Best Shampoo for Hair Extensions: Top Picks for Long-Lasting, Healthy Hair

Searching for the best shampoos specially designed for hair extensions? This guide will help you find the info you need.

You’ll find specific recommendations on top shampoos. You’ll learn about the common ingredients so you know which ones to look for and the ones to steer clear of.

Also, we know that top-quality doesn’t always have to mean high-cost, so we’ve also included some budget-friendly options.

Your hair extensions are more than a style upgrade – they’re an investment. Protecting them with the best shampoo is key. Keep reading to discover our top picks and arm yourself with the knowledge you need. After all, even Rapunzel probably had a little help maintaining her legendary locks.

An important way to do that is to use the right shampoo. Choosing the wrong one can damage them and cause them to lose their luster.

So, what does it take to pick the best shampoo for hair extensions?

First, get a shampoo that’s gentle and won’t strip the extensions of their natural oils. Second, avoid shampoos that have sulfates and other harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Finally, choose a shampoo that’s specifically designed for hair extensions. They’ll generally provide the best care possible.

There are a ton of options out there and we know it’s hard to know where to start your search. That’s why we created this guide. Whether you have clip-ins, tape-ins, or sewn-in extensions, you’ll be able to pick a shampoo that’ll keep them looking their best.

Importance of Special Care for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be a great way to add length, volume, or switch up your style. But, they require special care to maintain their look and feel.

One of the most important aspects of caring for hair extensions is washing them properly. The trick is to use the right shampoo and not wash them too often. While it depends on how much you wear them, you may only need to wash your extensions once every 2-3 weeks.

Brushing your extensions frequently is also critical to their longevity. You’ll want to keep a good-quality detangling brush around. Be sure to brush through the entirety of your extensions, all the way up to your scalp. This will help prevent tangling and matting, which can lead to hair fall and damage to the extensions.

You’ll also want to avoid using heat-styling tools, such as curling irons and straighteners. If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low. This will help prevent damage and prolong the life of your extensions.

Choosing the Best Shampoo for Hair Extensions

So how do you choose the best shampoo for hair extensions? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

First, make sure that the shampoo you choose is gentle and won’t damage your extensions. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle.

Some great sulfate-free options include the Big Kizzy F.A.T.T Biotin Shampoo and the Color Wow Color Security Shampoo.

If you’d like to wash extensions as little as possible, consider using a dry shampoo. Dry shampoos can help absorb excess oil and sweat from the scalp. This’ll leave your hair looking and feeling refreshed.

The Ouai Detox Shampoo is a great option for those who want to extend the time between washes.

If your extensions are feeling dry or damaged, you may want to try a moisturizing shampoo. Look for shampoos that contain ingredients like coconut oil or shea butter. These help hydrate and nourish the hair.

For moisturizing, check out The OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo and the Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. Both are both great options.

Ultimately, the best shampoo for your hair extensions depends on your individual needs and preferences. You may want to test a few to see which one you like best.

Ingredients to Look for in Shampoos

There are certain ingredients that can help keep your extensions healthy and shiny. Here are the ones we recommend you look for when choosing a shampoo for your hair extensions:

Sulfate-free

Sulfates are harsh detergents commonly found in shampoos. They can strip your hair and extensions of their natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle. So look for a sulfate-free shampoo option. This will help prevent damage and keep your hair and extensions moisturized.

Moisturizing Oils

Some shampoos contain nourishing oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter. These ingredients can help moisturize your hair and extensions, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.

Biotin

Biotin is a B-vitamin that helps promote healthy hair growth and strengthens your hair and extensions. It can help keep your extensions looking healthy and strong.

Natural Ingredients

Using a shampoo with natural ingredients like aloe, castor oil, and green tea can help nourish and hydrate your hair and extensions. These ingredients also help soothe your scalp and prevent irritation.

Hydrating Ingredients

Look for shampoos that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin and phyto-peptides. These ingredients help lock in moisture and keep your hair and extensions hydrated.

Ingredients to Avoid in Shampoos

Now you know what to look for. Now let’s cover what ingredients you’ll want to avoid in shampoos for extensions.

Sulfates

We covered sulfates above and don’t have anything to add here. Just look for shampoos that are sulfate-free.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives used in some shampoos. They can cause irritation and allergic reactions. They can be harmful to both you and your extensions. It’s best to avoid them.

Silicones

Silicones are often used in shampoos to give your hair a smooth and shiny appearance. However, they can also cause buildup on your extensions, making them look dull and lifeless. So while they may be okay for natural hair, you don’t want to use them for extensions.

Drying Alcohols

Drying alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropyl, and propyl alcohol, can be harmful to your extensions. They can cause dryness and breakage, which make your extensions more prone to damage.

Harsh Ingredients

Harsh ingredients like short-chain alcohols and added perfumes can damage your extensions. They can lead to dryness, breakage, and other issues. Plus, they can make your extensions look dull and lifeless.

The Role of Conditioners and Oils

Now that we’ve covered shampoos, let’s talk conditioners and oils. Both play a big role in keeping them healthy and shiny.

Conditioners and oils help moisturize and nourish your hair extensions. The provides protection from them becoming dry and brittle.

As with shampoo, a good conditioner for hair extensions should be sulfate-free. And it should contain ingredients that help to detangle your hair extensions, making them easier to manage.

Look for conditioners with ingredients like argan oil, castor oil, jojoba oils, sweet almond oil, or Jamaican castor oil. These oils nourish and moisturize hair, leaving it soft and shiny.

Regular conditioners aren’t the only game in town. You might want to use a leave-in conditioner. They’re designed to be left in your hair to provide moisture and nourishment all day. They can also help to protect your hair extensions from environmental damage, such as UV rays and pollution.

If your hair extensions seem particularly dry or damaged, consider using a deep conditioner. They will penetrate the hair shaft and provide intense moisture and nourishment to your hair extensions. They can help to repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors.

As for oils you can use with hair extensions, there are lots of options.

One good one is Argan oil which will moisturize and nourish hair. Castor oil is believed to help promote hair growth. Jojoba oil is great for moisturizing the scalp. And sweet almond oil can help to prevent breakage and split ends.

Best Shampoos for Maintaining Volume and Shine

When it comes to maintaining volume and shine in your hair extensions, using the right shampoo is crucial. Here are some great options for volume and shine.

One great option is the Matrix Total Results Length Goals Shampoo. This shampoo can help your extensions remain soft and shiny for an extended period. It’s specially formulated to provide professional-quality care to your natural hair, wigs, and hair extensions.

Another good option is the NYK1 Salt Free And Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner set is sulfate-free and salt-free. This makes it gentle on both your natural hair and your extensions. It also helps prevent color fading, which is important if you have colored extensions.

To maintain volume, you can also try using a volumizing shampoo like the Love Planet and Beauty Volumizing Shampoo. This shampoo contains coconut water and mimosa flower. They work to gently cleanse and nourish hair. It’s added coconut oil helps strands appear thicker.

One quick tip before we move on. Be careful to avoid product buildup. This can weigh down your extensions and make them appear dull.

To prevent this, rinse extensions thoroughly after shampooing and conditioning and avoid using too much product.

Choosing Cruelty-Free and Vegan Hair Products

For many it’s important to choose options that align with your values when shopping for products. Here are some tips if you want to use cruelty-free and vegan hair products.

Firstly, look for products certified by organizations such as Leaping Bunny or PETA. These certifications mean the product wasn’t tested on animals or contain any animal-derived ingredients.

Many people also prefer to use vegan hair products. Vegan products don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients like honey or keratin.

The good news is there are a bunch of options for choosing cruelty-free and vegan hair products. Brands such as Attitude, Pacifica, and NYK1 offer a variety of products that are both cruelty-free and vegan. Plus, many mainstream brands are starting to offer cruelty-free and vegan options too!

Budget-Friendly Options for Hair Extension Care

You may be thinking, “This all sounds great, but I’m not made of money. How much do these products cost?”

Good news! There are some very affordable options out there. Here are some worth checking out:

Shampoo

L’Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo: This sulfate-free shampoo is a great option for those on a budget. It’s gentle on your hair and won’t strip away the natural oils that keep your extensions looking healthy. Plus, it’s formulated with rosemary and juniper to help soothe your scalp.

Herbal Essences Bio Coconut Milk Shampoo: This shampoo is perfect for those who want to nourish their hair extensions without spending a lot of money. It’s infused with coconut milk, which is known for its hydrating properties. It’s also free from parabens, gluten, and colorants.

Conditioner

Suave Professionals Coconut Milk Infusion Conditioner: This conditioner is a great option for those who want to keep their hair extensions soft and silky. It’s infused with coconut milk, which can help nourish your hair and prevent breakage. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find at your local drugstore.

Garnier Whole Blends Replenishing Conditioner: Formulated with honey and royal jelly, this conditioner can help strengthen and protect your hair extensions. It’s also free from parabens and gentle enough to use every day.

Leave-In Treatment

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Leave-In Conditioning Spray: This leave-in treatment can help detangle your hair extensions and keep them moisturized all day. It’s got vitamin E to help protect your hair from environmental stressors. I

OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil: This leave-in treatment is perfect for those who want to add shine and hydration to their hair extensions. It’s infused with argan oil, which can help nourish and protect your hair. Simply apply a small amount to your hair extensions before styling for a healthy, glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shampoo should you use for hair extensions?

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for hair extensions, go for a gentle formula that won’t damage or weaken the extensions. Look for shampoos that are specifically designed for use with hair extensions. These shampoos are usually sulfate-free and contain ingredients that help to keep the extensions looking healthy and shiny.

What is the best sulfate-free shampoo for hair extensions?

Sulfate-free shampoos are the best option for hair extensions. As mentioned above, they’re gentle and won’t strip the extensions of their natural oils. Some of the best sulfate-free shampoos for hair extensions include Matrix Total Results Length Goals Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Pureology Hydrate Sulfate-Free Shampoo, and OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo.

Can I wash my hair extensions with normal shampoo?

It’s not a good idea to wash your hair extensions with normal shampoo. Regular shampoos often have sulfates and other harsh ingredients that can damage the extensions. It’s better to use a shampoo specifically formulated for hair extensions to keep them looking healthy and shiny.

What not to wash hair extensions with?

Avoid using shampoos that contain sulfates, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients. They can damage the extensions and cause them to become dry and brittle. Also, avoid using hot water when washing your hair extensions as this can cause them to become tangled and damaged.

What is the best shampoo and conditioner for human hair extensions?

There is no single “best” option. Follow the advice above and try a few options to find the one you like the most. Some great options to try are Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner, Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner, and Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner.

What is the best shampoo for tape in extensions?

Tape in extensions require a gentle shampoo that won’t damage the adhesive. Look for shampoos that are sulfate-free and designed for use with hair extensions. Some of the best options include Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo, and Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo.