13 Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions to Keep Them Healthy

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 22, 2024
13 Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions to Keep Them Healthy
13 Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions to Keep Them Healthy
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If you are a newbie in the fabulous world of hair extensions, you might be scouring the haircare market looking for the best shampoo for hair extensions. Hair extensions are definitely an investment and need to be treated like prized possessions to help increase their longevity. It is of utmost importance to tend to them with love and care, much like you would your natural hair. Take some time and provide them with a dose of extra TLC to be rewarded with a generous dose of the ultimate hair envy! The added bonus is that this extra care will nourish your natural hair too, giving you the luscious locks of your dreams.
Known for solving almost all hair-related woes, hair extensions can transform your entire look without much extra effort. Our contributor Eliza Pineda, In-house hair expert at Mayraki Professional, says, “Hair extensions are a great way to boost volume in a jiffy especially down to the ends. Hair products will only get you so far with volumizing the roots and it’s very difficult to make your ends look voluminous. Hair extensions can give you that volume easily.”

Turning fine and flat hair into a thick and voluminous mane has never been easier! And caring for these tremendous tresses can be pretty easy if you just use the right products and methods. Finding a good-quality shampoo for extensions is the first step. It can help moisturize the hair and prevent it from getting frizzy. It also keeps your locks looking soft and silky. Read below to find the best shampoos for hair extensions.

Hair extensions can be a real game changer when it comes to your tresses. Adding volume, length, and highlights without making any major commitments. Caring for your extensions should be no different than caring for your natural hair, so here are some of our favorite extension-safe shampoos.

 

13 Best Shampoos For Hair Extensions

Providing the ideal nourishing detox treatment to your scalp, this Wow Skin Science shampoo and conditioner with apple cider vinegar opens clogged hair follicles and banishes buildup and dandruff. The oil blend helps restore elasticity and adds a healthy shine to your hair extensions. It is enriched with gentle ingredients like avocado, argan oil, and vitamin E to strengthen the strands to appear thicker, stronger, and shinier. This shampoo is a great choice for anyone who is struggling with hair loss. It also encourages hair growth while nourishing your extensions.

 

Pros
  • Prevents hair loss
  • Sulfate-free
  • Enriched with avocado oil
  • Color-safe
Cons
  • It might not suit dry hair
  • Best Paraben-free Formula

    COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo

    COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo
  • Achieving shiny and luscious tresses is no longer a dream. COLOR WOW Color Security Shampoo with its clean and nourishing formula is here to solve all your hair woes – it cleans the scalp without leaving any residue behind, strengthens hair follicles, and boosts hair growth. Just a pea-sized amount of the shampoo lathers well and leaves you with fresh and strong hair. Plus, there are no nasties lingering in the shampoo which makes it safe for regular use. 

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Silicone-free
    • Safe for all hair types
    Cons
    • Mild lather
  • Best Fresh Scent

    UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Shampoo

     UNITE Hair 7SECONDS Shampoo
  • Make your mane more beautiful than ever with this amazing moisturizing shampoo by UNITE HAIR. It is packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut, vegetable proteins, and Pro-vitamin B12 that quenches dry hair and shields the hair against UV damage. It locks in moisture to the hair, prevents color fading, and adds extra shine to the hair. In addition, it has a mild scent that makes it more appealing to use. 

    Pros
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Pleasant scent
    • Safe for chemically-treated hair
    Cons
    • Defective pump
  • Best For All Hair Types

    Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

    Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
  • A highly moisturizing, reparative shampoo that leaves your hair easy to manage, shiny, and healthier with every use, the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is sulfate-free, color-safe, and proven to reduce breakage and strengthens all hair types. Olaplex is a cult favorite for bond building and is the original patented technology that helps in repairing and strengthening hair from the inside out. It works its magic on your human hair extensions to make them look thicker and more luscious after washing.

     

    Pros
    • Anti-frizz
    • Bond building formula
    • Paraben-free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Clarifying Shampoo

    Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

      Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
  • Deep clean your hair with this lemony fresh Paul Mitchell shampoo 2. The gentle, clarifying formula is excellent for oily hair and even helps minimize oil production so the hair becomes less oily over time and requires fewer washes. The color-safe, vegan formula removes dulling buildup and dandruff, leaving your mane squeaky clean, shiny, and full of body. It cleanses while nourishing, making it an apt choice for those with hair extensions. The fresh lemon scent is an added bonus, making this shampoo a summer favorite.

     

    Pros
    • Fresh, lemon-scented
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Gently removes buildup
    Cons
    • Not for dry hair
  • Best Nourishing Shampoo

    Davines OI Shampoo

    Davines OI Shampoo
  • This Davines OI milky-smooth Shampoo is suitable for all hair types. The formula is infused with a nourishing blend of Roucou oil, making it the perfect daily shampoo to maintain your soft, shiny, and voluminous hair extensions. Made in Italy with quality naturally-sourced ingredients, the formula adds instant volume to hair, giving it a thicker appearance and making your extensions blend in seamlessly. The sulfate-free and hydrating formula of this natural shampoo takes antioxidant action on your scalp and leaves a long-lasting perfume on your locks.

     

    Pros
    • Hydrating
    • Sulfate-free
    • Adds volume to hair
    • Naturally-sourced ingredients
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • L'Oreal Paris EverPure Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair

    L'Oreal Paris EverPure Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
  • This L’Oreal Paris EverPure bonding shampoo and conditioner helps repair the strength of weak hair bonds on colored, bleached, and lifeless hair in just 6 uses! It strengthens the hair at its core and penetrates all layers– working inside and out. It deep conditions and fortifies the hair without fading away and color-treatments, leaving the hair soft and smooth while also preventing future damage– making it perfect for colored extensions. The formula is validated by expert colorists and is also sulfate-free, paraben-free, and vegan.

     

    Pros
    • Repairs hair bonds
    • Suits color-treated hair
    • Sulfate-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Not for dry hair
  • Best Nourishing Formula

    OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

    OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner
  • This OGX Shampoo with nourishing coconut milk extract features a range of unique ingredients, including whipped egg protein, botanical ingredients, and coconut oils. These come together to not only deeply nourish the hair but also strengthen it from the scalp and root. This moisturising shampoo is a favorite for restoring elasticity, and lowering the likelihood of brittleness and split ends, thus strengthening your hair extensions. What is even better is that this shampoo comes with a light, fresh scent that sticks around after every use.

     

    Pros
    • Nourishing
    • Lightly scented
    • Quality ingredients
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • Not suited for fine hair
  • Best Biotin-infused Formula

    Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Volume

    Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Volume
  • Achieving thicker hair is no longer a far-off dream. This Bellisso biotin shampoo and conditioner set coats each hair strand to give you the feeling of more luxurious, fuller locks that will be sure to turn heads. The biotin binds to the hair and adds volume instantly, keeping your extensions looking fresher than ever. Formulated by experts, it is free from all harsh ingredients, parabens and sulfates, it is also cruelty-free and vegan. This hair thickening treatment suits all hair types, ranging from curly to poker straight and fine to frizzy. 

     

    Pros
    • Biotin-infused
    • For all hair types
    • Sulfate-free
    • Suits color-treated hair
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo

     Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Moisture Shampoo
  • This Nexxus Hydra-Light Moisture shampoo is best for fine to flat hair and gives weightless moisture that helps retain the hair's natural movement. Enriched with deep sea minerals to care for your hair extensions, it gives a deep conditioning effect without weighing down your mane. If you have oily hair, look no further– this formula cleanses without stripping the natural moisture from your scalp and strands. The light nourishing helps repair damage and prevent split ends, making it especially extension-friendly

     

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Silicone-free
    • Enriched with deep-sea minerals
    • Repairing formula
    Cons
    • Not suited to those with dry hair
  • Most Affordable Pick

    S30-Second30 Second Remover Shampoo

    S30-Second30 Second Remover Shampoo
  • This Salon Pro 30-second shampoo is specially designed to thoroughly cleanse away all residue of hair bonding glue and even the traces of remover lotion– making your extensions look sharper and completely residue-free. It is gentle on your real hair and extensions and leaves them feeling conditioned, soft, and easy to manage. It nourishes the hair while washing out any oil and buildup, without stripping any natural moisture from it. It is affordable, delivers quick results in just 30 seconds, and the formula is also cruelty-free!

     

     

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Affordable
    • Quick-use
    • Soothes scalp
    Cons
    • It might dry hair out
  • Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set

    Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set
  • An ideal pick for those with damaged hair, this Pure Nature Lux Spa shampoo is powered with argan oil, a hydrating ingredient that helps your hair achieve incredible shine. Argan oil coats each strand to deliver moisture and hydration, repairing it from the inside out. Giving you silky smooth hair and preventing hair damage is its goal, and it does not disappoint. No more having to stay away from light heat styling while sporting hair extensions! The gentle formula is free from animal testing, making this one of the best sulfate-free shampoo for extensions. 

     

    Pros
    • Nourishing
    • Anti-frizz
    • Sulfate-free
    • For curly and straight hair
    Cons
    • Not for fine hair
  • Best Natural Ingredients

    The Hair Shop Hair Extension Shampoo

    The Hair Shop Hair Extension Shampoo
  • A shampoo that caters especially to hair extensions! The Hair Shop extension shampoo is one that caters especially to hair extensions. It has a gentle cleansing formula that is designed to nourish. It is color-safe, vegan, and paraben-free. The added chamomile and rosemary extract help prevent split ends, and dandruff, and soothe an itchy scalp. Aloe vera extracts and biotin boost hair growth and strength. With the light and refreshing scent of cucumber, this shampoo keeps your extensions healthy and strong!

     

    Pros
    • Gentle formula
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Biotin-infused
    Cons
    • Not suited for oily hair

    Choosing the right shampoo for your hair extension can take some trial and error. And the large variety of available hair products can be quite confusing – so here are some suggestions on how to find the ideal shampoo for your hair extensions. 

     

    How to choose the best shampoo for hair extensions?

    Hair Type

    Our contributor Eliza Pineda shares, “Hair extensions have different textures just like normal human hair. It’s important to note if the hair is thick, fine, curly, or coarse to pick the right shampoo for it.”

    Before you pick the best shampoo for your tresses, it is important to understand your hair type and hair texture. This can be done by simply washing your hair and letting it dry out naturally, sans styling– if it appears to fall straight seamlessly, you can go for a variety of shampoo options; whereas if they appear to be wavy or curly, you should go for slightly more nourishing and curly-girl-method friendly choices. CGM-friendly products are generally sulfate and silicone-free, and hydrating in nature. 

    Hair Need

    If you struggle with dry and damaged hair, a bond-building and nourishing shampoo will do you and your hair extensions some good. It will give your tresses some much-needed moisture and keep your locks looking luscious– making dried-out hair a thing of the past. If you have an oily scalp and fine hair, excess moisture can weigh your hair down. A gentle shampoo with clarifying abilities will be best, helping your scalp stay clean and build-up free. It will also prevent the strands of your hair extensions from looking flat. Those with combination hair can opt for both these types of shampoos and use them based on what their hair and extensions feel like on wash day– experts recommend alternating the shampoos between washes for the best results. 

    Taking out the time to wash your hair with care guarantees that you’ll wake up with flawless locks the next morning. The right combination of the best shampoo for hair extensions and a conditioner to go with will keep your extensions not only glossy and smooth but also super healthy. It is important to take time to try out with different products to figure out a routine that works best for your hair. Styling, coloring, and heat can take a toll on your hair– real locks and extensions. And dirt build-up can be a real problem, too! Beat these problems away with a shampoo that suits you best. Pamper your mane with the love it deserves.

    Contributor: Eliza Pineda, In-house hair expert at Mayraki Professional

    FAQ's

    What shampoo to avoid with hair extensions?
    Using a shampoo specially formulated for hair extensions is always recommended. If you must use a clarifying shampoo for hair extensions to get rid of buildup, make sure to apply just a small amount only to the scalp, not on the lengths. Shampoos with sulfates and alcohol can be especially dehydrating and damaging to hair extensions.
    Should I use sulfate-free shampoo on hair extensions?
    Using a sulfate-free shampoo is paramount when it comes to caring for your hair extensions. Sulfate strips the hair of its natural moisture– making it more prone to drying and tangling. It damages the integrity and health of hair extensions, especially those made with natural hair.
    What ingredients to avoid in shampoo for hair extensions?
    Ingredients like alcohol and sulfates should be avoided to preserve a fresh, healthy look. Sticky products like hair wax and hairspray can clog up your extensions and require your hair to be washed more often. Keeping the hair extensions moisturized and nourished is the secret to making them last longer. Using shampoos with nourishing, active ingredients is always a good choice.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Haircare extensions are worth flaunting, but pampering them with love and care is quite a task. To help you manage your hair extensions effortlessly, Alvira, our haircare expert, has come up with this list of the best shampoos for hair extensions that help lock moisture in, tame frizz, and make your hair shiny and more manageable. When she tested all the products on herself and a few of her friends, she found that Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo was one of most effective shampoos that nourished hair and suited all hair types. Plus, its bond building and paraben-free formula helped reduce breakage, and made the tresses silky and soft.

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More