Your extensions need love, too!
You want to keep your extensions looking good and feeling healthy, right? Of course, you do! That's why we've got the best tips and tricks for you when it comes to washing them.
Extensions can be a great way to add length and volume to your hair, but they need to be taken care of in order to look their best!
If you’re not careful, you can end up doing more harm than good. One of the most important things to remember is that your extensions need just as much – if not more – care than your natural hair. That means being gentle when brushing them, using the right products, and avoiding overuse of heated styling tools.
One common mistake is washing them too often. Just like your natural hair, synthetic and human hair extensions can become dry, damaged hair, and brittle if they’re washed too frequently. The best way to avoid this is to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner that will help to preserve moisture.
We know that finding a shampoo for extensions can be a little daunting, but it's definitely worth it in the end!
That's why we've put together this list with the best shampoos for extensions that are strengthening and sulfate-free.
How We Choose Our Favorites
You want the best for your hair extensions, but you don't know where to start.
We've got you covered. We've sorted through hundreds of options and picked out the best shampoos that are strengthening and sulfate-free!
We have found everything from the Best Clean Ingredient Shampoo for Extensions to the Best Shampoo for Removable Extensions.
So, whether you’re looking for an affordable option or something that makes you feel runway-ready, we’ve got you covered!
Scroll through the list and find the best shampoo for your needs, then click the button to start shopping for them today!
Our Top FeedbackFinds
Best Keratin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner for Extensions
Keranique Deep Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo and conditioner set that will help you achieve thicker, fuller hair to support your extensions? Look no further than Keranique's Deep Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set!
This duo is specially formulated to gently deep clean, thicken and volumize thin, fine hair – without weighing it down.
The scalp stimulating moisturizing shampoo is sulfate-free and designed to deep clean and stimulate the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate the hair follicles. Plus, the included Volumizing Conditioner contains Keratin Amino Complexes to help fortify hair and add volume. Use this set 2-3 times per week for best results.
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This shampoo also helps to control frizz and leave your hair and extensions feeling clean and light, thanks to the panthenol in the Scalp Stimulating Shampoo.
It's sulfate and paraben free, and it helps reduce the effect of humidity on your hair. Plus, it provides manageability so you can keep your hair looking its best all day long.
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Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo that will nourish and strengthen your hair and extensions? Look no further than ATTITUDE Nourishing & Strengthening Hair Shampoo!
Enriched with grapeseed oil and olive leaf extract, this shampoo provides deep conditioning to bring out your hair's natural luster. Additionally, the watercress and Indian cress leaf extracts provide vitamins and minerals to help efficiently regenerate, strengthen and protect all hair types, perfect for supporting extensions of all kinds.
Plus, this shampoo is EWG verified for clean ingredients, full transparency, and good manufacturing practices. Also, it is ECOLOGO certified, meaning the biodegradable formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
So why wait? Give your hair the natural nourishment and strengthening it deserves with ATTITUDE Nourishing & Strengthening Hair Shampoo today!
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This shampoo is gentle on your scalp and good for the planet! It uses plant- and mineral-based ingredients and is touched with a refreshing scent of sweet pear and ginger, making it a pleasure to use.
For our eco-conscious readers, it comes in a bottle made from recycled HDPE #2 plastic, which can be easily recycled and refilled thanks to our innovative eco-refills. So why not give this shampoo a try? You'll love the way it leaves your hair feeling soft, strong, and hydrated.
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Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo that can help give your hair extensions some strength and flexibility? Check out Sexy Hair's Strengthening Shampoo.
Formulated with mango butter and aloe vera, this color-safe shampoo provides moisture and helps to prevent split ends while also reducing breakage by up to 52% when used with the conditioner.
Your hair will feel lighter and airier after use and will be easier to manage overall. Plus, this sulfate-free formula is safe for all hair types, and best of all, extensions! Give your hair the nourishment and strength it needs with Sexy Hair Strengthening Shampoo.
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As suggested for this shampoo, all you have to do is apply shampoo to wet hair, starting at the roots and working down to the ends. Lather, rinse and repeat if necessary.
If you're experiencing breakage & damage from hot tools or extensions, this is the perfect daily shampoo to repair & strengthen! Sexyhair also ensures their bottles are made with up to 95% PCR and are continuously recyclable!
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Why It's A Winner
Looking for a shampoo that's gentle on your scalp, strengthening, and safe for color treated hair? Aveeno's Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Sulfate-Free Shampoo is infused with oat, blackberry, and quinoa protein to help preserve your hair color and prevent breakage.
It's free of sulfates, dyes, and parabens, making it ideal for all hair types and safe for preserving hair extensions. Plus, the light, refreshing scent will leave your hair smelling as good as it looks!
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This shampoo is blended with oat extract, which is known for its soothing properties - and it's the first ingredient! This ingredient, along with the blackberry and quinoa protein, will help to strengthen your hair from the roots, giving you the luscious locks you've been longing for.
The nourishing ingredients will leave your hair looking and feeling softer than ever before while supporting, strengthing, and hydrating your hair to hold extensions safely.
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Why It's A Winner
Introducing SheaMoisture's Residue Remover Shampoo for Synthetic and Natural Hair Extensions! This great shampoo is perfect for removing any residue or buildup from your removable wig or weave and leaves your natural hair soft, manageable, and shiny.
Formulated with tea tree and borage seed oil, this shampoo is gentle yet effective, and can be used daily. So don't let excess buildup keep your human hair extensions and natural hair from looking its best! Try this shampoo today!
Know A Little Bit More
This nourishing shampoo is infused with tea tree oil, borage seed oil, and aloe vera to help remove leftover residue without stripping hair's natural moisture.
To use, safely remove your wig or extensions and apply shampoo to wet hair along the hairline, targeting the remaining adhesive residue. Use your fingers to massage the shampoo into your hair until it is clean.
You can also shampoo your wig to refresh it. Follow these steps to keep your hair healthy and clean while being able to enjoy your hair extensions!
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Shampoo for Extensions FAQs
We know you want to find the a great shampoo for extensions, but you don't know where to start.
There are so many different shampoos for extensions on the market that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
We've put together this list of FAQs to help you make the best decision for your needs.
First, A Quick Word About Brushes for Hair Extensions
One of the most common questions is whether you can use a normal brush on your extensions or whether you need a special brush. We have a separate article that helps you understand what to look for in a brush!
Best Brush for Hair Extensions: Our Top 5 Tangle Tamers!
Can you wash extensions with any shampoo?
Shampooing your synthetic hair extensions is a bit different than shampooing your own hair. You need to be careful to pick a shampoo that is mild and sulfate-free in order to avoid damaging the extensions.
You should also avoid tangles by using a brush and a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any snags. Synthetic extensions do best when they are hand-washed and air-dried. By following these simple tips, you can keep your synthetic hair extensions looking their best.
What shampoo should not be used on hair extensions?
Hair extensions shampoos are a necessary part of their upkeep, but not just any shampoo will do. Most ordinary shampoos contain ingredients—such as sulfates, alcohol, oils, and silicones—that can shorten the life of your extensions.
Sulfate-based shampoos can strip your real hair of natural oils and result in overly dry, damaged hair extension. Alcohol can make the hair brittle and more susceptible to breakage. And while oils and silicones can help to condition the hair, they can also build up over time and weigh down the extensions.
For this reason, it's important to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for hair extensions. These hair products are gentle enough to cleanse the hair without damaging it, and they can help to prolong the life of your extensions.
How often should I wash my hair extensions?
Most people shampoo their hair extensions at least once a week as part of their regular hair care routine. Shampooing too often can strip the extensions of their natural oils and moisture, causing dry, damaged hair.
A good rule of thumb is to shampoo your hair when it starts to feel greasy or oily. Be sure to use a hydrating shampoo to keep your hair extensions hydrated and healthy looking.
Do hair extensions help your hair grow?
Extensions can help your hair to grow healthier and thicker. This is because the extensions add volume and weight to your natural hair shaft, which gives it a chance to rest and recover from any damage.
In addition, the extensions protect your natural hair from the sun and other environmental factors that can cause damage. As a result, your hair is able to grow stronger and longer.
So if you're looking for a way that promotes hair growth, consider getting extensions. With proper care, they can give you the long, strong, healthy hair you've always wanted!
Can I use oil on hair extensions?
You can use oil on hair extensions, but you should shampoo them first to get rid of any residue. Apply a small amount of hair extension-safe oil through the mids and ends of your hair each night on wet or dry hair.
Make sure to brush through for an even application and to avoid tangles, and overnight your extensions will become hydrated, stay voluminous, and ready to style!
Can I leave conditioner in my extensions overnight?
It’s important to shampoo and condition your hair extensions regularly to keep them looking their best. But if you’re short on time, you can also condition your hair extensions overnight. This will help to keep your hair extensions soft and shiny.
To overnight condition your hair extensions, first brush them thoroughly to remove any tangles and knots from the day. Then shampoo your hair extensions as you would normally shampoo your own hair.
Next, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair extensions, focusing on the ends. Finally, wrap your hair extension in a soft towel or scarf and leave them overnight. In the morning, rinse out the conditioner and style as usual.
How long do hair extensions last?
Many factors come into play when determining how often you should replace your hair extensions, including the type of hair extensions and the health of your natural hair.
Generally speaking, fusion extensions need to be replaced every 3-4 months, tape-in hair extensions need to be replaced every 4-8 weeks, and hand-tied extensions need to be replaced every 3-4 months.
However, if you have any doubts about when to replace your extensions, it's always best to consult with a professional stylist. They will be able to assess the condition of your hair extension and advise you on the best course of action. Replacing hair extensions may seem like a hassle, but it's worth it to keep your hair looking its best!
Is coconut milk shampoo good for hair extensions?
Yes, a shampoo containing coconut milk will help moisturize your extensions, and will also restore their elasticity to keep the extensions strong. It is still important to look for an SLS free shampoo conditioner combo.
Can I use dry shampoo on hair extensions?
Yes, you can, but read all product packaging recommendations and consider these tips to choose a safe product. Be sure the product does not contain sulfates, alcohol, artificial fragrance, dark colored hair dyes, or other toxins to avoid over-drying the strands.
Choose a product that does not contain talc to minimize residue. Not only is powder residue more noticeable on darker hair, but the additional build-up will also require extra cleaning and action on your delicate extensions.
Here's one of our faves:
OGX Extra Strength Refresh Restore + Dry Shampoo, Coconut Miracle Oil
or visit the OGX store.
Summing It All Up
So, whether you’re looking for a shampoo to help keep your extensions in great condition or are just curious about what the best options are, we hope that this article has helped!
Scroll back through or use the quick links below to get more information! And when you’re ready, be sure to check out or shop our favorite picks for the best shampoo for extensions – they’ve worked wonders for many reviewers and we think they might do the same for you!
Summary of Our FeedbackFinds
Best Keratin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner for Extensions
Keranique Deep Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Best Clean Ingredient Shampoo for Extensions
ATTITUDE Nourishing & Strengthening Hair Shampoo
Best Bulk Premium Shampoo for Extensions
SexyHair Healthy Strengthening Anti-Breakage Shampoo
Best Affordable Protein Shampoo for Extensions
Aveeno Blackberry Quinoa Protein Blend Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Best Shampoo for Removable Extensions
SheaMoisture Residue Remover Shampoo for Synthetic and Natural Hair
Our Favorite Dry Shampoo Suggestion from FAQs
OGX Extra Strength Refresh Restore + Dry Shampoo, Coconut Miracle Oil
Best of Luck!
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