As someone who wears hair extensions, you know that finding the right shampoo is crucial for maintaining their health and longevity. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your specific needs. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 shampoos for hair extensions, based on extensive research and customer feedback.
1. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex is a renowned haircare brand that specializes in repairing damaged hair. Its No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is formulated with the brand’s patented Bond Builder technology, which helps to strengthen and protect hair extensions from breakage and damage. It’s also sulfate-free and paraben-free, making it gentle enough for everyday use.
2. Kérastase Extentioniste Bain
Kérastase’s Extentioniste Bain is specifically designed for hair extensions. It contains a blend of amino acids and ceramides that work together to nourish and strengthen hair, while also protecting it from environmental stressors. The shampoo also helps to prevent tangles and extend the lifespan of your extensions.
3. Redken Extreme Length Shampoo
Redken’s Extreme Length Shampoo is formulated with a combination of biotin and niacinamide, which work together to promote hair growth and prevent breakage. It also contains ceramides that help to repair and strengthen damaged hair, making it an excellent choice for extensions that have been subjected to heat styling or chemical treatments.
4. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo
Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Shampoo is a nourishing formula that is ideal for dry or damaged hair extensions. It contains argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help to hydrate and strengthen hair. The shampoo also helps to detangle hair and prevent split ends.
5. Davines Solu Shampoo
Davines Solu Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that is suitable for all hair types, including extensions. It contains a blend of botanical extracts that help to cleanse and revitalize hair, while also protecting it from color fading. The shampoo is also paraben-free and cruelty-free.
6. Aveda Be Curly Shampoo
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo is a sulfate-free, botanical-based shampoo that is designed for curly or coily hair. It contains a blend of organic aloe, wheat protein, and babassu oil that work together to hydrate and define curls, while also preventing frizz. The shampoo is also gentle enough for everyday use.
7. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing Lather Shampoo is a rich, creamy shampoo that is formulated with awapuhi extract, which is known for its hydrating and strengthening properties. The shampoo also contains other botanical extracts that help to restore moisture to dry or damaged hair, making it an excellent choice for extensions that have been subjected to chemical treatments.
8. Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that is designed for all hair types, including extensions. It contains a blend of six different oils that work together to hydrate and nourish hair, while also providing protection from environmental stressors. The shampoo is also paraben-free and cruelty-free.
9. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo is a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo that is designed for dry or damaged hair. It contains a blend of botanical extracts that work together to hydrate and nourish hair, while also protecting it from color fading. The shampoo is also paraben-free and vegan.
10. Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo
Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo is a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo that is designed for dry or dehydrated hair. It contains a blend of botanical extracts that work together to hydrate and nourish hair, while also protecting it from environmental stressors. The shampoo is also vegan and cruelty-free.
When choosing a shampoo for hair extensions, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Hair type: Consider your own hair type as well as the type of hair extensions you have. For example, if you have dry hair, you’ll need a shampoo that is moisturizing. If you have oily hair, you’ll need a shampoo that is clarifying.
- Ingredients: Look for shampoos that contain ingredients that are beneficial for hair extensions, such as keratin, biotin, and argan oil. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens.
- Price: Shampoos for hair extensions can range in price from affordable to expensive. Choose a shampoo that fits your budget.
Once you’ve chosen the right shampoo, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid damaging your hair extensions. Here are a few tips:
- Dilute the shampoo: Dilute the shampoo with water before applying it to your hair. This will help to prevent it from being too harsh on your extensions.
- Apply the shampoo gently: Use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can damage your extensions.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water after shampooing. This will help to remove all of the shampoo residue.
- Use conditioner: Use a conditioner after shampooing to help keep your hair extensions hydrated and detangled.
Avoid these common mistakes when shampooing hair extensions:
- Using harsh shampoos: Avoid using shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and parabens. These chemicals can damage hair extensions and cause them to break.
- Over-washing: Over-washing your hair extensions can strip them of their natural oils and cause them to become dry and brittle. Aim to wash your extensions 2-3 times per week.
- Rubbing or scrubbing: Rubbing or scrubbing your hair extensions when shampooing can damage them. Instead, use your fingertips to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp.
- Not rinsing thoroughly: Not rinsing your hair extensions thoroughly after shampooing can leave behind residue that can build up and cause damage. Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water after shampooing.
- Not using conditioner: Conditioner is essential for keeping hair extensions hydrated and detangled. Use a conditioner after shampooing to help keep your extensions looking and feeling their best.
Choosing the right shampoo for hair extensions is essential for maintaining their health and longevity. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the best shampoo for your specific needs and keep your extensions looking and feeling their best for months to come.