The 10 Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a great option, whether you want to add volume, length, or change your hair for the summer. However, without proper care and maintenance, you might end up with dull hair strands, matted hair, or worse, irreversible damage to your natural hair. It all starts by finding the best shampoo for hair extensions. 

Things To Consider Before Buying Hair Extensions Shampoo

I always use one brand and type of shampoo for my hair extensions for one reason, to avoid testing out on my expensive hair. Unfortunately, so often, many individuals fall prey to flashy advertisements about “the best shampoo for hair extensions” and buy dangerous products that end up doing more damage than good. Check out our article about myths and misconceptions: ‘can hair extensions harm your hair?‘.

Also, hair extensions can be braided too. Especially you should try Dutch braid or French braid. You can make it really long and colorful without hurting your real hair.

According to Byrdie, finding the right shampoo for your hair extension is essential because they are specifically designed to hold the bonds together and ensure they do not slip. Finally, the right shampoo should also prevent oil or dirt accumulation around these crucial bonds. For the best choices, consider the following:

• Dry Hair/Itchy Scalp – Always buy moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo that promotes hydration and moisture retention, especially if you have a flaky scalp. For those of us who have sensitive scalps that often get irritatingly itchy, opt for products that are not too aggressive on your hair and do not contain sulfur ingredients.
• Damaged Hair – Although we all like heated hair extensions stying, it often severely damages our hair. Instead, try adopting a much safer option, such as repairing or fortifying shampoo with active protein ingredients that strengthen your hair.
• Oily Hair – We must all agree that greasy hair is a girl’s worst nightmare, especially when running late. Always ensure that you select lightweight shampoo because heavy ones will only weigh your hair down. Also, you could abstain from using moisturizing shampoos because they will only add to the oil.
• Color-treated Hair – You want to ensure to select a shampoo that will not make your color-treated hair lose its pigment until your next appointment. Again, buy a product that protects your hair from splitting and one that maintains the hair color.

Why Should You Use Shampoo on Hair Extensions?

To prolong the longevity, quality, outlook, and smell of your hair extensions, you need to clean them but not too often regularly. In addition, it is crucial to buy products that do not interfere with the clips and adhesive tapes that stick the extensions to your natural hair.

Moreover, since hair extensions do not get natural nutrients and oils from your scalp, you need to find hair shampoo that replenishes moisture and nutrients to your extensions. Otherwise, you will end up with a dry and ashy hair day.

With this in mind, careful consideration is paramount whenever you go out to search for the best shampoo for your hair extension. Making the wrong decision can leave you under house arrest for some days as you figure out how you will show up in messy hair.

As a rule of thumb, we always advise you to go for sulfate-free shampoo because it often makes extensions fall out faster and more efficiently. Finally, select shampoos that will extend the lifespan and outlook of your hair extensions.

How To Choose the Best Shampoo for Hair Extensions?

Here are a few tips on choosing the best hair extensions shampoo:

• Type of Extensions – Hair extensions come in many different styles and application techniques. Also, some have adhesive tapes to stick onto natural hair or skin, while others have to secure pins to help them stay in place once attached. Furthermore, find a shampoo that will not affect the adhesives or risk losing the extension as soon as you open your car window.
• Ingredients you Need – According to healthline.com, hydration is the number one factor you should look for in a shampoo. So shop for a shampoo with hydrating ingredients, including jojoba, argan, and sweet almond oils. Besides, if you belong to the type 4C to 4C textures, you might need more nourishing ingredients, such as Jamaican castor oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.
• Ingredients to Avoid – Hair extensions might not be original hair, but they, too, deserve the same care you accord your natural hair. In addition, the only rule here is to avoid harsh chemicals, such as short-chain alcohols (propanol and ethanol), sulfates, and added perfumes. These ingredients leave your hair extensions fizzy and dry.

10 Best Hair Extension Shampoos

Making the right decision in a world full of cosmetic options can often be very challenging; choosing the best shampoo for your hair is no exception. However, here is a list of the 10 best shampoos for hair extensions of different types.

#1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 5

Product SKU: B0038TVHGG

Product Brand: SheaMoisture

Product Price: 13 Product Currency: $

Price Valid Until: 2024-12-31

Product In-Stock: InStock

Our sulfate-free shampoo is best suited for African American hair extensions and 3A to 4C hair types. It helps make dry hair moisturized and is perfect for transitioning chemically treated hair to natural. It is safe for domestic and commercial use and carefully blended with active ingredients to keep your scalp dandruff-free.

Blended with sea kelp, fair trade shea butter, and argan oil, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo deeply hydrates and nourishes damaged hair with its moisture retention and replenishing properties. 

To try out its exceptional qualities, simply apply an ample amount to wet hair and gently massage the hair as you work into a rich lather. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cold or lukewarm water after a few minutes. 

It is formulated with zero silicones, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum, making it an alpha product. This shampoo is also sulfate-free.

Features:

•  The shampoo contains no silicones
•  Has no parabens 
•  No traces of mineral oil or petrolatum

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter
• Argan Oil
• Sea Kelp

Pros

• Detangling
• Very nourishing
• Repairs damage

Cons

• New formula contains fillers
• Not for straight hair

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#2. Ogx Shampoo Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Brazilian, Indian Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.9

 Best for: Brazilian, Indian Hair Extensions

With its luxurious blend of coconut oil, coconut milk, and egg white protein, Ogx Shampoo Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo strengthens and softens the strands in readiness to be transported and used in regions with unfavorable temperatures conditions. 

It is best used in Brazilian and Indian hair extensions to increase longevity and allure.

What I like the most about this shampoo is that it has ingredients that deeply nourish the hair.

Using this shampoo leaves your hair smelling irresistibly delicious and robust. Using it will ensure a good smell every time you lather up. It also leaves your hair with super shine and added moisture that won’t weigh down your tresses.

This shampoo is also suitable for hair extensions if you are using tinsels.

Features:

• Has no silicones
• Contains no parabens
• No traces of mineral oil or petrolatum
• Absence of sulfur

Ingredients:

• Egg Whites
• Coconut Milk
• Coconut Oil

Pros

• Helps nourish from root to tip
• Super shine and a subtle scent of coconut
• Helps to strengthen and hydrate your hair
•  Moisturizing yet lightweight
•  Affordable

Cons

• Not for type 4 curls
• Can get curly hair frizzy

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#3. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Color Treated Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

This shampoo is best suited for color-treated hair extensions and is active in hydrating extensions or wigs that are often smeared with gels and pomades and drowned in hair spray. According to beauty travel truth, these synthetic applicants often lead to build-ups on your extension, taking away their softness and making them pale and limp.

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo has vitamin E and sunflower oil that coats your hair cuticle and smoothens it as it protects the hair color from fading. In addition, its UV filters anti-fade formula helps your color-treated hair extensions from losing their shine and allure.

Pureology Hydrate can be considered one of the best shampoos for hair extensions because of its lovely perfume with bergamot, mint, and lavender notes. Using the shampoo leaves your extensions with a fresh smell and repels any sweaty odor.

Features:

•  i) Contains no sulfates
•  ii) Uses a milder form of surfactants
•  iii) It comprises dimethicone

Ingredients:

• Citric Acid
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
• Sunflower Seed Oil

Pros

• Adds softness and shine
• Protects hair color from fading
• Good for fine, straight extensions

Cons

• Can cause curly hair to frizz

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#4. Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Complete Nutrition Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Damaged Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin is a daily use shampoo best for damaged or dry hair extensions by providing an ample supply of nutrients, such as proteins, lipids, and glucose, to heal damaged hair.

It boasts of its ability to softly bathe the hair’s most vulnerable areas without weighing it down, making the hair look supple, soft, and a long-lasting shine.

The shampoo is made with a blend of proteins and lipids that expertly seal the gaps in your damaged hair cuticles, increasing its strength and elasticity. So if you are planning to stay awhile with your Remy’s hair, I suggest you get the best shampoo for hair extensions, depending on your needs.

This shampoo also works wonders on frizzy hair, giving your extensions a smooth, silky appearance. It is also a good choice if you seek a cleansing product or are desperate to revitalize your hair extensions.

Features:

• Expertly heals damaged hair cuticles
• Eases detangling
• Offers extended nourishment
• Has cleaning properties on the hair

Ingredients:

• Iris Florentina Root Extract
• Polyquaternium-7
• Salicylic Acid
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Pros

• Creates soft hair.
• Repairs damaged strands
• Essential nutrition for healthy hair
• Controls frizz

Cons

• Little bit expensive
• Contains sulfates

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#5. The Big Kizzy FATT Biotin Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.8

This shampoo is one of the five best shampoos for hair extensions because it is a complete and thickening treatment and is best for thin, fine hair extensions. It also serves as an excellent product for Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments, fragile color-treated hair, and all the unique needs of hair extensions.

Some of its active ingredients, such as Biotin and ProVitamin B5, add luster to your hair extensions and strengthen hair. In addition, according to Blake Newby, a mixture of 11 amino acids acts to strengthen, condition, and repair your hair shaft leading to fuller, healthier, and thicker hair.

This is a comprehensive thickening hair treatment that acts on any build-up in your hair and ensures your scalp and extensions are free from dandruff. This product has made it to my top five because of its remarkably safe and effective ingredients that are heaven to any hair extension.

Features:

• Gentle yet powerful
• Contans no Silicone, Sulfates, or Parabens
• Leaves thicker, fuller, and stronger hair
• Fortified with Biotin & ProVitamin B5 

Ingredients:

• Biotin
• ProVitamin B5

Pros

• No sulfates or harsh chemicals
• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Light clove scent
• Adds volume to hair

Cons

• Little bit expensive
• Not for African American hair

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#6. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Colored Hair and Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.7

This shampoo has active ingredients, like rosemary deep dry hair replenishment properties that make hair extensions soft, moisturized, and lustrous. It also delivers special care to colored hair treatment to lock in its colors for longer. Its best suited for dry and colored hair extensions.

Furthermore, L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo contains no salts or sulfides that often strip and damage hair. This means that your hair extensions will not risk getting damaged by the harmful chemicals present in many other products.

Also, its trace sulfates help clean hair strands by breaking down dirt and oil that build up over time. Our product is non-stripping and is made to preserve color-treated hair and maintain its colors deep within.

Features:

• Non-stripping, anti-fade color care system
• Is remarkably gentle on color-treated hair
• Purely sensorial lush and luxurious lather.
• Has a sweet long-lasting scent

Ingredients:

• Rosemary Leaf Oil
• Hydrogenated Coconut Acid
• Citric Acid

Pros

• 100% free of sulfates, parabens, and harsh salts
• Gluten-free
• Always gentle on colored hair

Cons

• Pricey
• Not recommended for African American hair

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#7. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Oily and Dull Hair

Editor’s Rating: 4.7

This shampoo promotes healthy hair growth and is best for oily hair, dull hair, and normal hair build-up. In addition, the shampoo boasts of its superior ability to soothe the scalp and moisturize hair extensions.

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo is made of active ingredients that increase the shine and volume of your hair. Like oats and apple cider vinegar, some of them increase the luster and volume to dull hair from the root to the tip.

This shampoo is among the best shampoos for hair extensions because it is completely free of sulfates and parabens that damage hair. It is also safe for all color-treated hair. The ingredients also promise a healthy scalp environment while your hair extension’s natural beauty.

Features:

• Clarifying blend with Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Free of sulfates, dyes, and parabens 
• Clarifies scalp while adding high shine to dull hair
• Scalp-soothing shampoo for added shine
• Sulfate-free shampoo; No dyes or parabens

Ingredients:

• Rosemary
• Coco-Betaine
• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Pros

• Wonderful fragrances.
• Has no sulfates
• Free from sulfates and parabens
• Lathers well

Cons

• Not suited for colored hair
• Slightly expensive

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#8. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Best Shampoo for African American Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.6

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo has highly effective anti-inflammatory and healing properties that alleviate psoriasis and dandruff and relieve dry scalps. It is best suited for African American hair extensions.

Its rich and deep hydration properties and mild activity make it the best daily use option. It is also infused with antioxidant argan oil, hygroscopic red algae, and Vitamins A and E, which, according to Food pharmacy, promote healthy scalp and hair roots. 

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo features number eight in our list of best shampoos for hair extensions because of its ability to revive dry and rehydrated hair extensions. It is also abundant in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that hydrate and nourish the hair.

Features:

• Gentle on the hair and scalp
• Contains antioxidants
• The abundance of essential fatty acids

Ingredients:

• Argan oil
• Hygroscopic red algae
• Vitamins A and E

Pros

• Increases manageability
• Great for detangling hair extensions 
• Cleanses and helps maintain an ideal moisture balance

Cons

• Costly
• Unsuitable for color-treated hair

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#9. Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Dry and Curly Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.7

 If you are a victim of a dry and itchy scalp, you have finally found the solution. This shampoo is ideal for dry and curly hair extensions and helps in the hydration and nourishment of curls to give them a healthy-looking glow and shine. 

While the Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Shampoo helps detangle curls and restore strands without build-up, it is ideal for wavy to tight curls.

It is made from a unique blend with 100% aloe vera, mango butter, guava extract, and coconut milk, strengthening the hair strands and moisturizing them for longer. Its gentle and nourishing formula is silicone-free and contains no synthetic dyes, ensuring healthy-looking hair.

Features:

• Contains no silicones
• Is 100% mineral oil and parabens-free
• Has hair healing properties
• Soothing to the scalp

Ingredients:

• Coconut milk
• 100% aloe vera
• Guava extract

Pros

• Lightweight, nourishing shampoo for daily use
• Is perfect for color-treated hair
• Sulfate-free surfactant hair care system
• A gentle formula to help hydrate and detangle strands

Cons

• Not suitable for bay hair
• Pricey

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#10. Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo

Best Shampoo for Itchy Hair Extensions

Editor’s Rating: 4.5

 Our shampoo is made with Bio-Nourish Complex and acts on the hair’s surface to smoothen and protect it whenever it is most vulnerable, like in the midday sun. It is best suited for dry and brittle hair extensions.

 Dove designed this shampoo to give your hair a soft texture and provide daily essential care. In addition, it makes the extensions manageable and up to five times smoother compared to using other shampoos. The shampoo is also mild and lacks harmful ingredients that often short-lives hair extensions.

While it ensures smooth and soft hair, this shampoo also helps prevent hair damage as a result of daily wear and tear by progressively nourishing your extensions, leaving them feeling healthier in the long run if used regularly. It achieves this with the help of its unique formulation with Pro-Moisture Complex that penetrates deep inside hair follicles.

Features:

• Is sulfate free
• Penetrates deep inside hair stands
• Gently and subtle
• Is safe for all hair types

Ingredients:

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Glycol Distearate

Pros

• Suitable for daily use
• Revitalizes damaged hair
• Protects normal hair from daily wear and tear

Cons

• Can damage color-treated hair
• Expensive

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Conclusion

Choosing the right hair shampoo for your hair extensions can be daunting, especially if you lack the necessary experience to pick out safe products. From the above list, the best shampoo for hair extensions is the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo because of its superior nourishing, gentle, and replenishing properties. This list might be long, but I did it to give you a wide range of options to choose from. Remember, your extensions need love, just like your natural hair.

FAQs On Best Shampoo for Hair Extensions

Can I Use Normal Shampoo on Hair Extensions?

No, you shouldn’t. Most hair extensions experts recommend washing your hair extensions using strictly sulfate-free products to avoid damage and ensure longevity. Sulfate-free products might not create a suitable amount of lather while washing, but they have deep and active ingredients that maintain the integrity of your hair extensions. Always avoid products that have ingredients like wheat protein, extracts, and oils.

How Often Should You Wash Hair Extensions?

2-3 times weekly. As a rule of thumb, you are advised to wash your extensions a few times (after every 15-20 wears )in a month, depending on their conditions. However, stick to the 2-3 times regimen if you wear your extensions too often. Washing it fewer means build-up over time, while washing more than that leads to damage. Also, if you have curly hair extensions, washing them too much would destroy the curls, so it is best to clean them once a week.