Hair extensions are a great way to change up your look, add volume, and play with length. But, like any investment, it's important to take care of them properly in order to prolong their lifespan and keep them looking as new as the day you got them.

Proper care for your hair extensions makes them look healthier, vibrant and more natural. But equally important, it helps increase the longevity of your extensions allowing them to last longer - ultimately saving you money and allowing you to get the most out of your investment.

One of the most important aspects of hair extension care is choosing the right hair products.

In this post, we'll take a closer look at what hair products are best for hair extensions, what products you can use with extensions, and what products should be avoided.

What Hair Products Are Best For Hair Extensions?

When it comes to hair extensions, choosing the right products is crucial so you don’t end up with dull strands, matted hair, or worse - irreversible damage to your original hair.

Because hair extensions are not attached to the scalp, they do not receive the same continuous nutrition and oil deposits as natural hair. Additionally, most hair extensions are chemically processed, which can make them naturally quite dry. For this reason, it's important to choose hair products that are specifically formulated for hair extensions and that can infuse moisture back into the hair.

Another important factor to consider when choosing hair products for hair extensions is the types of alcohols used in the formula. "Bad" alcohols, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, ethanol, and propanol, can penetrate the hair shaft easily and lead to frizz, dryness, and damage to your extensions.

On the other hand, "good" alcohols, such as long-chain fatty alcohols, can draw moisture into the hair and act as an emulsifier. These types of alcohols are often found in conditioners and deep conditioners and can help to keep your extensions looking smooth, frizz free, and shiny.

What Products Can You Use With Extensions?

When it comes to hair extensions, it's important to choose products that are gentle and nourishing. Some of the best types of products to use with extensions include:

• Shampoo and conditioner: Look for sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners that are specifically formulated for dry or damaged hair. These types of products can help to gently cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can help to add moisture and shine to the hair. Look for one that is lightweight and that can be used on wet or dry hair.
• Oil-based hair treatments: Using a hair serum is a great option for restoring moisture and shine to dry, damaged hair. They can also help to provide a protective barrier against heat styling and environmental damage.
• Heat protectant: If you plan on heat styling your extensions, it's important to use a heat protectant to prevent damage. Look for one that is specifically formulated for hair extensions and that can withstand high heat.

What Products Should Not Be Used On Hair Extensions?

While there are many types of hair products that can be beneficial for hair extensions, there are also some products that should be avoided. Some of the types of products to steer clear of include:

• Harsh shampoos: Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and damage.
• Alcohol-based products: As mentioned earlier, "bad" alcohols such as sodium lauryl sulfate, ethanol, and propanol can penetrate the hair shaft easily and lead to frizz, dryness, and damage to your extensions. Avoid using hair products that contain these types of alcohols.
• Heavy oils and butters: While oil-based hair treatments can be beneficial for hair extensions, it's important to use them in moderation. Heavy oils and butters can weigh the hair down and make it look greasy.
• Dye and bleach: Unless your hair extensions are specifically labeled as "color-safe", it's best to avoid using any type of dye or bleach on them. These types of chemicals can cause severe damage to the hair.

Best Shampoo For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Ultra Hydrating Shampoo is formulated with the hair extension first mindset. It addresses the unique needs of hair extensions, which tend to be dry, brittle, and prone to tangling.

This luxurious formula deeply hydrates hair and locks in long-lasting moisture, leaving your hair and extensions soft, smooth, and incredibly healthy.

It’s also infused with key ingredients such as white truffle and marula oil, which are known for their deeply moisturizing properties. These ingredients replenish hydration throughout the day, while extending the life, vibrancy, and integrity of your hair extensions.

Additionally, it contains ingredients such as rose water, ginseng, biotin, and vanilla bean that work together to calm the stressed-out scalp and encourage healthy hair growth - something all extension lovers can appreciate.

Best Conditioner For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Ultra Hydrating Signature Conditioner is specially formulated to address the unique needs of hair extensions and provide them with the moisture and hydration they need to look and feel their best.

This conditioner is a rich, creamy blend that locks in moisture without weighing down the hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, frizz free and healthy. The moisture-rich formula deeply penetrates hair and restores hydration, mends split ends, and protects against dryness. This is especially important for hair extensions which tend to be dry and brittle due to the lack of natural oils and being chemically processed.

Key ingredients such as natural marula oil, rose water, ginseng and biotin work together to strengthen hair while eliminating unwanted tangles and frizz.

Best Dry Shampoo For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks^® Dry Shampoo Powder caters to the specific needs of both natural hair and extensions. The lightweight, invisible formula ensures compatibility with various types of extensions while providing maximum oil absorption, scalp health, and color-safe properties. The product also extends the life of your finished hairstyle, maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of your extensions.

The natural ingredients in Goldie Locks^® Dry Shampoo Powder, such as starch blend, hibiscus, and cactus flower, promote scalp health and reinforce shine, ensuring a healthy environment for hair extensions. Biotin, another key ingredient, nourishes both natural hair and extensions, keeping them looking healthy and vibrant.

Goldie Locks^® Dry Shampoo Powder is an excellent choice for individuals with hair extensions due to its gentle, nutrient-rich formula. The product offers numerous benefits for maintaining the longevity, appearance, and health of your hair extensions while blending seamlessly with your natural hair.

Best Leave In Conditioner For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Ultra Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner is formulated to protect hair and extensions from harsh aging elements such as the sun, heat, and pollution while depositing long-lasting hydration for stronger, smoother, and more manageable hair from the inside out. It also detangles hair, strengthens strands, fights frizz and enhances shine.

This is especially important for hair extensions which tend to be dry and brittle causing them to easily matte and tangle - creating damage to both the extensions and your real hair.

Best Hair Serum For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Signature Serum is an incredibly lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that delivers deep hydration, intense nourishment, and instant shine. The formula is specifically designed to help strengthen and repair damaged hair, leaving it soft and smooth with gorgeous shine. Not only is it perfect for all hair types, it seamlessly blends damaged ends to hair extensions - allowing your hair to look and feel its best.

This serum also protects hair against heat and UV, prevents future breakage, calms frizz & fly-aways, mends split ends, instantly softens hair, and combats dry dehydrated hair. All benefits that help extend the life and vibrancy of your extensions.

Best Hair Mask For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Signature Hair Mask provides deep hydration and prevents damage, which is particularly beneficial for hair extensions. Rich in vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants which helps to repair and restore the hair. This hair mask is perfectly formulated to not weigh the hair down, which can make extensions appear unnatural.

Not only is it formulated to be extension friendly, it’s also color-safe, and free of harmful chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and DMDM Hydantoin - All of which can cause damage to the hair and reduce the longevity of the extensions.

Best Purple Shampoo For Hair Extensions

Calling all blondes! If you are looking to keep your blonde color salon fresh, Goldie Locks® Brilliant Blonde Purple Shampoo is specially formulated to neutralize brassiness and yellow tones - leaving you with your brightest, healthiest blonde . Made with natural ingredients and infused with nourishing botanicals.

Made for blonde, lightened, or gray hair, it is suitable for all hair types and textures, and perfectly formulated for those with hair extensions. Using this purple shampoo regularly will help to maintain the vibrancy and health of your blonde hair and hair extensions. Bonus, it’s one of the only purple shampoos in the market that won’t dry out your hair and extensions.

Best Hair Smoothing Cream For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Smoothing Cream multi-purpose formula is packed with a high dose of antioxidant and hydration-boosting ingredients to make your hair and extensions look and feel softer, healthier, and more radiant. The result is smooth, frizz-free, more manageable hair - which if you have extensions you know how important that is.

Not only will this help protect hair and hair extensions, it helps prolong hair styles allowing you to potentially use less styling/heat tools throughout your week which helps further protect extensions and hair from damage.

Best Clarifying Shampoo For Hair Extensions

Goldie Locks® Clarifying Detox Shampoo deep cleansing formula is specially designed to remove excess build-up, oil, and impurities, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthier than ever. Oftentimes extensions tend to get product build-up over time which leads to dull, dry and lifeless hair.

Clarifying shampoo removes any product residue, so it's perfect for those who use a lot of hair styling products. With just one wash it detoxifies your scalp, revives shine, removes residue, and improves softness. It helps to balance the hair's natural pH, providing lasting hydration.

Clarifying Shampoo is a great addition to your hair routine, but it’s important to note that it is not designed for everyday use. An overuse of clarifying shampoo can strip the scalp of essential oils that keep the hair healthy. Recommended use for the average head of hair is 1-2x a month. However, if you use a lot of hair styling products and/or have hard water, you may need to clarify more frequently.

Suitable for all hair types and textures, everyone can benefit from its powerful cleansing properties.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your hair extensions typically requires more time and attention than taking care of natural hair. By choosing the right hair care products and avoiding those that can damage your extensions, you can help extend the life, vibrancy, and integrity of your hair extensions.