Hair extensions offer the ability to have long, thick hair right away, which is ideal for weddings, proms or special occasions. When the event is over, however, many people look for a way to remove their extensions - read the article below to get a better idea of how to safely remove any extensions, from clip-ins to keratin ones.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove the Stitched Extensions

Step 1. Reminder
- If the bond doesn't break right away, don't twist or squeeze harder. To carefully remove the extension, simply add more acetone or gel to the bond.
- Purifying shampoos will help remove excess olive oil, as well as glue residue from the strands.
- Remove the extensions slowly, as rushing may cause you to cut your hair.

Step 2. Place the keratin bond in the mouth of the forceps and lightly squeeze
Turn gently until you see that the bond begins to break.

Step 3. Wash your hair with a purifying shampoo

Step 4. Slide the extension off

Step 5. Pull the strand with your fingers until the extension begins to separate from the pre-woven track
If it's not damaged or cracked, set it aside. You may reuse the extension in the future

Step 6. Repeat until all extensions are removed from the hair

Step 7. Repeat until all extensions are removed

Step 8. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb to remove any remaining glue residue

Step 9. Remove pre-intertwined tracks

Step 10. Wash, conditioner and style your hair as usual

Step 11. Wash and condition your hair as usual
Method 2 of 3: Remove the Extension Clip-in

Step 1. Remove your extensions every night before bed
Remove them even before taking a shower.

Step 2. Use hair tongs to keep all natural hair at bay

Step 3. Wash and wet your hair

Step 4. Uncover sewn extensions by pinching the natural hair away from the seam
Method 3 of 3: Remove Keratin Bonded Hair Extensions

Step 1. Reminder
- Don't try to remove many extensions all at once. You will be able to remove hair extensions much easier and more confidently if you work slowly and diligently.
- Olive oil will help break and loosen the adhesive. If you're having trouble loosening the bond, apply heat with a hair dryer.

Step 2. Isolate an extension bound with keratin

Step 3. Apply olive oil to all wet hair, including the roots
Leave on for about 15 minutes.

Step 4. Isolate a sewn extension

Step 5. Rub a small amount of acetone or other alcohol based gel on the actual attachment point
The alcohol is intended to physically break the bond that makes the extension adhere to your natural hair.

Step 6. Gently pull the strand until it gives out and slips away

Step 7. Find where the extension was sewn and carefully cut the thread
Advice
- If you don't feel like removing the extensions yourself, go back to the person who applied them. That person is probably the one who knows their job best and can remove extensions most effectively.
- Visit a few beauty salons to buy alcohol-based gels specifically designed to break the bonds of hair extensions.
- Depending on the type of extension you have chosen, their life span will be between 2 and 6 months. After this period, they will begin to slip or look ruined and you will have to throw them away.