How to Care for Your
Hair Extensions

Genius Weft extensions are moved up every eight weeks. As your natural hair grows, the weft moves further down from the scalp. When it drops too low, unnecessary tension can result — which is why staying on schedule matters. The maintenance appointment itself is not a full reinstall. Alternating between a quick move-up (beads slid back up) and a full move-up (beads removed and row restrung) keeps the extensions secure and comfortable while minimizing stress on your natural hair.

A move-up appointment involves repositioning the beaded row closer to the scalp as your natural hair grows. We alternate between two types: a quick move-up, where the beads are simply slid back up without removing the row, and a full move-up, where all the beads are removed, the row is restrung, and the weft is reattached. Alternating these two methods keeps the extensions secure and comfortable over time. Your stylist will also check the health of your natural hair and scalp at every appointment.

Keratin bonds are a single-wear method — each bond attaches to approximately 30 strands of your natural hair. Since the average person sheds 50 to 100 strands per day, the bond gradually has fewer hairs anchoring it over time. You can typically wear keratin bonds for 3 to 5 months before they need to be professionally removed and reapplied with new hair. Wearing them beyond five months without a proper removal is where over-wearing damage can occur.

V-Light extensions are bonded one hair to one hair using a UV-cured flat bond — similar in concept to eyelash extensions. Because they shed naturally as your own hair does, we recommend maintenance every three to four weeks to fill in any areas where natural shedding has occurred. This keeps the result looking full and seamless without requiring a full reinstall. V-Light extensions are the most discreet attachment Monaco offers and are ideal for the hairline and part-line area.

Yes. Monaco's mesh integration system uses one maintenance appointment every 4–6 weeks. For meshless integration and the beaded method, your specialist confirms your maintenance schedule during consultation. At each maintenance visit, your stylist will tighten the attachment as your natural hair grows and check the health of your scalp underneath. Clip-on toppers do not require salon maintenance appointments, but should be cleaned and inspected regularly at home.

No — and this is one of the most important rules of wearing extensions or a permanent topper. As your natural hair grows, the attachment point moves further from the scalp. When the distance becomes too great, the weight of the extension or topper creates tension on the anchor points, which can cause breakage or thinning over time. Staying on schedule is not just about appearance — it is about protecting your natural hair. If you need to reschedule, contact the salon as soon as possible so we can get you in at the closest available time.

Not always. For Genius Weft extensions and permanently attached toppers, the same hair can often be reused for several months if properly cared for — many clients get 12 to 18 months of wear from a single set of ZORA premium human hair. For keratin bond and V-Light extensions, new hair is required at each full reapplication because the bond is a single-use attachment. Your stylist will assess the condition of your hair at each appointment and advise you on whether it is ready for reinstall or whether a new set is needed.

This is one of the most common concerns clients have during a keratin bond removal — and it is completely normal. Each keratin bond traps the hairs that naturally shed from your scalp every day. Since the average person sheds 50 to 100 strands daily, a set of bonds worn for three to five months can trap hundreds of strands. When the bonds are removed, those trapped hairs are released all at once. It is not more hair than you would normally lose — it is just more visible because you are seeing weeks or months of natural shedding at once. Your natural hair remains healthy.

Avoid anything with heavy silicones, sulfates, or alcohol near the extension attachment points. Sulfates strip the hair of moisture and can dry out keratin bonds over time. Alcohol-based products applied near the bonds or beads can accelerate breakdown of the attachment. Heavy oils, deep conditioning masks, and balms applied directly on or around the bonds or beads can cause slippage and shorten the life of your extensions significantly. Your Monaco specialist will give you a personalized product guide at your appointment — follow it closely. The right products are one of the biggest factors in how long your extensions last.

No — and this is one of the most important rules of wearing professional extensions. Attempting to remove keratin bonds or beaded wefts at home without the proper tools and training is the fastest way to cause real damage to your natural hair. Pulling, cutting, or trying to slide out attachments on your own can result in breakage, thinning, and in some cases permanent damage to the hair shaft. Always return to the salon for removal. The process is fast — weft removal takes approximately 10 minutes — and when done correctly, your natural hair is left completely intact. If you experience discomfort before your scheduled appointment, call us and we will get you in.

Some clients experience mild itchiness in the first one to two weeks after installation — and this is completely normal. Based on our experience at Monaco Salon, approximately 20% of clients notice this at the two-week mark. The itchiness is typically caused by the scalp adjusting to the new attachments and the sensation of the beads or bonds sitting close to the scalp. It is not a sign of a reaction or a problem with the installation. In the vast majority of cases, it subsides on its own within a few days. If itchiness persists or feels intense, contact your stylist — we can assess the placement and recommend a scalp-safe product to soothe the area.