Sulfates, dry shampoo & oils—what to avoid at ALL costs
You know that feeling when you leave the salon with freshly installed extensions, flipping your hair like you’re in a slow-motion movie scene? Yeah, we all want that FOREVER. But fast forward a few weeks, and if you’re not using the right shampoo and conditioner, things can go south real fast. Dry ends, tangles, frizz, and extensions that feel like straw instead of silk? No, thank you.
The truth is that your shampoo and conditioner can make or break your extensions. Extensions don’t get the natural oils from your scalp like your real hair does, which means one wrong product can turn them into a brittle, lifeless mess. And don’t even get us started on sulfates, dry shampoo, and heavy oils—big mistake, huge.
But don’t panic, babe. We’re breaking it all down—the major haircare mistakes to avoid, what to look for in a good shampoo and conditioner for extensions, and of course, our top picks for keeping your hair silky, smooth, and looking like you just walked out of the salon (even if it’s been months).
The shampoo & conditioner mistakes ruining your hair extensions
First, let’s discuss haircare sabotage—because, yes, it’s a thing. If your extensions have started feeling dry or lifeless, there’s a good chance it’s your shampoo and conditioner working against you instead of for you. And the worst part? You probably don’t even realize it’s happening.
If you didn’t realize, most shampoos and conditioners on the market aren’t made for extensions. Many contain harsh ingredients that strip moisture, weaken bonds, or leave behind residue that builds up over time. And if you’re using dry shampoo as a quick fix between washes? That could be doing even more harm. Here’s what you need to stop using ASAP.
Sulfates will ruin your extensions
Sulfates, like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate), are aggressive cleansing agents designed to break down dirt and oil. They’re what give shampoo that rich, foamy lather—but they’re also notorious for stripping away moisture.
For natural hair, this can lead to dryness. For extensions, which don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, it’s even worse. Without proper hydration, extensions become brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
The best way to avoid this? Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo that gently cleanses without robbing your extensions of the hydration they need.
Dry shampoo might be making things worse
Dry shampoo seems like a lifesaver on days when your roots are looking a little too shiny. But here’s the problem: most dry shampoos are packed with alcohol, which can dry out both your natural hair and your extensions.
If you have tape-in or bonded extensions, this is even more of a risk. Alcohol can weaken the adhesive that holds your extensions in place, leading to slippage and premature shedding. It also creates buildup on the scalp, which makes extensions harder to blend with your natural hair.
Instead of relying on dry shampoo, try washing with a sulfate-free formula every few days or using a lightweight scalp mist to absorb excess oil without damaging your extensions.
Heavy oils and silicones are weighing your hair down
Oils and silicones seem like they’d be great for extensions—after all, they add moisture and shine, right?
Not necessarily, girlie.
Many hair oils, like coconut or castor oil, are too heavy for extensions. They don’t absorb into the strands like they do with natural hair, which means they sit on the surface, making extensions greasy and stringy.
Silicones can also be problematic. While they do create a smooth, glossy finish, they also leave behind a stubborn coating that weighs hair down and attracts dirt. Over time, this buildup can make extensions look dull, stiff, and harder to style.
Instead, choose lightweight, water-based products that hydrate without leaving residue behind. Look for ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, and hydrolyzed proteins—all of which nourish extensions without causing buildup or slippage.
If your extensions are feeling dry, frizzy, or not sitting right, it’s time to rethink your haircare routine. The plus side? The right shampoo and conditioner is your guardian angel.
What makes a shampoo and conditioner extension-friendly?
Not all shampoos and conditioners are created the same—especially when it comes to hair extensions. What works for natural hair won’t always work for extensions, and the wrong formula can leave them dry, tangled, or looking like a frizzy mess.
So, how do you know which products are actually good for your extensions? Instead of memorizing a long list of complicated ingredients, just follow this simple rule: If your shampoo and conditioner hydrate without heaviness, cleanse without stripping, and leave no residue, you’re on the right track. Here’s how to spot the winners—and what to avoid at all costs.
✅ Must-have features in extension-friendly products
✔ Sulfate-free cleansing → Keeps extensions soft by gently washing away dirt without stripping moisture. Look for terms like "sulfate-free" or "gentle cleansing" on the bottle.
✔ Lightweight hydration → Extensions don’t get natural scalp oils, so they need extra moisture. Water-based conditioners with argan oil, hydrolyzed keratin, or aloe vera hydrate without making hair greasy or sticky.
✔ Color-safe & pH-balanced → If your extensions are dyed or toned, using a color-safe shampoo will help prevent fading and keep your shade vibrant for longer.
✔ Residue-free formula → Extensions can’t handle buildup the way natural hair can. Look for products that rinse clean and don’t leave behind silicones or waxy coatings.
🚫 Red flags that will ruin your extensions
❌ Sulfates & harsh cleansers → Strip moisture and leave extensions feeling dry, rough, and brittle. If your shampoo foams up a lot, there’s a good chance it has sulfates.
❌ Heavy oils like coconut & castor oil → These are great for scalp treatments, but on extensions? They sit on the hair, making it look greasy and causing tape-ins or bonds to slip.
❌ Silicones that cause buildup → Some silicones coat the hair to make it feel smooth, but over time, they create a sticky residue that dulls the extensions and makes them hard to style.
❌ Thick, creamy conditioners → Deep conditioners with butters and heavy oils can weigh extensions down, leaving them limp instead of bouncy and voluminous.
The bottom line
If you wouldn’t put it on fragile silk fabric, don’t put it on your extensions. You want gentle, lightweight, hydrating products that keep your hair fresh and easy to manage, not dull and lifeless.
Our favorite shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions
You didn’t spend all that time (and $$$) on gorgeous extensions just to have them dry out, tangle, or turn into a frizzy disaster after a few washes. Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is non-negotiable if you want long-lasting, silky, and fresh-looking hair—because let’s face it, nobody wants their extensions looking like they’ve been *through it*.
Good news? We did the work for you. If you need deep hydration, color protection, or a lightweight cleanse, these shampoos and conditioners will keep your extensions on point for the long run.
The best shampoos for hair extensions
1) Color WOW Color Security Shampoo, Best Overall
If there’s one shampoo extension lovers swear by, it’s this one. Why? Because it’s the only shampoo that leaves absolutely zero residue—which means your extensions stay light, bouncy, and looking brand new.
✔ No sulfates, silicones, or buildup-causing conditioning agents
✔ Works with all extension types (clip-ins, tape-ins, bonded, wefts—you name it)
✔ Keeps hair fresh longer, so you’re not washing every other day
Why we love it: You know that gross sticky feeling some shampoos leave behind? This doesn’t do that. Your extensions will feel clean, soft, and totally weightless—just the way they should. P.S. Kim K loves it, and if it’s good enough for her, then it’s good enough for us.
2) The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Extension Shampoo, Best for Hydration
If your extensions are feeling dry, this shampoo is the deep drink of water they’ve been begging for. It’s specifically designed for natural human hair extensions, meaning it hydrates without making them limp or greasy.
✔ Gentle, sulfate-free formula that locks in moisture
✔ Shields against pollution and environmental damage
✔ Keeps extensions soft, smooth, and frizz-free
Why we love it: In case it isn’t obvious? We’re obsessed. Extensions don’t get the natural oils from your scalp, which means they dry out fast—but this shampoo keeps them silky without making them heavy. Plus, it’s our own brand and we’d ride at dawn for it.
3) Remi Cachet Shampoo, Best for Longevity
Want your extensions to last as long as humanly possible? This shampoo is gentle enough to use every wash day while keeping your hair hydrated and clean—without stripping it dry.
✔ Prevents tangles, shedding, and frizz
✔ Has a lightweight, non-greasy formula (aka no residue buildup)
✔ Best when paired with the Remi Cachet Conditioner
Why we love it: It smells amazing and keeps extensions looking fresh for months.
4) Jay B Haircare Hydrating Shampoo, Best for Repairing Damage
If your extensions have been *put through the wringer*, think heat, styling, or bad products, then THIS is your rescue plan. Created by Khloé Kardashian’s hairstylist (yes, really), this shampoo repairs and strengthens extensions while keeping them smooth and soft.
✔ Strengthens fragile extensions and prevents breakage
✔ Loaded with argan and avocado oils (lightweight, no greasy mess here)
✔ Ideal for damaged, over-processed, or colored extensions
Why we love it: It brings fried, lifeless extensions back to life—because nobody wants crispy ends.
5) Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo, Best for Fine Extensions
Fine extensions? You need a shampoo that hydrates without flattening them. This one delivers weightless moisture, so your hair feels soft and silky without losing volume.
✔ Lightweight hydration that won’t make extensions greasy
✔ Color-safe formula keeps your shade vibrant
✔ Packed with botanical extracts for extra nourishment
Why we love it: It’s moisturizing but never heavy—perfect for fine or thinner extensions that still need a little love.
6) Hello Klean Hard Water Shampoo, Best for Hard Water Damage
If you live somewhere with hard water, your extensions might be getting wrecked by mineral buildup without you even realizing it. This shampoo neutralizes those nasty minerals while keeping your hair silky and fresh.
✔ Removes buildup from hard water (no more dullness!)
✔ Uses oat protein and lactic acid for gentle hydration
✔ Helps prevent dryness and stiffness
Why we love it: Hard water is an extension killer, but this shampoo keeps hair soft and easy to manage. NYC girlies, this is for you.
The best conditioners for hair extensions
1) Beauty Works Pearl Nourishing Conditioner, Best for Shine and Softness
This salon-favorite conditioner is basically liquid gold for extensions. Packed with argan oil and milk proteins, it deeply hydrates while leaving hair silky, smooth, and frizz-free.
✔ Adds major shine and softness
✔ Strengthens with keratin and proteins
✔ Sulfate-free and safe for color-treated extensions
Why we love it: It revives dry, dull extensions instantly and gives them that fresh-out-of-the-salon glow.
2) ClipHair Deep Moisture Conditioner, Best for Intense Hydration
If your extensions are seriously parched, this deep moisture formula will bring them back to life. It’s packed with shea butter, which softens, smooths, and keeps frizz under control.
✔ Designed for daily use without weighing hair down
✔ Minimizes tangles and split ends
✔ Packed with vitamins A and E for healthy, hydrated extensions
Why we love it: It hydrates without buildup, making it perfect for dry extensions that need some lovin’.
3) Remi Cachet Conditioner, Best for Longevity and Maintenance
This conditioner keeps your extensions fresh between salon visits by locking in moisture and preventing dryness.
✔ Strengthens extensions without residue or buildup
✔ Protects against environmental damage
✔ Leaves hair light, fresh, and bouncy
Why we love it: It keeps your extensions feeling soft and silky between washes, so you don’t have to stress about them looking worn out.
4) The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Extension Conditioner, Best for Everyday Use
This lightweight conditioner is designed for frequent use—keeping your extensions hydrated without buildup. It prevents tangles, dryness, and frizz while maintaining that salon-fresh look.
✔ Protects against heat, styling, and daily wear
✔ Prevents dryness and frizz
✔ Pairs perfectly with The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Shampoo
Why we love it: It’s hydrating but not heavy, making it perfect for everyday use on all extension types.
Which product is for you?
Alright, babe, we know—we just gave you a full-blown masterclass on shampoos and conditioners. You’re basically an expert now. But just remember that not all products are created equal, and if you want extensions that stay looking fresh and bouncy for months, you can’t just grab any old bottle off the shelf.
The right products? They’ll keep your extensions looking and feeling like they just left the salon. The wrong ones? Well… let’s just say nobody wants extensions that feel like a haystack.
Now, if you’re wondering which option is actually top-tier—and totally not to be biased—The Lauren Ashtyn Collection has some of the best extension-friendly products out there. Wink, wink. Hydrating? Check. Lightweight? Check. Designed specifically to keep your extensions looking fresh and fabulous? Obviously.
The verdict? Ditch the sulfates, embrace the hydration, and let your extensions live their absolute best life. You deserve it.
