London Hair Extensions
How long do hair extensions last? Fitted extensions are usually refitted every 6-8 weeks, but the hair itself can last much longer: standard tape-ins are described as lasting around 6-12 weeks, while premium hair from suppliers is said to last 6-12 months with good care. Flat tips can stay in for up to 3 months.
Two clocks run at once: how long an application stays in your hair, and how long the extension hair stays usable. This post separates them, shows the published figures and explains what shortens the life of extensions. For the methods themselves, see our guide to the types of hair extensions.
How long do hair extensions last by method?
| Method | Between salon visits | Hair reuse or lifespan found |
|---|---|---|
| Clip-in | Taken out each evening | Not stated in our sources |
| Tape-in | 6-8 weeks | Standard: 6-12 weeks; premium: reusable, 6-12 months with care |
| Weft | 6-8 weeks | Reusable for 6-12 months |
| Micro ring, nano ring | 6-8 weeks | Premium hair 6-12 months and reusable |
| Flat tip (fusion) | Up to 3 months | Not reapplied the same way; Laced Hair says new hair is needed each time |
These are supplier claims, and Cliphair itself says the life span depends on the quality of the hair and how well it is looked after.
What is the difference between a refit and a replacement?
A refit moves or re-attaches the same hair as your own grows, and a replacement is new hair. Cliphair says most permanent methods except fusion need maintenance after 6-8 weeks, either removed and reapplied or tightened and checked. As your hair grows the gap from the root to the extension widens, which can make them more noticeable or cause matting.
Cooviphair says tape-in hair can be reused 2-3 times and weft hair for 6-12 months, while Hair Rehab London says hair can be reused for 6-12 months with proper care. Laced Hair says keratin extensions cannot be reapplied, so new hair is bought for each application.
What makes hair extensions wear out faster?
- Missed refits. Extensions that are left too long can tangle and put strain on your own hair.
- Heavy or oily products. Hair Rehab London says oily products near bonds can cause slipping.
- Heat and sun. Excessive heat styling and sun exposure can dry out extensions.
- Chlorine and salt water. Hair Rehab London says these can cause dryness, tangling and discolouration.
- Hair quality. Cliphair says higher grades last longer than standard ones.
Our washing and care guide and our post on swimming with hair extensions cover the habits that help.
Is it worth paying for longer-lasting hair?
It can be, if you maintain it. Cliphair says reusable premium hair is more cost-effective over time, because you pay for refits rather than new hair each time, though it also says refit appointments cost money. Our cost guide lists the refit prices we found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some suppliers say premium human hair can last 6-12 months with good care, and Hair Rehab London says up to 12 months. That is the life of the hair, not one application: you still need refits every 6-8 weeks for most methods.
It depends on the method and hair grade. Cliphair says standard tapes have a life span of around 6-12 weeks and premium ranges 6-12 months. Keratin hair is not reapplied, so it is replaced at each application.
We found no firm figure in our sources. Cliphair says removing clip-ins before bed extends their life significantly, and good storage and gentle washing help. Replace them when the hair becomes matted or the clips stop holding.
Hair does not expire on a date, but it wears out as it is washed, heated and brushed. Human hair has no scalp oils to renew it, which is why aftercare matters and why quality and use decide how long it stays good.
Where to go next
Ask your stylist for the refit schedule and the expected life of the hair for your method before you start. You can find a salon by borough and method, compare methods, or read more on the blog.
How we prepared this post: we compared figures from Cliphair, Hair Rehab London, Cooviphair and Laced Hair, all read on 15 November 2026. They are suppliers with products to sell, and real life spans vary with care. The photographs are stock images from Pexels.
Ready to compare salons? Browse by London borough. Prime and Takeover placements are paid; this article is independent.