If you’re looking for the best shampoo and conditioner combo to keep your hair extensions looking fabulous, then you’ve come to the right place! With so many products out there on the market it can be daunting trying to find which one will give your lovely locks maximum love.
Our overall top pick is NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner. Free from sodium, sulfates, parabens, this gentle combo will keep your extensions and scalp clean without damaging them.
We have scoured through options large and small to bring you a comprehensive list of shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated with hair extensions in mind. Whether synthetic or natural, long-term protection or just regular maintenance, we found THE BEST duo for keeping your hair extensions healthy and vibrant!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-Up  |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
The Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions
1. NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions is the NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner! A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner twin pack, this promises to clean and free extensions from dirt and oil without stripping your hair from its natural oils and moisture. This offers healthy and intense cleansing without stripping and drying your hair. With this in your hair care routine, you are sure to achieve cleaner natural hair and extensions that are moisturized and well-nourished at the same time.
Formulated without parabens, this prevents your hair extensions from dryness and damage. This assures you that every wash with this shampoo and conditioner set will not debond your hair extensions and will instead help them last longer and prolong its life. This twin pack also works well on hair that has been treated with Keratin treatment, straightening hair treatment, and hair color. This also promises to help those expensive treatments last longer so you can enjoy them longer compared to as you normally would.
With the shampoo pH balanced, this works to match the hair’s natural pH. The conditioner, on the other hand, is only slightly acidic with a pH measurement of 5 to 6 to ensure that the hair’s cuticles close and lock in needed moisture. With these shampoo and conditioner in your hands every time you step into the shower, you are sure to keep your natural hair and extensions at a well-balanced state for healthier locks and strands. The shampoo is vegan but the conditioner isn’t guaranteed to be vegan due to some ingredients as well, just keep that in mind.
Having been formulated with natural coconut oil, this NYK1 shampoo and conditioner set conditions and nourishes your hair and extensions without any added frizz for a silky smooth and shiny finish. The coconut oil also adds a light and subtle coconut fragrance to it that isn’t overpowering and overwhelming at all. Your hair is sure to feel deeply cleaned but light and flowy at the same time. Your hair and extensions are sure to come out softer, smoother, and more manageable than ever.
This is free from salt, sodium, sulfates, parabens, and SLS that can potentially damage not only your hair extensions but also your natural hair so you can rest assured to get only the best with this in your hands. By using only safe ingredients and a safe formula, your extensions are sure to stay intact without slipping or separating. The only downside a couple users have shared regarding the use of this shampoo and conditioner twin pack is that the slight coconut scent is not up for everyone’s taste.
Don’t be alarmed though by the presence of an ingredient called SLSa as it is a common misconception that it is the same as SLS when in fact they are completely different from each other. While SLS is harsh and strips off the hair’s natural oils and moisture, SLSa is a natural and mild cleanser. You can rest your mind that this is still safe and gentle on your hair and extensions.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Deeply cleanses without sripping hair’s natural oils
- Hair and extensions are moisturized and nourished
- Helps extensions last longer without debonding
- Good for expensive hair treatments and hair color treatments
- pH balancing shampoo and conditioner to keep hair well-balanced
- Conditions and nourishes locks
- Leaves hair silky smooth and shiny without frizz
- Subtle and light coconut scent isn’t overpowering at all
- Hair is smoother, softer, and more manageable
- Free from salt, sodium, sulfates, parabens, and SLS
- Formulated with SLSa, a much more natural and mild cleanser
- Vegan formula shampoo
Cons:
- Scent is not for everyone
- Conditioner may not be vegan
2. Big Kizzy Full and Thickening Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner – Best for Volume!
The next item on our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions and our choice for the best volume is the Big Kizzy Full and Thickening Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner! If what you’re looking for is a hair extensions-friendly shampoo and conditioner that can give your natural hair and extensions amazing volume, you might want to check this one out. Promising a gentle yet powerful performance, this is sure to volumize your hair without adding extra weight or stickiness after your recently washed and wet hair has been dried.
Formulated without silicone, sulfates, or parabens, this has been designed by a hairdresser specifically to keep up with the unique needs of hair extensions. This is sure to be gentle on your natural hair and extensions as well to assure its long life. This also works well for color-treated hair, Keratin treatments, and Brazilian blowouts. Many who have naturally fine hair or thinning hair that is prone to breakage have lauded this shampoo and conditioner set to really add volume that still feels weightless and carefree.
Infused with Biotin and ProVitamin B5, this shampoo and conditioner set promises to nourish and strengthen hair while promoting hair growth and preventing future hair loss. The mixture of 11 amino acids in its pool of ingredients helps strengthen, repair, and condition the hair shaft for fuller, healthier hair overtime. And the botanical extracts work to soothe the scalp and strengthen your locks and hair follicles so you can experience much healthier hair regrowth with regular use.
This twin pack is a great choice for anyone to resolve their issues with hair breakage and thinning. While it provides voluminous hair that is full, sleek, fluffy, and bouncy, it never leaves you with frizzy locks. Every time you wash with this shampoo and conditioner set, your hair and extensions are sure to feel refreshed and light without ever stripping its natural oils. This assures you that your hair extensions pop and look healthier than ever. Your extensions and other hair treatments are sure to last longer and look better as well.
This Big Kizzy shampoo and conditioner boasts of having never been tested on animals and is totally cruelty-free for your peace of mind that you are using only friendly products. This is also formulated oil-free for those who would prefer to use something without oil for their hair extensions. This is lightly-scented and many users have likened it to a light bubble gum scent. Keep in mind though that this isn’t up for everyone’s taste and preference so make sure to proceed with caution.
Pros:
- Ideal for hair volume
- Gentle yet powerful performance
- Adds volume to hair without added weight and stickiness
- No parabens, sulfates, or silicones to keep up with extensions’ needs
- Works gently on natural hair and extensions to prolong their life
- Works well on other hair treatments and coloring as well
- Great for people with fine or thinning hair prone to breakage
- Nourishes, strengthens, repairs, and conditions hair and hair shaft
- Promotes hair regrowth and prevents future hair loss
- Hair is much fuller, sleeker, fluffier, and bouncier with frizz
- Hair is refreshed and light without stripping
- Cruelty-free and oil-free
Cons:
- Scent is not for everyone
3. SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner – Best for Dry, Damaged Hair!
Our next favorite shampoo and conditioner combo for hair extensions is the Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner from personal care brand SheaMoisture! If you have dry and damaged natural hair and extensions, I suggest you read along for this one. Formulated with certified organic and all-around natural moisturizer Shea Butter, this shampoo and conditioner set promises to lock in moisture to keep your scalp and strands moisturized, hydrated, and nourished and your hair extensions soft.
Formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, paraffin, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance and color, this is sure to work gently on your natural hair and extensions to keep their healthy state for much longer. The brand aso assures you that they don’t engage in animal testing of any sort at any given stage of production and manufacturing. With this shampoo and conditioner set in your hands every time you wash your hair extensions, you can rest assured you are only getting the best of the best.
Having been infused with sea kelp, this promises to restore dry and damaged hair as it protects your strands from harmful elements. This also promotes healthier scalp and stronger real hair overtime and with regular use. The argan oil in its pool of ingredients is loaded with vitamin E to give your hair and extensions an extra boost of shine and bounce so you can stride with more confidence than ever. Argan oil also helps boost hair growth and resolve hair loss issues. These with shea butter are sure to keep your hair soft, smooth, and well-balanced.
Every time you include this in your hair care routine, you are sure to achieve natural locks and hair extensions that are moisturized, nourished, protected, and smooth all over. Your hair is sure to be soft and clean without the uncomfortable feeling of dry and brittle hair. This also works great for those with curly hair extensions and helps you achieve curls that are soft, frizz-free, and shiny. This has a great, natural scent to it that others have described to be flowery. Keep in mind though that this is not for everyone as some might find this too strong.
The only drawback a couple users have found and shared regarding this SheaMoisture shampoo and conditioner set is that because the conditioner can be a bit thick in consistency, it can be hard to get out of the bottle. Others have noted that a pump bottle could be better at getting the needed amount of product out. Other than that, this is for sure to provide you and your extensions an instant healthy hair treatment.
Pros:
- Ideal for dry and damaged hair
- Locks in moisture to keep scalp and strands hydrated and nourished
- No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, paraffin, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance and color
- Gently works on natural hair and extensions
- No animal testing
- Restores dry and damaged hair as it protects
- Healthier scalp and stronger hair thanks to shea butter mixed with other ingredients
- Vitamin E-enriched argan oil for extra boost of shine and bounce
- Helps with issues of hair growth and hair loss
- Hair is smooth, soft, and balanced with regular use
- Hair is soft and clean without feeling dry and brittle
- Works great on curly hair as well with shine and without frizz
Cons:
- Scent may be too strong for some
- Conditioner can be hard to get out of bottle
4. RemySoft Moisturelab System
The RemySoft Moisturelab System is the next item to make it into our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions! A gentle, sulfate-free formula that is also color-free, this is sure to be safe to use on your natural hair, extensions, weaves, and wigs without imparting further damage on them. This helps maintain the proper level of moisture and works to prevent tangling as well. Its formula is also UV safe and works to protect your hair – whether natural or extensions – from the sun’s damaging and permanent effects.
Both the shampoo and conditioner are sulfate-free and promise to be gentle and effective on hair extensions. The shampoo promises to give you tangle-free hair locks by softening them with their best conditioning agents you can feel and see. Every drop is sure to take on dry and frizzy hair head on so you can come out of the other side with softer locks. The conditioner, on the other hand, works to deeply condition your hair from roots to ends so you can avoid and prevent dry and brittle hair you may know too well.
Every purchase of this shampoo and conditioner set will also give you a serum for your natural locks and extensions. It has a super moisturizing formula that also helps to strengthen your locks. Every time you include the serum in your hair routine, you are sure to achieve hair that is silky smooth, shiny, and tangle-free. It has also been formulated with UV protection to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun. Keep in mind though that not everyone is a fan of the serum as some found it to be more of a thick gel than a serum consistency.
Many users would agree that every use of this RemySoft hair care set will give your extensions a softer and more moisturized feeling to them. Extensions are also much easier to manage and are able to maintain moisture so they don’t end up dry and brittle in the long run. The shampoo, though free from sulfates, lathers fairly well and the conditioner is able to condition and soften hair without leaving you with a greasy feeling. Another drawback some found was that the bottles can be small and not enough for the price, so just keep that factor in mind.
Pros:
- Gentle, sulfate-free, and color-safe shampoo and conditioner formula
- Safe and gentle on natural hair, extensions, weaves, and wigs
- Helps maintain proper level of moisture
- Provides tangle-free locks
- Infused with UV protection from the sun
- Softer, moisturized, more manageable locks
- Comes with serum for silky smooth, shiny, and tangle-free hair
- Shampoo lathers well
- Conditioner distributes well nd washes without greasy residue
- Prevents dry and brittle hair – whether natural or extensions
Cons:
- Serum is not for everyone
- Bottles can be small – not enough for the price
5. Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner
The last item on our list of our favorite shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions is the Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo and Conditioner! A thirst-quenching shampoo and conditioner formula, this provides extensive moisture and touchable softness for dry hair. The formula is also color safe, actively working to protect color-treated hair, whether they’re your natural hair or extensions. This is very similar to the brand’s Hydration line but with a lighter touch and formula for finer strands.
A hydrating yet lightweight line, this is the perfect solution for finer and thinner strands that need proper hydration, moisture, and nourishment without the accompanying heaviness and thickness that could further weigh them down. Both the shampoo and conditioner in this set are silicone and sulfate-free, assuring you that you are only getting the best and safest for your natural locks and hair extensions. While the shampoo provides you with touchable softness, the conditioner works to provide your hair with shine, softness, and a fresh feeling.
Many users have lauded this twin pack for its ability to make hair and extensions appear fuller and shinier without adding extra weight and heaviness. It also becomes more manageable and feels softer throughout. Both the shampoo and conditioner are infused with jojoba oil for added moisture and sage and green tea to stimulate your hair follicles for healthier natural hair and hair growth overtime. The shampoo is formulated with lavender, bergamot, and patchouli for spa-like scent and experience while the conditioner has a menthol and mint scent to it.
On top of being free from silicone and sulfate, this is free from paraben and mineral oil as well. The formula is also 100% vegan. If this is something of major importance to you, go ahead and check this one out. Though a favorite among many, this also presents some drawbacks for some users. Some found the bottles you receive to be quite small for the price you pay but if you’re ready to splurge, go on right ahead with this one. The mint and menthol scent and sensation also isn’t for everyone and some found it too strong, so keep that one in mind as well.
Pros:
- Thirst-quenching formula for extensive moisture and touchable softness
- Color-safe formula and protects color-treated hair
- Hydrating formula with a lighter touch and feel
- Adds hydration and moisture without added weight and heaviness
- Free from silicones, sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil
- Vegan formula
- Hair is softer, shinier, and more manageable
- Safe and gentle for natural hair and extensions
- Shampoo provides spa-like scent and experience
- Conditioner has a menthol and mint scent
Cons:
- Small bottles for the price
- Mint and menthol scent and sensation is not for everyone, might be too strong for some
How to Properly Wash Hair Extensions
Part of caring for and maintaining your hair extensions is properly washing them. It might seem like a straightforward thing to do but a few tips and tricks never hurt anyone – especially not your human hair extensions or synthetic hair extensions.
Brush and detangle
Before you start washing your hair extensions, you first would want to brush through the strands and detangle them. This will prevent damage and breakage when you start washing with water and shampoo. This will also allow you to give your extensions the deep cleanse it needs to get rid of dirt and residue from various hair products your strands have gathered.
Warm water over hot and cold
Believe it or not, the temperature of your water is a big deal in maintaining your extensions. Make sure you only use warm water – not too hot or too cold. Using water that is either too hot or too cold can impart damage on your extensions and can cause them to tear and wear faster. They are also not as effective in getting rid of dirt from your extensions so make sure you are able to achieve the right temperature.
Use the right shampoo and conditioner
When it comes to caring for and maintaining your extensions, it’s very important that you are able to get your hands on the right shampoo and conditioner. Make sure that the products you use for your extensions are safe and work gently but effectively in removing dirt. We have our current favorite shampoos and conditioners listed and reviewed above so make sure you check them out.
Air dry only
After washing your hair, it’s very important that you only let it air dry. Make sure you avoid blow-drying and towel drying as these methods of drying can damage your extensions. You can squeeze and squish any excess water to speed up your drying time as well.
How to Choose the Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Hair Extensions
With so many shampoo and conditioner choices available to use with just a single click, it’s very important that you know exactly what to consider to make sure you are getting your hands on only the best in the business.
Ingredients
The first thing you’d want to consider in looking for your new shampoo and conditioner is its list of ingredients. You’d want to make sure that each ingredient is safe and gentle for hair extensions. You don’t want to be getting a shampoo and conditioner that can dry and damage your extensions in the long run. Avoid drying alcohols and oils that can impart dryness and damage them over time. With whatever you’re looking to add in your routine, make sure to always read through its ingredients to make sure it’s safe and gentle.
Silicones and sulfates-free
When it comes to shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions, it’s very important that you get one that is free from silicones and sulfates. These are drying ingredients that can shorten the life of your hair extensions. With extensions, you would want to prolong their life as much as possible – and one way to do this is avoiding products formulated with sulfates and silicones.
Most shampoos and conditioners in the market contain sulfates and silicones that’s why most people opt for specially formulated products for hair extensions to make sure they are indeed safe.
Other hair concerns
The last thing you’d want to consider in looking for your new shampoo and conditioner for hair extensions are your other hair concerns. Are your hair extensions dry and brittle or are they prone to breakage? You can find shampoos and conditioners that have moisturizing, hydrating, or strengthening properties that can help you resolve this issue. If you have color-treated extensions, there are also available color-safe formulas that work to protect the color of your hair so they prolong their life without appearing dull.
Make sure you consider these things as well to get your hands on a shampoo and conditioner that can help you resolve multiple issues at once.
Conclusion
Hair extensions are a great way to up anyone’s hair game. But along with the styling versatility it provides comes the responsibility of caring for them properly so you can enjoy them for much longer. Part of caring for and maintaining hair extensions is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner.
Our number one pick for the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair extensions is the NYK1 Salt and Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner thanks to its sulfate-free formula that deeply cleanses strands without stripping them from their natural oils and moisture! It’s also a pH balancing shampoo and conditioner set that cleanses and conditions without debonding your extensions and instead prolongs their life.
If what you’re looking for is a shampoo and conditioner set that can provide your hair extensions with amazing volume, you might want to check out the Big Kizzy Full and Thickening Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner! This helps you achieve extensions that are fuller, sleeker, fluffier, and bouncier without the frizz.
And the SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner is our choice for the best shampoo and conditioner for dry and damaged hair extensions! This promises to restore and repair dry and damaged strands for healthier, smoother, and moisturized strands.
We hope our review and guide above led you to your new favorite shampoo and conditioner set for your hair extensions. Cheers to your happy and healthy hair extensions!