Hair Extension FAQ's

Everything you need to know about choosing, wearing and caring for your SH hair extensions.

Choosing Your Extensions

Which method is right for me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hair extensions. The best method for you will depend on your natural hair, lifestyle and the result you’re looking for.

Invisible Wefts are a seamless, lightweight option suitable for all hair types, while Silk Flat Wefts are great for medium to thick hair. Tape-Ins offer a quick, comfortable application and work particularly well for shorter hair. Keratin Bonds and Flat Tips offer discreet, individual placement and are a great option for finer hair or creating a completely customised blend.

Looking for something temporary? Clip-Ins give you instant length and volume without the commitment.

Still unsure? Explore our Method & Density Guide to find your match.

How much hair do I need?

It depends on your natural hair density and how much length and volume you want to create.

As a general guide, 100g is considered a full head across our Tape-In, Weft and Keratin Bond/Flat Tip ranges and is a great starting point for a natural-looking transformation.

If you have medium to thick hair, are making a big change in length or want a fuller result, 150g+ may be needed for a seamless blend.

Our Method & Density Guide breaks down exactly how much we recommend for each extension method.

How do I choose my colour?

A good colour match is one of the secrets to extensions that disappear into your natural hair.

Explore our Colour Guide or use our free colour-matching service. Simply send us 2–3 photos of your hair from behind in natural daylight, with your hair down and no flash, filters or edits, and we'll help you find your SH shade.

If you're a stylist regularly working with SH hair, we highly recommend having an SH colour ring on hand for the most accurate match.

How long does my natural hair need to be?

As a general guide, your natural hair should be at least 2 - 3 inches long to achieve a seamless result.

However, the right method and amount of hair will depend on your cut, density and desired result. If you're unsure, get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction.

Installation & Maintenance

How often do extensions need maintenance?

This depends on the method you're wearing.

Wefts and Tape-Ins require regular maintenance appointments every 4 - 6 weeks as your natural hair grows, while Keratin Bonds and Flat Tips are designed as a longer-wear option and can last approximately 3 - 6 months before requiring removal and replacement.

Your natural hair growth, shedding cycle and home care can all affect your maintenance schedule, so always follow the recommendations of your extension stylist.

Why are my Keratin Bonds slipping?

Losing a small number of Keratin Bonds throughout your wear can be completely normal. Your natural hair is constantly shedding, so you may lose up to approximately 10% of your bonds over a 12-week period as part of your natural shedding cycle.

If you're experiencing excessive slipping, preparation is one of the first things to check.

Before installation, the hair should be double shampooed with no conditioner applied to the roots. This removes excess oils and product build-up and gives the keratin the best possible surface to hold onto.

If you're losing significantly more bonds than expected, speak with your extension stylist so they can determine what's causing it.

How soon can I wash after installation?

We recommend waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after your extensions have been installed before washing them.

Once you're able to wash your hair normally, always use extension-safe products and take extra care around your attachment points.

Will extensions damage my natural hair?

When the correct extension method is chosen for your hair and it's professionally installed, maintained and cared for, extensions shouldn't cause unnecessary damage to your natural hair.

Correct application is incredibly important. Extensions placed too close to the scalp, installed using the wrong amount of natural hair or allowed to become excessively grown out can place unnecessary tension on your hair and scalp.

Choosing the right method, having your extensions professionally installed and keeping up with your maintenance appointments makes all the difference.

Hair Care

What products should I use on my hair extensions?

Hair extensions don't receive the natural oils from your scalp in the same way your own hair does, so keeping them hydrated is key.

We recommend using hydrating, extension-friendly products and particularly love the MUK Ultra Soft range for SH hair.

Regular moisture, gentle brushing and good heat protection will help keep your extensions soft, shiny and looking their best for longer.

Please note: using keratin or protein-based products on your SH extensions will void your 12-month quality guarantee.

What products should I avoid on my extensions?

Avoid products containing keratin or protein, particularly products marketed as repairing or reconstructing. These can cause extensions to become dry and brittle with repeated use.

We also recommend being careful with sunscreen around your extensions. Ingredients including avobenzone and octocrylene can contribute to discolouration.

Can I use keratin or protein products on my hair extensions?

Avoid all products containing keratin or protein on your SH extensions.

While they might sound like they’d be good for your hair, repeated use can cause extensions to become dry, brittle and more prone to breakage.

Keep an eye out for products labelled repairing, strengthening, reconstructing or protein-rich, as these can contain added keratin or proteins.

Please note: using keratin or protein-based products on your SH extensions will void your 12-month quality guarantee.

Instead, stick to hydrating, moisture-focused products to keep your extensions soft, smooth and nourished.

Can I use sunscreen with my hair extensions?

Yes, but be careful when sunscreen comes into contact with your extensions.

Some sunscreens contain ingredients such as avobenzone and octocrylene, which can react with the hair and cause hair to go pink, particularly on lighter and blonde shades.

When applying sunscreen, keep your extensions away from freshly applied product, wash your hands before touching your hair and avoid letting your lengths sit against sunscreen-covered skin.

Our tip: Tie your hair up while applying sunscreen and give it time to absorb before letting your extensions back down.

How often should I wash and brush?

We recommend to try and keep your extensions clean, hydrated and tangle-free without over washing them. Twice a week is recommended.

Brush gently and regularly using an extension-friendly tangle teaser brush, supporting your attachment points as you work through the hair. When washing, focus shampoo on your scalp and use hydrating products through your lengths and ends.

And never go to bed with wet extensions, make sure they're completely dry before sleeping.

Can I straighten or curl my extensions?

Absolutely. SH extensions are made from 100% human hair, so you can straighten, curl and style them just like your natural hair.

Always use a heat protectant and avoid excessive temperatures or repeated heat styling. Your extensions don't receive the same natural oils as your own hair, so too much heat can dry them out and shorten their lifespan.

Can I colour my SH extensions?

We don't recommend bleaching your extensions.

If you choose to colour or tone your SH hair, always perform a strand test first and remember that chemically altering the hair, including dyeing, bleaching or toning, voids the SH Signature Range warranty.

Where possible, we'd always recommend choosing the closest shade from our extensive colour range rather than chemically altering your extensions.

Why are my hair extensions turning warm or changing colour?

Noticing your extensions looking warmer than when you first installed them? There are a few things that can cause it.

  • Hard water Contains alkaline, minerals, and limescale, which can cause discolouration. You can install a filtered shower head to help prevent this. 
  • Sunscreen Containing avobenzone and octocrylene can turn your extensions pink. Opt for a mineral free one and wear your hair off your shoulders.
  • Chlorine water Can strip away the violet colour from hair extensions and make them turn orange. You can wet your hair with fresh water, apply conditioner, and braid your hair extensions to create a barrier. 
  • Salt water Can strip the pigments from hair extensions and leave them discoloured, dry, and tangled. You should wash your hair immediately after swimming in salty water. 
  • Iron Can leave blonde hair brassy and orange, or even pink.

If mineral build-up is the culprit, a mineral-removing treatment such as Malibu C Swimmers Wellness can help remove the build-up and neutralise unwanted tones.

What hair oil do you recommend using on my extensions?

We recommend Moroccan oil, or an oil that's "Hair extension friendly".

Moroccan Oil is a restorative treatment for damaged hair and skin. It helps maintains hair extensions also, giving shine and moisture to the hair. It does not contain red colourings, this means it will not discolour the lighter hair extension tones.

About SH Hair

Why are there short hairs in my hair extensions?

Don’t panic, they’re meant to be there!

Just like your natural hair, extensions are made up of different hair lengths. This blend helps them look more natural once installed and means your stylist doesn’t have to cut away loads of perfectly good hair just to get everything to blend.

Those shorter hairs can sometimes be more noticeable when you first unwrap your extensions too, thanks to a little static making them flick out.

At SH, our extensions have a 35% thick-end ratio, above the industry average of 25 - 28%, giving you the fullness where it matters, a natural-looking blend and keeping professional-quality hair at an accessible price point.

What does 35% thick-end ratio mean?

It refers to the percentage of hair in the bundle that reaches its full advertised length.

For example, not every strand in a 22-inch bundle will measure exactly 22 inches. Instead, the bundle contains a carefully balanced blend of lengths, just like your natural head of hair does.

Our 35% thick-end ratio gives you fullness through the lengths and ends while still allowing the extensions to blend naturally once installed.

The hair extension industry standard is: 25 - 28%

How is SH hair quality checked?

We take our quality seriously.

Every SH bundle goes through three separate quality checks before it's sent, including checking and confirming the hair ratio.

It's one of the ways we make sure the hair arriving at your salon meets the SH standard before you even open the packet.

How long should my SH extensions last?

How long your extensions last will depend on the method, how frequently they're worn or reused, your home care, heat styling and the products you use.

Our Signature Range comes with a 12-month quality guarantee covering manufacturing faults such as excessive shedding, matting or breakage.

The guarantee doesn't cover normal colour fading or damage caused by unsuitable products, chemical processing or excessive heat styling.

What Makes SH Extensions Different?

We don’t cut corners with harsh chemicals or silicone coatings. Many brands process their hair this way to create a temporary silky feel, but once the coating wears off, the hair quickly becomes dry, brittle, and tangled.

Our SH Signature Extensions are crafted from higher-quality Remy double-drawn human hair (thick from top to bottom) with minimal processing. That means:

  • They stay soft and silky wash after wash
  • They last longer without matting or shedding
  • They look and feel natural for months, not weeks

With SH, what you see on day one is what you’ll keep loving for the long run.

Because life’s too short for extensions that give out early.

Where does SH hair come from?

SH extensions are made from 100% Remy, double-drawn Asian human hair, sourced through trusted manufacturers in China.

We believe in being transparent about where our hair comes from rather than using misleading labels such as “European” or “Russian” hair.

We have long-standing relationships with our manufacturers and Samantha has personally visited the factories multiple times to see the sourcing and production process firsthand.

Are SH extensions acid washed or silicone coated?

No. SH hair is free from acid washing and silicone coatings.

Excessive chemical processing and silicone coatings can sometimes be used to disguise lower-quality hair and create an initially silky finish. We've chosen to prioritise the quality of the hair itself instead.

What does Remy hair mean?

Remy hair means the hair cuticles are kept aligned in the same direction, helping to reduce tangling and keep the hair smoother and more manageable.

SH extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair, giving you hair that looks, feels and styles beautifully.

Orders, shipping & returns

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! We ship SH hair worldwide.

International shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location, and delivery times will vary depending on your destination and carrier.

Please keep in mind that international orders may also be subject to local customs fees, duties or taxes. These are charged by your destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient.

How long will my order take to be dispatched?

Orders are generally processed within 1 - 2 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Orders placed after 2pm AEST will begin processing the following business day.

Once your order has been shipped, you'll receive tracking information via email so you can keep an eye on its journey.

Can I return hair that's been sitting in my salon for months?

Unfortunately, no.

We completely understand that plans change, clients change their minds and sometimes a packet of hair ends up sitting unused in the salon cupboard.

See our Returns and exchanges policy to see our required timeframe for our to be returned.

So if you've had a packet sitting around for months, or a year, we unfortunately can't take it back simply because it hasn't been used.

If you've ordered the wrong colour or length, get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can help organise an exchange while your order is still eligible.

Can I exchange my extensions if I've ordered the wrong colour or length?

Yes! If you’ve ordered the wrong colour or length, you can exchange your extensions within 10 days of receiving your order.

Hair must be unopened, unworn and in its original condition, with all packaging, seals and tapes intact.

If you realise you’ve ordered the wrong shade or length, don’t open the hair, get in touch with our team as soon as possible and we’ll help organise your exchange.

Can I return opened or worn hair extensions?

No. For health and hygiene reasons, we're unable to accept hair extensions that have been opened, worn or altered.

This includes hair that has been washed, styled, coloured, toned or bleached, or extensions where the weft seal or tape has been removed.

If you believe your SH hair is faulty, please contact our team so we can arrange an inspection under our quality guarantee.

What if I think my hair is faulty?

While we pride ourselves on high quality, we understand faulty can can happen from time to time. Please get in touch with us if you feel your hair is faulty.

Our Signature Range comes with a 12-month quality guarantee. If you believe you've received faulty hair, it will need to be returned to SH for inspection.

If we confirm a manufacturing fault and a replacement is available, we'll replace the product. If a replacement isn't available, a refund may be issued.

Please remember that the guarantee doesn't cover normal colour fading or damage caused by unsuitable products, chemical processing or excessive heat styling.

Still have a question?

We've got answers.

If there's something we haven't covered, get in touch with the SH team and we'll be happy to help.