The Best Hair Care Routine for Extensions + Thinning Hair
From Breakage to Growth: My Healthy Hair Journey
Hair extensions aren’t just about adding length—they can be a lifeline when your natural hair needs time to heal. Here’s my personal story of how extensions helped me regain confidence and how BondiBoost supported my hair recovery.
Cat's Personal Journey
What made you decide to try extensions?
I turned to extensions after a really rough patch—right around the time I had COVID, I also had a horrible salon experience that left my hair brittle, breaking, and totally fried. My natural hair kept getting shorter and thinner no matter what I tried. Extensions became my little lifeline—they helped me feel like myself again while hiding the damage underneath.
Have you experienced hair thinning or shedding? What was that like for you?
Oh yes, I’ve always been a big shedder! Even as a kid, my mom used to joke that she had to vacuum daily because my hair was everywhere. While shedding can be normal (we actually shed anywhere from 50–100 strands a day on average), when your hair is already fragile, it feels extra noticeable.
What brand do you use?
I’m currently all about BondiBoost—it’s the only brand I use now. Before that, I was rotating through salon staples like Oribe, R+Co, and Redken, but once I saw the results from BondiBoost, I’ve stuck with it exclusively.
Hair Care & BondiBoost Routine
What does your hair care routine look like now?
My routine is simple but consistent. I use the BondiBoost HG Shampoo + Conditioner religiously, and I work in the HG Miracle Mask once or twice a week for deep hydration. I never skip a leave-in conditioner, and heat protectant is non-negotiable—I reapply every time I style. Keeping hair hydrated and protected from heat is key, whether you wear extensions or not.
Which BondiBoost products are your ride-or-dies and why?
The HG Shampoo and Conditioner, hands down. They completely transformed my hair. They’ve been such a game-changer that I’ve actually been able to take out my extensions and embrace my own hair again, which I never thought I’d say!
How do you use BondiBoost while wearing extensions?
I use BondiBoost exactly the same way I would without extensions. The biggest thing is being mindful of care—healthy extensions = healthy hair journey. Taking care of your extensions not only makes them last longer (which saves money), but it also shields your natural hair from some of the environmental and styling stress. Think of extensions as armor: they take on the damage so your real hair has a chance to recover and grow stronger.
Have you noticed any changes in your natural hair growth or texture since starting the products?
Absolutely. I’ve seen huge improvements in both length and thickness. My before-and-after photos don’t even look like the same head of hair. It’s the kind of progress that makes you feel like all the consistency is worth it!
Confidence & Styling
Do extensions help you feel more confident while growing your hair out?
Definitely. Extensions act like a little mask for your hair, hiding the flaws while you put in the work behind the scenes. Having them in gave me confidence to go about my life without constantly worrying about how thin or damaged my real hair looked.
Any tips for styling extensions while still caring for your natural hair?
Treat your extensions as if they’re your real hair—that’s my golden rule. Use heat protectant, keep them moisturized, and avoid over-styling. By protecting your extensions, you’re also protecting your natural hair underneath, which is what the whole journey is about.
Tips for Hair Growth and Caring for Extensions
What would you say to someone struggling with hair loss or thinning?
Trust the process. I know it’s frustrating when you want results yesterday, but hair health really is a long game. Be patient, be consistent, and remember that hair does grow back. If you’re putting in the effort with the right products and care, the payoff will come—it just takes time.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about combining hair extensions with a healthy hair journey?
That extensions, when done properly, are not damaging! In fact, when installed by an experienced professional and cared for regularly, they can actually help you protect your natural hair while it grows. The key is upkeep—regular salon maintenance, gentle at-home care, and never skipping your wash-day routine. Extensions should be a tool to support your journey, not a shortcut around it.
Hair extensions can be a powerful ally in your healthy hair journey—giving you the confidence to feel like yourself again while your natural hair recovers. With the right routine and the right products, you can use extensions as both a protective shield and a style enhancer while building the hair you’ve always wanted.
