What shampoo to avoid with hair extensions?

Author: Mr. Christian Kemmer  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

A Guide to Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions – Dos & Don'ts
  • Avoid Products That Contain Sulfates. ...
  • Steer Clear of Dry Shampoo. ...
  • Avoid Shampoo with Synthetic Oils and Moisturising Ingredients. ...
  • Avoid 'all in one' Shampoo & Conditioners. ...
  • Colour-Safe Formulas.

What ingredient in shampoo is bad for extensions?

Blog
  • Sulfate. Look out for ingredients that read: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and SLS. ...
  • Alcohol. Look out for ingredients that read: Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, and Propyl. ...
  • Paraben. ...
  • Dimethicone. ...
  • Mineral Oil. ...
  • Formaldehyde. ...
  • Sticky Products. ...
  • Protein.

What to avoid on hair extensions?

It's not a good idea to use harsh chemicals on your hair extensions. You shouldn't use alcohol-based products, sulphate-based products, purple or silver shampoo on your hair extensions. You should also avoid salt and chlorinated water as this can affect the quality of your hair.

What happens if I use normal shampoo on my extensions?

Sulphates in shampoo clean the natural oils from your hair, but because your hair extensions aren't actually attached to your scalp, they don't receive all the good, natural oils. The sulphates will dry out your hair extensions and also strip them of their colour -- not ideal.

What can I wash my hair extensions with?

Once your extensions are wet, use 2 – 3 pumps of a sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair. Be careful that you don't wash the hair too vigorously, especially near the bonds or clip. After rinsing your hair, apply a sulfate-free conditioner from the middle to the ends of the hair.

How To Blue-Shampoo Halo Hair Extensions - DO's & DON'Ts

How to keep hair healthy with extensions?

Top Industry Tips for Healthy Hair with Extensions
  1. Choose the Right Extensions for Your Hair Type. ...
  2. Keep Your Scalp Clean. ...
  3. Moisturize Your Hair. ...
  4. Brush Gently and Regularly. ...
  5. Protect Your Hair While Sleeping. ...
  6. Minimize Heat Styling. ...
  7. Schedule Regular Maintenance Appointments. ...
  8. Nourish Your Hair from the Inside Out.

What shampoo is OK for extensions?

  • Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Duo (Sulfate Free) - Shampoo & Conditioner Set 250ml. ...
  • NYK1 Sulphate Free Hair Shampoo And Conditioner Set (500ml x2) Sulfate Free Shampoo And Conditioner Sets for Extensions, Colour and Keratin Treatment - Gentle Cleansing and Prevents Breakage.

Which shampoo is really sulfate free?

Sulfate and Paraben-Free Shampoos
  • daeDesert Detox Clarifying Shampoo. ...
  • MoroccanoilHydrating Shampoo. ...
  • BriogeoScalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo. ...
  • Living ProofPerfect hair Day (PhD) Hydrating Shampoo. ...
  • Crown AffairThe Volumizing Shampoo for Oily, Flat Hair.

How to stop hair extensions from going stringy?

If you leave your hair extensions without washing for more than 3 days they can look stringy. Make sure you have a brush with you and brush through your hair regularly to stop it from looking stringy.

Do and don'ts of hair extensions?

  • DON'T EVER GO TO SLEEP WITH YOUR WET HAIR.
  • DON'T OVER CONDITION THE BASE OF YOUR EXTENTIONS.
  • DON'T AGGRESSIVELY BRUSH OR COMB YOUR HAIR WITHOUT HOLDING YOUR HAIR BY THE BASE.
  • DON'T USE A FLAT OR CURLING IRON ON OR NEA R THE RINGS OR BASE OF YOUR EXTENTIONS.
  • DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A BRUSH TO KEEP IT TANGLE FREE.

What is the biggest problem with hair extensions?

Because a weave or extensions often require women to wear their natural hair tightly pulled, this can be tough on hair. The constant pulling can cause strands of hair to break or fall out, and it could damage your hair follicles.

What makes hair extensions last longer?

Proper maintenance, including regular washing, conditioning, and brushing with gentle products, can help keep your extensions in good condition. Additionally, using natural oils to moisturize the extensions and avoiding excessive heat and styling products can help prolong their lifespan.

What is bad for hair extensions?

Purchasing sulfate and alcohol-free products is a necessity as they are imperative to maintain the health of your extensions. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils which, in turn, makes the hair drier and more prone to tangling or matting. Prolonged use of these ingredients will affect their integrity.

Is Olaplex good for hair extensions?

OLAPLEX guarantees excellent results repairing the disulphide bonds in your hair when you bleach it and colour it; the same goes for Remy hair extensions. However, even with the use of OLAPLEX we don't advise to bleach or lighten the hair extensions, you should only deposit colour to make them darker.

Is aussie shampoo good for hair extensions?

Washing Hair Extensions:

Some products can be too harsh and damage the hair. Avoid any hair care products containing fruit acids, in particular 'Aussie' or 'Fructis'. Instead, use a 'natural' shampoo, such as the Timotei 'Pure' range, L'Oreal 'Ever Pure' Range and so on.

What is the healthiest shampoo to use?

Whether you're looking for a sulfate-free shampoo or fragrance-free conditioner, these clean beauty brands are a great place to start.
  • Odele.
  • Ursa Major.
  • 100% Pure.
  • SheaMoisture.
  • Hello Bello.
  • Clean Clean.
  • Kelsen.
  • Yodi.

Which shampoo doesn't contain sulphate?

L'Oréal Professionnel Xtenso Care Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Frizz-Free, Shiny & Manageable Hair 250ml | With Pro Keratin & Asta Care | For Men & Women | Unruly, Unmanageable Hair.

Is Garnier Fructis sulfate-free?

Our technology is infused with Coconut Oil plus Plant Protein, and formulated without sulfates, parabens, pthalates, or DMDM Hydantoin.

What shampoo not to use on hair extensions?

A Guide to Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions – Dos & Don'ts
  • Avoid Products That Contain Sulfates. ...
  • Steer Clear of Dry Shampoo. ...
  • Avoid Shampoo with Synthetic Oils and Moisturising Ingredients. ...
  • Avoid 'all in one' Shampoo & Conditioners. ...
  • Colour-Safe Formulas.

What should you not wash hair extensions with?

Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid weakening the adhesive. Clip-In Extensions: Remove them before washing. Clean them separately and infrequently.

What is the best non-sulfate shampoo?

Best Sulfate-Free Shampoos Review
  • Odele Volumizing Shampoo.
  • OGX Nourishing+ Coconut Milk Shampoo.
  • OUAI Medium Hair Shampoo.
  • Raw Sugar Living The Grow Pro Vegan Biotin Shampoo.
  • Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo.
  • amika Normcore Signature Shampoo.
  • JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo.
  • L'Oreal Paris Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo.

How do people wash their hair with hair extensions in?

How to Wash Hair With Extensions
  1. STEP 1 - Brush Your Hair. Start by brushing your hair to detangle it before washing. ...
  2. STEP 2 - Shampoo Your Hair. ...
  3. STEP 3 - Condition Your Hair. ...
  4. STEP 4 - Gently comb your hair. ...
  5. STEP 5 - Blowdry your hair. ...
  6. STEP 6 - Finish your hair with Argan Serum.

What should you not use on synthetic hair?

TIP: Do not brush the wig while it is wet or damp, or use dryers as it will damage the synthetic fibres.

How to make synthetic hair extensions last longer?

Proper storage is essential for synthetic clip-in extensions to ensure that they remain in good condition and maintain their style. It is important to keep them protected in a zip-up case or a drawer to prevent tangling and knotting.

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