This is our review of the best shampoo for hair extensions in 2023.
Your hair extensions always thirst for attention like your natural hair. Therefore, investing in the correct shampoo aside from other hair products is inevitable.
As an extension specialist, I stretched a little to do some research. And within my two days of research, I found out NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set is the best overall choice.
I further reviewed the best shampoos for extensions category-wise since needs are different.
Let’s set in.
Our Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions At a Quick Glance
NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set (Best Overall)
B3 Brazillian Bondbuilder Extension Shampoo (Best for Tape-in Extensions)
Hair Extension Shampoo by The Hair Shop (Best Scented)
Design Essentials Conditioning Shampoo (Best Priced)
Big Kizzy F.A.T.T Biotin Shampoo (Best for Keratin Extensions)
Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo (Best Dry Shampoo)
OUAI Detox Shampoo (Best for Clarifying)
L’Oreal Paris Purple Shampoo (Best for Blonde Hair)
8 Best Shampoos for Hair Extensions Reviewed
After knowing the best extension shampoos from the list, it’s reasonable to know more about them. So, check out our reviews below for an easier selection process on your side.
NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set
- Key feature: Color-protecting shampoo
- Product form: Liquid
- Scent: Coconut
- Size: 17 oz.
- Best for: Overall
Every hair extension type can only last longer when shampooed and conditioned properly. And NYK1 worked to meet by making a 2 in 1 set.
The two products are formulated to be conducive to all hair types, even color-treated and keratin-treated hair. Thus, suitable to use since it has no limitations.
Additionally, they live up to their name by having no salt, sodium, or sulfate. They ensure your extensions are frizz-free, non-itchy, and more vibrant.
However, some women claim this set leaves the extensions frizzy and knotted. So, it’s a struggle to brush your extensions after washing them. Moreover, the shampoo is watery, and you have to use a lot for it to lather.
B3 Brazilian Bondbuilder Extension Shampoo
- Key feature: Gluten-free, anti-frizz extension cleanser
- Product form: Liquid
- Scent: Citrus Fruit
- Size: 12 oz.
- Best for: Tape-in extensions
This shampoo does not loosen the bond or the adhesive attaching the extensions. That makes it very appropriate for tape-in extensions.
As an anti-aging formula, it revitalizes your extensions to last longer without frizzing them. The hair extensions become manageable and easy to brush through.
And its high cleansing power dissolves away the oils and the accumulating build-up. Therefore, this shampoo ensures it effectively cleans the extensions to the latter.
But some people discovered it is scent-free. So, it’s not the best for the scent-loving extension wearers.
Hair Extension Shampoo by The Hair Shop
- Key feature: Vegan formula
- Product form: Liquid
- Scent: Cucumber
- Size: 12 oz.
- Best for: Scent
The Hair Shop’s shampoo is infused with chamomile, rosemary, cucumber, and biotin. All these are organic, keeping the extensions as safe as possible when washing them.
With more benefits, the aloe and biotin strengthen and encourage hair growth. And the cucumber gives the shampoo the pleasant smell it emits to deodorize the extensions.
The chamomile and rosemary help to keep out dandruff, refreshing the scalp. Also, they prevent the ends of the strands from forming split ends.
Unfortunately, some buyers realized the shampoo has a super strong scent. This could affect women who are allergic and sensitive to strong odors.
Design Essentials Conditioning Shampoo
- Key feature: Moroccan argan oil-infused
- Product form: Cream
- Scent: Coconut
- Size: 6 oz.
- Best for: Price
This conditioning shampoo is ideal for co-washes, whereby cleansing and conditioning co-occur. That helps to save time and energy you could have used to wash, then condition later. At the same time, it saves you money as it goes for about $6, compared to its competitors.
While co-washing, it leaves the hair soft, and shiny by moisturizing the extensions with the argan oil it contains. Other than argan oil, it’s spiked with vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants that toughen the hair at the roots. [1]
So, the hair sheds much less and is left with a cool scent. Moreover, the shampoo does not fade colored extensions; hence it’s suitable for this kind of extension.
Some women experienced greasy, matted hair after use. The product is too thick and oily and not suitable for extensions that were oily before shampooing.
Big Kizzy F.A.T.T Biotin Shampoo
- Key feature: Thickening Hair Treatment, conditioner sample
- Product form: Liquid
- Scent: Cucumber
- Size: 8.5 oz.
- Best for: Keratin extensions
The biotin and vitamin-powered shampoo by Big Kizzy heal initially-damaged keratin extensions. Its ingredients give off strength and nourishment to the hair strands.
It also restores the extension volume by making it more fluffy and bouncy. It’s powerful in getting back fuller and healthier hair extensions.
This shampoo has a light scent and is good for scent-allergic people. And the package comes with a conditioner sample for conditioning your hair.
Some users who bought it noticed their scalp dried out due to using this shampoo. Additionally, it does not mitigate color loss in color-treated hair. The fading continues to happen.
Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
- Key feature: Cooling sensation, maximum oil absorption
- Product form: Aerosol spray
- Scent: Light, pleasant
- Size: 5 oz.
- Best for: Dry shampoo
Redken dry shampoo absorbs the oils on your scalp, reducing buildup between washes. It deeply cleans to bring forth a refreshing feel and a cooling sensation.
It actually extends the period of wear before a wash. You can have fewer washes in a week, as it keeps the hair cleaner but not wet-shampooed to remove the grime.
You simply spray the shampoo on the scalp where the oils have accumulated. After that, you’re good to brush and re-style.
Some ladies disliked how it still leaves a white residue on the extensions, forcing them to wash them. And that the smell is overwhelming and may irritate the user.
OUAI Detox Shampoo
- Key feature: Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Product form: Gel
- Scent: Melrose place
- Size: 10 oz.
- Best for: Clarifying
OUAI detox shampoo is fortified with apple cider vinegar to exfoliate. By boasting this feature, it gets rid of oil, dandruff flakes, and hard water buildup in the extensions.
It ensures it clarifies the hair strands to levels of being 100% clean. No dirt is left behind to give life to the extensions.
Also, it has keratin that strengthens the strands that had lost their natural keratin.
However, some people’s hair extensions became super dry afterwards. The hair got to be more brittle than it was before. In addition, this shampoo is overly scented and triggers allergic reactions.
L’Oreal Paris Purple Shampoo
- Key feature: Hibiscus-spiked, Vegan product
- Product form: Cream
- Scent: Fresh
- Size: 6.8 oz.
- Best for: Blonde hair
The L’Oreal purple shampoo is the correcting formula for yellowing blonde extensions.
It’s infused with a purple dye to balance the hair’s brassiness. But always remember to dilute the shampoo since the product is highly pigmented.
While neutralizing the discolorations, it moisturizes the extensions with its hibiscus infusion. The extensions turn into a mane that is more vibrant and brighter.
For better appearance, it also hydrates to lock out dryness. It makes the hair strands sturdier and not delicate anymore.
Sadly, some women regard this shampoo as not moisturizing but drying. It drys the hair and causes the extensions to be itchy.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Your Hair Extensions
Considering you will spend your hard-earned money, you should investigate your selection. You can confirm if your shampoo pick is suitable by checking these factors. Let’s have a look at them.
Extensions Type
Hair extensions are different types, and the shampoo you buy should be compatible. There are bond types of extensions like the tape-in and the keratin-tip extensions. You should pick a shampoo that will not break down the adhesive or the tips.
As for the micro ring and the nano ring extensions, they slip down in the presence of oils. Therefore, your shampoo of choice should be oil-free if you wear this extension type. This also applies to the sew-in extensions because of the itchy buildup that will form over time.
Synthetic or Human Hair
The hair material matters because different hair materials complement different shampoo types. You have to see whether the shampoo fits all hair materials or it’s material-specific.
Shampoos for synthetic hair extensions cannot be good for human hair extensions. And the vice versa is true as well. Scrutinize the label on the bottle so that you do not mess up.
Shampoo Ingredients
This is very crucial and should not be overlooked. The list of ingredients on the label is not for aesthetics but to feed you essential details.
Always go for shampoos that do not have sulfates, salts, parabens, alcohol or silicones. They’ll ruin your hair, so do not throw caution to the wind.
Color-friendliness
Most human hair extensions get bleached or colored at the manufacturing stage. So, the colored extension you see does not possess a natural pigment.
It necessitates finding a shampoo that will not rip the extensions of its color or fade it away. The shampoo should be gentle on the color effects and the color of the hair with the hair extensions.
Clarifying Strength
Any extension shampoo you take home should deep cleanse. After all, shampooing aims to get forms of dirt out of your hair.
Look for a shampoo that clarifies intensively. For optimal cleanliness, it should remove grease, sweat, oils, and product build-up for optimal cleanliness. In other words, it should not leave any residue behind.
Moisturizing Power
Remember, hair extension is fake hair that does not receive the natural oils from the scalp. Hence moisturizing is essential for them to be soft, silky, and shiny again.
Every hair extension dulls and dries with time when worn. So when you wash to revert to the original condition, the shampoo should be moisturizing.
FAQs about Shampoos for Hair Extensions
What shampoo is good for hand-tied extensions?
Hand-tied extensions thrive with shampoos that are gentle and soft on them. So, keep away from shampoos that contain sulfates, alcohol, and silicones on the ingredient label.
And if your hand-tied extensions are itchy, look for detox or clarifying shampoo to freshen them. And you can use dry shampoo occasionally to rejuvenate the extensions between washes.
Which shampoos should you not use on hair extensions?
Do not use moisturizing or hydrating shampoos on oily hair extensions when they’re meant for dry hair. Similarly, do not use clarifying shampoos on dry extensions. You will strip the hair of its natural oils when they need replenishment.
Always strive to find the most compatible shampoo. And strictly go for shampoos for extensions and not the regular shampoos for the best washing experience.
Can you wash hair extensions with baby shampoo?
Yes, if you do not have shampoo for extensions available, you’re right to use baby shampoo. Baby shampoo is gentle and extension-friendly; they do not frizz up, dry, or make your extensions fragile.
Can you use purple shampoo on your hair extensions?
Ideally, you can use purple shampoo on your hair extensions if necessary. It’s not the type you use every time, but only when you need to do away with the brassiness of the hair extensions. The purple shampoo helps restore the extensions’ color, especially blondes.
Conclusion
Sometimes you just have to splurge as long as your hair extensions are kept safe and in good condition. It’s better to choose a quality shampoo for extensions than deal with a mess of destroyed hair strands.
Otherwise, I discovered NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set as the best overall shampoo from my research.
And if you seek to learn the washing process, follow this article on how to wash the extensions.