Is your shampoo sabotaging your faux locks?
You know that feeling when your extensions start looking off? The ends feel dry, the shine disappears, and suddenly, your seamless blend is giving a noticeable difference in textures. Or worse—your extensions start slipping, and now you’re playing a risky game of “Will they even make it through the day?”
If you can relate, the shampoo you’re using might be to blame. Regular shampoos are packed with sulfates, silicones, and heavy oils that do more harm than good when it comes to extensions. They strip moisture, create buildup, and shorten their lifespan—aka, the fastest way to waste your money.
But don’t panic—we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Below, the 12 best shampoos for hair extensions that cleanse without stripping, hydrate without weighing down, and keep your extensions looking fresh for the long haul.
Why the right shampoo is SO important for extensions
Extensions don’t have the luxury of natural oils from your scalp, which means the wrong shampoo can leave them dry, tangled, and lifeless. Harsh sulfates strip moisture, heavy silicones cause buildup, and thick oils make styling a nightmare. And once extensions start looking rough, there’s no quick fix—no deep-conditioning miracle treatment, no magic repair serum. The only way to keep them looking flawless? Prevention.
A great shampoo isn’t just about cleansing (although, that’s important). It’s about protecting your investment. The right formula keeps extensions soft, smooth, and lightweight, preventing that dreaded dull, brittle texture that happens when buildup or dehydration takes over. The difference? Extensions that stay fresh for weeks vs. extensions that start looking tired after just a few washes.
Because when you’re paying for premium hair, you want it to look premium for as long as possible. And that starts in the shower.
What to look out for in your bottle
Not all shampoos play nice with hair extensions. Some promise “hydration” but leave behind heavy buildup, while others strip moisture faster than a bad dye job. The trick? Knowing exactly what to look for—and what to avoid. So, before you lather up, scan that ingredients list.
✓ Sulfate-free formulas
Sulfates (like SLS and SLES) are the foaming agents that make your shampoo feel super sudsy—but they’re also super drying. Since extensions don’t get natural scalp oils, sulfates leave them even more vulnerable to brittleness and breakage. A sulfate-free formula cleanses gently without stripping away moisture, meaning your extensions stay softer, longer.
✓ Lightweight, hydrating ingredients
Hydration is key for keeping extensions smooth and silky—but not all hydrating ingredients are extension-friendly. Heavy oils (like coconut and castor) and thick silicones can weigh extensions down, making them greasy and harder to style. Instead, look for ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which provide lightweight hydration without the residue.
✓ Silicone-free or water-soluble silicones
Silicones can give hair that fresh-out-the-salon sleekness, but not all of them rinse out easily. Non-water-soluble silicones (like dimethicone) create buildup that makes extensions look dull and limp over time. Instead, go for silicone-free formulas or shampoos with water-soluble silicones, which provide smoothness without leaving a heavy coating.
✓ Color-safe & PH-balanced
If your extensions are color-treated, you need a shampoo that protects your shade. Look for sulfate-free, color-safe formulas that help preserve vibrancy. A pH-balanced shampoo (around 4.5-5.5) also prevents extensions from becoming too alkaline, which can cause dryness and frizz.
✗ Sulfates, parabens, alcohols, and heavy oils
Harsh alcohols (like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol) dry out extensions, parabens can cause irritation, and heavy oils make them look greasy and flat. If you see these on the bottle? Hard pass.
12 best shampoos for hair extensions
Maintaining the vibrancy and longevity of your hair extensions starts with selecting the right shampoo. Here are three top picks that cater to the specific needs of extensions:
Lauren Ashtyn Extension Shampoo
If your extensions could pick their own shampoo, this would be it. Specifically designed for extensions (because they have different needs than your natural hair), this formula gently cleanses without drying or stripping. Infused with biotin for strength, chamomile for shine, and aloe for hydration, it keeps your extensions soft, bouncy, and full of life, without any of the harsh stuff (sulfates, parabens, we see you). Basically, it’s the shampoo that makes your extensions feel like they just left the salon every wash.
Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo
If your extensions are feeling a little… meh (dry, tangled, struggling for shine), this shampoo is their rescue mission. Powered by argan oil, keratin proteins, and essential fatty acids, it brings moisture back without weighing hair down. It’s sulfate-free, so it won’t strip your strands, and it smooths while strengthening. Bonus: The signature Moroccanoil scent is luxury in a bottle.
Color Wow Security Shampoo
Buildup? Greasy roots? Extensions feeling heavy? Not on this shampoo’s watch. This sulfate-free, no-residue formula rinses out completely, so your hair actually feels clean—no weird film, no weighed-down strands, just fresh, bouncy extensions that move like they’re meant to. The best part? It protects color too, so whether you’re blonde, brunette, or rocking a custom shade, it keeps your extensions looking as good as day one.
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo
If your extensions are feeling dry, brittle, or just tired, this shampoo is the moisture boost they’re craving. Packed with raw shea butter, sea kelp, and argan oil, it’s like a deep-conditioning treatment and a cleanser in one. Bonus: No sulfates or parabens—just pure hydration that won’t weigh your hair down.
OGX Shampoo Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo
If you love the idea of running your fingers through silky, flowy extensions but reality isn’t quite cooperating, this one’s for you. Infused with coconut milk and whipped egg proteins (yes, really), this formula softens strands while keeping them strong. And the scent? A whole tropical vacation in a bottle.
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo
Color-treated extensions? Meet your new BFF. This sulfate-free, ultra-hydrating shampoo uses jojoba, sage, and green tea to keep extensions soft, shiny, and actually manageable. Plus, the signature lavender and bergamot scent makes wash day feel like a spa day. Hydration and aromatherapy? We love to see it.
Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo
Dreaming of longer, stronger hair? Kératise will work double-duty on your natural strands while also bolstering your hair extensions. Formulated with Creatine R and Taurine, it fortifies weakened strands, promoting elasticity and strength from root to tip. Expect reduced breakage and a healthier scalp environment.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo
Tired of battling frizz? This shampoo offers a solution. Infused with babassu oil, it provides humidity protection and smooths unruly hair, making it ideal for maintaining sleek extensions. Suitable for all hair types, it means your mane stays polished, no matter the weather.
Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo
Powered by the patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), it blocks humidity and smooths hair strands, keeping your extensions sleek and manageable. Free from sulfates and parabens, it's a gentle yet effective choice for frizz-prone hair.
FEKKAI Technician Color Shampoo
Keep your color-treated extensions lively with this nourishing shampoo. Infused with Mirabelle plum seed oil and sunflower extract, it protects against color fade and brassiness. The sulfate-free formula gently cleanses, preserving both your color and the integrity of your extensions
L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo
Dry hair and extensions craving a hydration boost? This sulfate-free gem, infused with rosemary flower, gently cleanses while preserving your hair's natural moisture and color. Its anti-fade complex keeps locks looking fresh and vibrant, making it a must-have for color-treated hair.
Big Kizzy Late Nights Dry Shampoo
The best dry shampoo for extensions? This weightless dry shampoo tackles dirt and oil at the roots, delivering a fresh boost and extending the life of your hairstyle. Formulated with starch derivatives and natural clay, it absorbs excess oil without leaving residue, keeping your hair looking clean and voluminous.
How to shampoo your hair extensions (without ruining them)
Washing hair extensions isn’t exactly a “throw on some shampoo and hope for the best” situation. One wrong move—like scrubbing too aggressively or using the wrong product—can lead to dryness, tangling, or even shedding. The key? A gentle technique that cleanses without stripping moisture or loosening bonds. Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Detangle before you even think of shampoo
Dry extensions + tangles + water = a nightmare waiting to happen. Before hopping in the shower, use a wide-tooth comb or extension-friendly brush to gently remove knots. Start at the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling at the roots.
Step 2: Rinse with lukewarm water
Hot water can dry out both your natural hair and extensions, so keep it warm—not scalding. Tilt your head back and let the water run downward to prevent unnecessary friction or matting.
Step 3: Use a sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo
Lather matters, but not at the expense of your extensions. Apply a sulfate-free, lightweight shampoo (hello, list above) and gently work it through your hair—no rough scrubbing or circular motions that can cause tangling. Focus on the scalp and let the suds run down to cleanse the extensions.
Step 4: Rinse (thoroughly!)
Leftover product = buildup, dullness, and a heavy, weighed-down look. Rinse out every last trace of shampoo with lukewarm water, letting it flow downward to keep everything smooth.
Step 5: Apply conditioner—but not at the roots
Extensions don’t get natural scalp oils, so hydration is super important for their look and longevity. Apply a moisture-rich, silicone-free conditioner from mid-length to ends, avoiding the roots (especially if you have tape-ins or bonded extensions). Leave it in for a few minutes for extra nourishment.
Step 6: Pat dry—never rub
Your extensions are most fragile when wet, so ditch the rough towel-drying. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and pat dry with a soft microfiber towel.
Step 7: Air dry or use low heat
Heat styling is fun, but constant high temps? Not so fun for your extensions. Let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer on the lowest setting. For bonded or tape-in extensions, avoid direct heat at the roots to prevent loosening.
The best shampoo for extensions?
Look, we know we’re not exactly unbiased here—but if there’s one thing we do know, it’s extensions. And the truth is, not just any shampoo will cut it. The wrong one leaves you with dry, dull, tangled hair that doesn’t last. That’s why The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Extension Shampoo is specifically formulated for extensions: lightweight, sulfate-free, and designed to keep them soft, smooth, and looking brand new for longer. So yeah, we’re biased. But we’re also right. Want to keep your extensions in top shape? Give them the wash they deserve.
