Things to Look Out for When Buying Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions
Avoid Products That Contain Sulfates
Sulfates are detergents commonly found in cheap hair care products. They strip hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizziness. For hair extensions, especially those made of Remy human hair, you should always use sulfate-free hair products. Their gentler formulas help maintain the natural moisture balance, nurturing both your extensions and your hair.
Steer Clear of Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoos are a big NO-NO when it comes to hair extensions. They contain alcohol, which is the main active ingredient in hair extension removal sprays and solutions. Just like water and electricity don’t mix, alcohol and extensions have a messy relationship!
Alcohol also has many negative effects on the health of your natural hair, such as:
- Dryness and Dehydration
- Frizz and Damage
- Scalp Irritation
- Colour Fading
- Oil Overproduction
Avoid Shampoo with Synthetic Oils and Moisturising Ingredients
It’s important to avoid shampoos such as Olaplex when wearing hair extensions since they contain heavy oils and silicones that can build up on your extensions (and scalp). This can lead to their attachment points degrading over time and your extensions eventually falling out before your refit. Build-up can make your hair look dull and weigh down your extensions, potentially damaging them or your natural hair. Opt for lightweight, hydrating formulas that rinse clean without leaving residue. While moisturising is important, it’s better to leave this job to conditioners, as we will explain in the next point.
Avoid ‘all in one’ Shampoo & Conditioners
Although the idea of an all-in-one shampoo and conditioner may sound revolutionary and amazing, reality is often disappointing. Shampoo’s mechanism of action involves drying out the excess oils in your hair and on your scalp, while conditioner is designed to lock in moisture. Shampoo applied simultaneously with Conditioner is never going to be as effective since they’re having a ‘battle’ in your scalp! The twenty seconds a 2-in-1 product may save you definitely isn’t worth it.
Colour-Safe Formulas
If you or your extensions have colour-treated hair, using colour-safe products is essential. They are designed to gently cleanse without stripping colour, ensuring your hair and extensions stay vibrant for longer.
Shampoo and Conditioner Dos & Don’ts
- Do Use sulfate-free products
- Do Use products with natural ingredients
- Do Use products with colour-safe formulas
- Don’t Use products that contain alcohol
- Don’t Use all-in-one Shampoo and Conditioners
- Don’t Use shampoo with heavy synthetic oils and silicones
The Shampoo & Conditioner we Recommend to our Hair Extension Clients
We have ‘experimented’ with many different Shampoos and Conditioners. Any products that abide by our Dos and Don’ts will work well to keep your extensions (and natural hair) happy and healthy. In case the images didn’t give it away already, at Beauty Club London, we love COLOR WOW’s range of colour security hair care products since they tick all of the boxes in a slick package.
Conclusion
Over the years, our salon has fitted thousands of hair extension clients, and unlike the age-old adage that size doesn’t matter, soap definitely does! It’s clear to see that clients who use quality products have hair extensions that last longer and look more luscious than those who don’t.
Choosing the right Shampoo and Conditioner for your hair extensions is essential to maintain their longevity. Opt for sulfate-free, cleansing, and lightweight formulas that rinse off without residue. Remember, the key to beautiful hair extensions is not just the products you use but also how you care for them on a daily basis.
