5 Signs Your Hair Extensions Need to Be Replaced
Like anything you invest in, hair extensions don’t last forever — and that’s perfectly normal. Whether you wear microlinks, tape-ins, wefts, clip-ins, or wigs, there will come a time when your extensions show signs that they’re ready to be retired.
Recognizing when it’s time for a refresh can help protect the health of your natural hair and ensure your style stays looking its best.
At SL Raw Virgin Hair, we believe caring for your hair — and knowing when it’s time to replace it — is part of honoring your beauty journey.
Here’s how to tell when it might be time to treat yourself to a fresh, fabulous new look.
1. Your Hair Extensions Feel Dry or Lack Natural Luster
One of the first signs that your extensions may need replacing is when they start feeling rough, brittle, or lose their natural shine — even after washing and conditioning.
Over time, daily styling, heat exposure, UV rays, and general wear cause the hair cuticle to break down. If your extensions still feel dry and dull after using a moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in, it could mean the hair is too worn to fully recover.
Common Signs:
- Extensions feel stiff or crunchy.
- Lack of bounce or flow after washing.
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Natural luster doesn't return even after deep conditioning.
Get the Look: Natural Wavy Shine
2. Shedding or Tangling Has Increased
While minimal shedding is normal over time, excessive shedding or tangling may point to bigger issues — especially depending on how the extensions were handled.
Examples of Poor Maintenance Shedding:
- Cutting into the wefts without sealing them can cause shedding.
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Improper tape-in removal (pulling sandwiches apart) can lead to matting or loosening at the root.
Examples of Natural Aging Shedding:
- After several months of wear, strands naturally loosen from the base.
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Older wefts or tapes gradually lose density through normal brushing and styling.
If you’re finding more hair in your brush or feeling more knots than usual, it might be a sign to refresh.
Shedding or Tangles? Read This Before You Replace
Smart maintenance can extend the life of your extensions. Learn gentle detangling, sealing tips, and what’s normal vs not.
Read the Guide3. You’ve Reached the End of the Expected Lifespan
Even the highest quality extensions have a recommended lifespan.
Typical Longevity Estimates:
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Microlinks: 10–13 months with proper maintenance.
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Tape-Ins: 8–10 months if cared for properly.
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Raw Wefts/Clip-Ins: 2-4 years if cared for properly + wear frequency.
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Wigs: 3-5 years, depending on wear frequency.
If you’re beyond these timeframes — or if your extensions are showing other signs of wear despite your care — it’s completely normal to start thinking about a replacement.
Editor’s Pick: Raw Lao Curly Microlinks
4. Extensions No Longer Blend Seamlessly with Your Natural Hair
Extensions should blend naturally with your hair, adding volume and movement.
If you notice that no matter how much styling you do, your extensions look flat, uneven, or obvious compared to your natural hair, it may be time to upgrade.
Signs Your Extensions Aren’t Blending Anymore:
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The ends look thin, scraggly, or noticeably different from your real hair.
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Volume is missing even after styling.
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Curls or texture no longer match your natural hair after refreshing.
When your extensions don’t give you the effortless, full look you love, it’s a clear sign that they’ve served their time.
5. Excessive Heat or Chemical Damage
While high-quality human hair extensions can handle occasional styling, over time, repeated heat use (flat irons, curling wands) or chemical processing (coloring, bleaching) can cause irreversible dryness and breakage.
Signs of Heat or Chemical Overuse:
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Permanent frizz, even after hydrating treatments.
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Splitting at the ends or along the strands.
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Loss of elasticity or curl pattern in textured extensions.
If your extensions no longer respond to hydrating products or look and feel damaged despite your best efforts, it’s a sign they deserve a graceful retirement — and it’s time for something fresh.
Time for a Refresh?
Seeing some of these signs? You deserve to love every part of your hair journey — and a new set of gorgeous, healthy extensions can make all the difference.
Shop SL Raw Extensions Trusted by women who value authenticity and beauty, SL Raw Virgin Hair offers the finest raw and natural textures — made to blend seamlessly and last beautifully.