How Long Do Hair Extensions Really Last?

One of the most common questions I get as a stylist and extension wearer is: How long does the hair last, and how often should you replace the wefts? As the creator of Natural Beaded Rows® and Isla Hand Tied Hair, I want to share my personal experience and insight with you after spending over 20 years behind the chair.

There’s a general rule floating around that extensions last about six months. I’ve used many brands over the years, and while that can be true, it’s not always the case. The truth is, it depends—on the brand, on the quality, and most importantly, on the person wearing it and their lifestyle.

Why I Created Isla Hand Tied Hair

I created Isla based on what I needed in my own hair. I was tired of bulky rows and hair that didn’t last or hold color well. Isla has more grams per weft than most brands, which gives maximum fullness without the bulk. It’s one of my favorite things about it.

Personally, I wear two full rows of Natural Beaded Rows plus a little mini piece in the crown. That’s four pieces on the bottom row, four on the main row, and one and a half on top. I tend to replace pieces more frequently than the “six-month rule” because I always want my hair to look fresh, full, and polished.

Every Client is Different

I always tell my clients—and remind myself—that we shouldn’t wait until the hair looks like it needs to be replaced. I’ve found that a lot of artists are hesitant to bring it up because they don’t want to seem like they’re upselling, but keeping the hair looking amazing should always be the goal.

During consultations, I usually tell clients the hair lasts up to six months. But not everyone remembers that mark. That’s why it’s so important to communicate. If it’s been three, four, or five months, I like to remind them to start thinking about budgeting for new hair.

Factors That Impact How Long Hair Lasts

Let’s talk about why this isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline:

I have baby-fine hair—like legit toddler hair—and my top layers just stop growing and break off. Most of what you see is extension hair, so I can’t really hide old wefts with my natural hair. That’s why I replace more often.
If you’re someone who likes switching up your color, replacing wefts is a great way to keep things fresh without over-coloring your natural hair. I’ll usually just add a few pops of color to my real hair, and then use highlighted extension pieces to finish the look.
If you’ve been in and out of the ocean or pool all summer, the wear and tear shows. Vacation hair might look cute in photos, but the extensions may need to be refreshed sooner.

My Personal Maintenance Schedule

I tighten my extensions every six weeks. Because of how fine my hair is, I don’t push it to eight or nine weeks like some of my clients can. And about every other visit, I’ll replace at least four wefts—not because the hair isn’t holding up, but because I want a little more shine, maybe a different tone, or just that fresh look.

When my clients come in, I always ask, “What’s bugging you?” and then offer a solution. Want to go lighter? Let’s talk. But remember, you can’t bleach out extensions—you can deposit color, but you can’t lighten them. So if you’re ready to brighten up, it’s probably time to replace a few pieces.

Keeping It Looking Good All the Time

Some of my clients feel like they’re buying new hair every time or every other time—and honestly, that’s not far off. But the result? Their hair looks amazing all the time. I’m a big believer in staying ahead of the curve, not waiting until it looks bad to make a change.

That’s really why I made this video—to break that unspoken rule in the hair industry that all hair lasts exactly six months. From working with tons of brands, wearing extensions myself, and helping clients for two decades, I know this is a super personal thing.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Hair extensions don’t have a hard expiration date. Listen to your hair, your lifestyle, and your goals. And don’t be afraid to refresh pieces sooner if that’s what it takes to keep your look feeling good.

Thanks for hanging out with me! Check out my YouTube channel for all my educational videos on all things hair!

https://youtu.be/thFxEdd8gx4

Danielle