones to avoid: using the wrong brush, and yanking through tangles. Don’t grab just any old brush and rake it through your extensions. Use a widely spaced comb or a brush designed for extensions (no tiny rubber balls on the bristles that can snag). And never start at the top and drag down through a knot - that will just rip hair out. Instead, always detangle from the bottom up, holding the hair near the top to avoid stressing the weft. Also, never brush wet extensions when they’re at their most fragile (wait until they’re partially dry and even then be gentle). If you hit a bad tangle, use a detangling spray or work it out slowly with your fingers. Patience is key. It might sound obvious, but in a rush, many people do brush too hard or hastily, and it costs them a lot of shed hair.
Neglecting Maintenance (Not Washing or Conditioning Enough): This might seem to contradict the “don’t over-wash” rule, but there’s a balance. If you never wash or condition your extensions, product buildup and dirt will accumulate, making the hair dry, dull, and more likely to tangle and break. Some folks make the mistake of thinking “I won’t wash them so they won’t shed” - but then they load on hairspray, texturizer, etc., for weeks on end. That gunk needs to be cleaned out or the hair fibers suffer. Solution: Clean your extensions when they need it. As a guideline, if you wear them daily, a gentle wash about once a week or every other week is recommended. If you wear them less often, wash after every several wears. And always rehydrate with conditioner. Also, don’t skip brushing and checking them after each use. Letting tangles sit will only tighten them over time. So while over-washing is a mistake, under-maintaining is one too. Give your extensions some regular love (brushing, cleaning, and conditioning) to keep them in good shape.
Using Harsh Products or Chemicals: We touched on this, but it’s worth emphasizing: the wrong hair products can wreak havoc on extensions. Avoid strong alcohol-based sprays, hard gels, bleach, or abrasive dyes on your clip-ins. For example, bleaching extensions can significantly weaken the hair (even if they’re human hair) - the processed strands might start snapping off. If you need a different color, it’s safer to buy extensions in that shade or have a professional color them with gentle products. Heavy hold styling products can make hair fibers stiff and prone to breakage. Stick to gentle, extension-safe products. When in doubt, look for products labeled for “dry or damaged hair” or “sulfate-free, paraben-free” etc., as they tend to be more hydrating and mild. Also, never use products like glues or adhesives on clip-ins (aside from the weft sealant we discussed, which stays on the weft). Some people think using eyelash glue or similar to secure a clip might help - trust us, it’ll just create a sticky mess and possibly dissolve the extension’s backing. Keep chemicals away from your wefts.
Improper Clip Placement or Overloading Hair: A more subtle mistake is clipping extensions in poorly which can cause them to shed or your hair to break. If you clip a weft onto too little hair (a very thin section), the weight of the weft can tug that small section of natural hair painfully and even pull some hair out - plus the extension isn’t secure and might slide, causing friction. Conversely, trying to clip into too much hair at once can bend the clips and put stress on the weft. Follow recommended techniques for sectioning your hair and attaching clip-ins. Usually, you section a thin, horizontal line of hair, tease it slightly (for grip), then clip the extension in. Make sure the clip is fully open when you push it in, then snap shut. If you hear/feel it click securely and it feels snug (not hanging or not too tight), you’re good. Also, don’t wear more wefts than you need. Wearing an excessive number of wefts (way beyond what the manufacturer suggests) can put a lot of cumulative weight on your scalp and hair, which isn’t good for either your hair or the extension wefts. Use what you need to achieve the look, but don’t overdo it.
By avoiding these mistakes - sleeping or swimming with extensions, rough handling, ignoring maintenance, and using the wrong products - you’ll prevent most of the common causes of shedding and extension damage. In short, treat your clip-in extensions like the delicate, beautiful enhancements they are. A little extra care goes a long way toward keeping them thick, shiny, and secure.
Conclusion: Keep Your Extensions Fabulous (Invest in Quality!)
You’ve learned the ins and outs of stopping clip-in extension shedding - from why it happens to how to care for your extensions like a pro. To cap things off, it’s worth highlighting that the foundation of long-lasting, low-shedding extensions is quality. If you’ve tried everything and your extensions still shed excessively, the issue might simply be the product itself. This is where upgrading to a better brand can make all the difference.
Barely Xtensions is a prime example of high-quality clip-in hair extensions that are designed to resist shedding. They’re made of 100% premium Remy Human Hair, which means the hair cuticles are aligned and intact for maximum strength and a natural look. The wefts are ultra-thin and hand-crafted with care, so the hair is securely sewn and evenly distributed - you won’t find thin, flimsy ends or weak stitching. In other words, you’re getting a product that’s built to last. Users of Barely Xtensions often find the extensions remain thick and gorgeous wear after wear, as long as they’re properly maintained. Plus, Barely Xtensions’ clips are lightweight and sturdy, reducing any strain on your hair. By investing in quality extensions like these, you set yourself up for success: fewer stray hairs on the bathroom floor, and more time enjoying the confidence that lush, voluminous hair brings.
Remember, even the best extensions need proper care, but starting with a high-grade product means you’re far less likely to encounter heavy shedding or tangling in the first place. Barely Xtensions offers that salon-grade quality (at an accessible price point) so you can style and flip your hair with confidence. When you run your fingers through Barely Xtensions, you’ll feel the difference - minimal shedding, silky movement, and beautiful fullness from root to tip.
In conclusion, shed-proofing your clip-in hair extensions comes down to understanding the causes, adopting a gentle care routine, avoiding the common mistakes, and choosing quality hair to begin with. With these tips in hand, you can say goodbye to constant shedding and hello to fabulous, long-lasting extension results. Here’s to rocking your clip-ins with confidence - no trail of lost hairs behind you!