Your hair extensions are an investment so it’s important to give them the care they deserve. In this article, we will look at some of the best shampoos to use in your hair extensions.
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In A Hurry? Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | L'Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo 8.5 Fl. Oz | Buy on Amazon | |
 | SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo for Dry, Damaged or Transitioning Hair | Buy on Amazon | |
 | OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo for Strong & Healthy Hair | Buy on Amazon | |
 | Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo (For All Hair Types) 200ml by Liz Earle | Buy on Amazon |
Why Use Shampoos On Hair Extensions?
To keep your hair extensions looking great and to prolong their lifespan, they need care and maintenance. To keep them in good shape, they should be washed regularly but not too often. If they are uncared for, they can become dry and start to smell.
It is important to only use products that will not affect the glue that sticks the hair extensions to your natural hair. Some extensions are attached using threading or clips, so it is also important to take care of these.
Hair extensions are not attached to the scalp, so they are not continually receiving nutrients and oil deposits like natural hair.
On top of this, they are usually chemically processed (unless you are using virgin hair extensions) so they will naturally be quite dry.
With this in mind, shampoo for your hair extensions should be chosen with consideration so as to avoid harsh damaging ingredients and to replenish the extensions, and your natural hair, with moisture.
The advice, generally, is to go for shampoos that are free from sulfates as sulfates tend to make hair extensions fall out quicker and more easily. Opt for products with natural or organic ingredients as these tend to be kinder and gentler on your hair extensions.
Using the right shampoo will leave your extensions looking beautiful and healthy and extend the time you get to enjoy them.
14 Best Shampoos For Hair Extensions
There are lots of products to choose from so we have put together a list of 14 shampoos that will show some love to those beautiful hair extensions.
1. L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Moisture Shampoo
This product is free from sulfates, salts, and alcohol which means it won’t damage any glue attaching your extensions. It is formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair so if your extensions have been dyed this is a huge plus point.
Why We Like It
This product by L’Oreal restores softness and shine and replenishes moisture thanks to the added rosemary oil and smells good too!
2. Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Blended with shea butter, argan oil, and sea kelp, this shampoo helps heal and strengthen your hair extensions and your natural hair. It is sulfate-free and safe to use on extensions that have been dyed. Replenishing your hair with extensions with moisture, this product endeavors to give your extensions a long and healthy lifespan.
Why We Like It
Made with fair trade shea butter: good for our hair and good for humanity, win-win!
3. OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo is great for curly hair extensions. It helps manage frizz and allows you to comb the hair extensions more easily. Hair extensions are left smooth and shiny.
Why We Like It
It contains coconut milk, which is kind and not harsh on hair extensions, keeping them strong.
4. Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo
This natural organic shampoo is sodium-free and sulfate-free which makes it perfect for washing your hair extensions. Ingredients include shea butter, apple extract, orange extract, and no less than 8 essential oils. This leaves your hair extensions sleek and shiny.
Why We Like It
The addition of shea butter keeps hair extensions soft and less susceptible to damage.
5. The Big Kizzy F.A.T.T Biotin Shampoo
This shampoo is fortified with Biotin & ProVitamin B5, which add shine and nourishment to the hair. These ingredients work in harmony to meet the needs of hair extensions. The combination of 11 amino acids strengthens and repairs the hair shaft. Furthermore, it conditions the hair, leaving it nourished and healthy.
Why We Like It
Not only does it care for our hair extensions, but it also restores thickness and boosts volume.
6. Kerastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2 Complete Nutrition Shampoo
This product has a creamy rich formula that restores the strength of your hair extensions. Enriched with glucose, irisome complexes, rhizome extract, and protein and lipid blends, this shampoo transforms hair extensions that have become dry and damaged to soft, supple, lustrous locks to be proud of.
Why We Like It
This shampoo is cruelty-free and paraben-free.
7. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Pureology is one of the leading color care brands so if you have extensions and hair which has been dyed then this product is a good choice.
It is formulated to retain the vibrancy of your color while replenishing the moisture in your hair, leaving it healthy and lustrous.
Containing protein-based ingredients, such as oat and soy, this shampoo helps strengthen damaged hair extensions.
Why We Like It
It uses ‘Micro-Emulsion Technology’ which provides deep hydration for the hair follicles, rejuvenating hair prone to feeling dry.
8. Redken Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo
This shampoo promises ‘salon vibrancy’ after every wash.
The Colour Extend Magnetics range contains charge-attract complex amino ions, which create a protective layer over each hair follicle. This seals in moisture and color which is great if you have extensions that are feeling a bit dry and hair that is colored.
It also includes active ingredients such as amino acids which replenish hair and protein to strengthen hair extensions.
Why We Like It
This product is great for color-treated hair.
9. Guy Tang #mydentity #MyConfidant Color Securing Shampoo
This lightweight formula will leave your hair extensions beautifully clean and full of body and shine. It has a pH of 5.7 which means it removes minimal color from colored hair as it works.
A minimal amount produces a good lather, and it is reported to have a pleasant scent.
Why We Like It
The formula is paraben-free so no nasty chemicals to irritate your skin.
10. Oribe Silverati Shampoo
If you have gone a few shades lighter, as well as having hair extensions then this illuminating shampoo is the product for you.
It is designed specifically for white and silver tones, helping dispel yellow hues. It cleanses your hair extensions without being too drying and gives them protection from environmental damage.
Why We Like It
Oribe shampoo adds softness to aging hair while improving elasticity.
11. Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Sulfate-Free Shampoo
This farm-fresh-inspired shampoo which is infused with apple cider vinegar clarifies the scalp and adds high shine and volume to hair extensions that have become dull and flat.
This Aveeno product is a balanced blend of wholesome ingredients which soothe your scalp and nourish your hair and hair extensions from root to tip.
Why We Like It
This product is free from sulfates and parabens.
12. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Rich in nutrients and gentle enough for daily use, this product revives dry, dehydrated hair extensions. The formula is free from sulfates, phosphates, and parabens.
It is rich in antioxidants such as argan oil and moisturizing red algae to hydrate and protect your hair extensions from everyday damage.
Why We Like It
Great for detangling hair extensions and increasing manageability.
13. Maui Moisture Nourish & Moisture + Coconut Milk Shampoo
This shampoo has a blend of aloe vera, coconut milk, guava extract and mango butter to leave hair extensions perfectly hydrated and ready to style manageably.
It is safe to use on color-treated hair and restores strands without leading to build-up.
Why We Like It
This gentle formula is vegan and free from silicones and parabens.
14. R + Co Gemstone Color Shampoo
This product pledges to keep your color-treated hair extensions nourished and full of vitality and shine thanks to rice extract being among its many natural ingredients.
The hibiscus extract protects your hair extensions while softening and conditioning.
Why We Like It
If your hair extensions are color-treated, R+ Co Gemstone Color Shampoo will help preserve and prolong the life of your hue.
How To Use Shampoo On Hair Extensions
Depending on what type of extensions you have, you will approach the cleansing process in different ways.
Sewn In/Glued On Extensions
Be gentle when washing your extensions, especially in the places they are attached.
Use lukewarm water to wash them- if the water is too hot it will damage the extensions but too cold and it won’t wash them properly.
Follow the instructions on the bottle of your chosen shampoo and rinse out carefully.
Avoid heat styling your extensions as this can damage them. Let them dry out naturally and remember to brush as this will reduce the chances of tangling.
Don’t go to bed with wet hair as this can wreak havoc with your hair extensions- you may wake up with a tangled mess!
Clip In Extensions
If your extensions are clip-in, then follow these instructions:
- Remove your extensions and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle them.
- Fill a sink or bucket with warm water.
- Hold the extension by the clip and dip it all the way into the water-but don’t get the clip wet.
- Gently comb through to ensure you are getting all strands wet.
- Add shampoo, bring it to a lather and gently work it through the extension but again, avoid the clip.
- Rinse by dipping the extension into your sink/bucket of warm water.
- Rinse under a running faucet of warm water to ensure all residue is removed.
- Apply and work in your chosen conditioner, working from top to bottom.
- Allow to sit for a few minutes then repeat the rinsing process.
- Let your hair extensions air dry.
Also check out these recommended extensions if you have short hair.
How Often Should I Shampoo My Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can become dry and brittle if washed too often so try to wash them once or twice a week.
If you are used to washing your hair more regularly, this can take some getting used to but eventually, you will see the benefit.
Choosing the right shampoo for your hair extensions will ensure you get to enjoy them for longer and keep them looking healthy, nourished, and beautiful.
Follow up with a quality conditioner for hair extensions.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.
