Your Complete Guide to Extension Care: Methods, Move-Ups & More
Your extensions are an investment — and like anything worth investing in, they need a little upkeep to keep looking their best. Whether you're new to extensions or a longtime Gilded Girl, here's everything you need to know about staying on schedule.
How Often Do You Need a Move-Up?
As your natural hair grows, your extensions grow with it — which means the bond point gradually shifts further from your scalp. A move-up appointment is where your stylist carefully removes your extensions, moves them back up close to the root, and reinstalls them for a seamless, comfortable fit.
The general rule: plan on a move-up every 6–8 weeks. This keeps your extensions sitting naturally against your scalp and prevents unnecessary tension or slipping.
What Happens at a Move-Up Appointment?
During your move-up, your stylist will:
Carefully remove your existing wefts or beads
Reposition them closer to your root
Perform any necessary color maintenance to keep your blend seamless
Reinstall for a natural, comfortable finish
Think of it as a refresh — not a full redo. It's what keeps your extensions looking effortless between installs.
Hand-Tied vs. K-Tips —
Not all extension methods are created equal, and the right choice often depends on your hair goals, texture, and lifestyle.
Hand-Tied Extensions use wefts sewn onto a hidden bead row, giving a flat, seamless attachment point with a naturally full look — especially at the crown and part line. They're a great option for adding overall volume and length with minimal daily maintenance between move-ups.
K-Tip Extensions are individually bonded strand by strand, which allows for incredibly precise placement. This makes them a great option for targeting specific areas — like framing the face, adding density near a part, or blending finer, more delicate hair.
Depending on your goals, your stylist may recommend one method or, in some cases, a combination of both to achieve a specific result. This fall, we're excited to welcome Amanda, our incoming Senior Stylist and K-tip specialist, to the Gilded team — so if you've been curious about K-tips, this is the appointment to book.
When Do You Need New Hair?
Even with great care, extension hair has a lifespan. We recommend replacing your hair every 6–9 months. Over time, the hair can start to feel slightly drier or less vibrant, even with proper care — and fresh hair means your blend stays as seamless as day one.
A Simple Way to Stay on Track
If you're ever unsure where you land in your cycle, your stylist is always your best resource — but as a general guide:
Every 6–8 weeks: Move-up appointment
Every 6–9 months: New hair
Staying consistent with this schedule isn't just about maintenance — it's what keeps your extensions looking natural, comfortable, and healthy long-term.
For a deeper dive into day-to-day care — washing, styling, and product recommendations — check out our full Extensions Aftercare guide.
Ready to book your next move-up, or curious if a hybrid approach is right for you?