The 5 best shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions

If you’ve recently (or plan to have) hair extensions, it’s important to make sure you wash them with the right products. Hairdresser As Mane Addicts Kathleen riley explains to Elite Daily, “Because hair extensions don’t get the natural oils from your scalp, they’re more prone to dry faster than your natural hair,” so she advises choosing a shampoo that is hydrating and sulfate-free. Since most conditioners are inherently hydrating (and still made without sulfates), you have more flexibility.

Along with using the right shampoo and conditioner, there is a lot more you need to know about caring for your hair extensions. For example, Sara Clement, senior stylist and extension specialist at Warren Tricomi salon in Greenwich, Connecticut, says not to use products containing too much a lot of oil on your scalp, “as this will make your scalp oily, which can make the extensions a bit looser,” she told Elite Daily. She echoes Riley by noting that “extensions tend to dry out” so she says it’s good to use oil on the ends of your extensions to “help them keep a natural, shiny look. “. Another tip from Clemente? “I always suggest conditioning the ponytail down. Even without extensions.

Clemente and celebrity hairstylist Rita lowery, who also spoke to Elite Daily for this article, warns against using products that contain drying alcohols, such as dry shampoo and hairspray. Lowery notes that products with a high alcohol content can make your hair dry and dull, while Clemente says that “dry shampoo (spray) affects the extension attachment more than anything else,” as most are out of reach. alcohol based. With sprays, “you don’t have as much control over the direction of the spray. […] Spraying it several times all over the head will no doubt dry out the adhesive (how the extensions are attached). The duct tape extensions will peel off, the keratin binding extensions will be broken down – basically the attachment method is destroyed, ”she warns. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use dry shampoo at all; just invest in a dry shampoo powder (and you can find a list of best alcohol-free dry shampoos here).

Other ways to protect your extensions include frequent brushing of your hair, about three times a day. “Brushing will make or break your hair extension experience,” says Clemente. “Not brushing will cause matting (extreme knotting) at the base of where the extensions are attached. She also cautions against falling asleep with wet hair, and suggests putting your hair in a loose ponytail or braid before bed to prevent your extensions from getting tied up. And don’t wash your hair too often, advises Riley. “The less hot washing and styling, the longer your hair extensions will last,” she says.

Finally, to buy the best hair extension shampoos and conditioners, as well as other great products suitable for extensions, keep going.

The best shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions, according to our experts

1. Lowery’s Pick: Best Shampoo And Conditioner For Hair Extensions

“Recently i came across NYK1 shampoo and conditioner, which works great on plugins, ”Lowery explains. “[The shampoo] is good for extension maintenance because it is a salt and sulfate free shampoo which is important for keeping your hair hydrated, preventing hair color from fading, and helping to keep hair healthy and shiny. The conditioner prevents the hair from drying out and gives the hair a shiny, beautiful and healthy balance. As well as being ideal for extensions, this duo is also amazing for chemically treated hair (e.g. strands, Brazilian straighteners, etc.).

2. Lowery’s Choice: The Best Deep Cleansing Shampoo For Occasional Use

Lowery recommends using a deep cleansing shampoo on your hairstyle about two to four times per month. She likes the OUAI Detox Shampoo, saying, “It eliminates all the build-up we have from styling products and the overall daily build-up of oils and pollution.” Plus, it’s made with apple cider vinegar which is amazing for the scalp. It’s great for use with extensions. Make sure you take a charging pouch to keep under the sink in your bathroom; This way you can keep refilling your original bottle whenever you run out to reduce waste.

3. Clemente’s Choice: The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions

“A good product, which can be purchased as a duo, is Color Wow Color Security Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner […] It’s color-safe, sulfate-free, and cleans your scalp well. The conditioner is amazing, [too]. It hydrates as it should, without weighing hair down or leaving a disgusting residue, ”says Clemente. And with the lightweight, soft flap tubes, this shampoo and conditioner takes up less space when you toss them in your gym bag or carry-on.

4. Riley’s Pick: Best Prestige Shampoo & Conditioner For Hair Extensions

IGK Bad & Candle Shampoo and Conditioner are Riley’s choices. Both products are made with moisturizing coconut oil and amla oil, which contains antioxidants like vitamin C , while the two ingredients are amazing at strengthening, protecting and hydrating your hair. (The conditioner has the added benefit of shea butter for even more nourishment.) The formulas are vegan and cruelty-free, and contain no sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, or gluten. And while it’s a costly investment, you get a full liter of each, so they’ll last you for months.

5. Riley’s Pick: Best Drugstore Shampoo & Conditioner For Hair Extensions

Riley offers another alternative, at a much more affordable price. The pearl of OGX shampoo and Conditioner are both made with kelp and pearl extract to promote softer, shinier hair, so they’re great for keeping your extensions shiny and smooth. Both products are sulfate free and cost just under $ 7 each. I can’t beat this.

& Here are some other products approved by experts for the maintenance of hair extensions

Best leave-in conditioner spray

“Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner is magic in a bottle, ”Lowery says. “It’s a must for any extension. The main ingredient is coconut oil and it is super light. I use it on dry hair after styling to control frizz and on damp hair for protection and a silky effect before brushing. Nourishing and [protecting] and packaging, this product does it all.

Best oil for your purposes

Although Clemente advises against putting oil on your scalp, she does suggest using Argan Oil on the ends of your extensions to give them a shiny appearance and prevent them from drying out. “Something everyone should have, whether you’re someone with extensions or not, is good argan oil. A little goes a long way, ”she said. This one is USDA certified organic and costs just $ 13, and can be used on your face and body as well.

Best brush for blow-dry extensions

Select your brushes carefully, as you want to be gentle with your extensions. “My favorite brush for drying extensions is Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Speed ​​XL – 1 3/4, says Clement. “Round ceramic brushes are always ideal for use with extensions because they don’t pull as much as a hair,” she explains. You can choose this one in a few other sizes as well.

Experts:

Sara Clement, senior stylist and extension specialist at Warren Tricomi Lounge in Greenwich, Connecticut

Rita lowery, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Rita Lowery Hair

Kathleen riley, Addicted to the mane celebrity hairstylist