10 Best Shampoos and Conditioners for Hair Extensions

How to Wash Your Hair Extensions?

The reason why maintaining hair extensions is such a trial is that they don’t get moisturized by the oils produced in your scalp the way your natural hair does. This causes them to become very dry very quickly. Without the protection offered by the oils and because of the way they’re attached, they also become very dirty.

Because of these differences, how you wash natural hair and hair extensions also differ greatly. Something that makes matters even more complicated is that there are three broad categories of hair extensions. Moreover, each of them needs to be treated differently. This is why, to prevent complications, we’re listing the right way to wash all three.

What to Look for In A Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Hair Extensions?

There are two things you need to keep in mind while choosing a shampoo and conditioner set for hair extensions.

The first is that your shampoo should be as gentle as it can be. In the majority of cases, this means avoiding shampoos with sulfates and only picking all-natural or organic shampoos.

At the same time, you should know that there are suitable shampoos out there with sulfates because they’ve been developed exclusively for hair extensions. Further, you can also choose shampoos developed for colored or chemically treated hair, since the requirements are virtually identical.

In terms of conditioner, many experts recommend avoiding conditioners with silicones. Similarly, others suggest that you shouldn’t use deep conditioners. The reason they do this is that silicones and excess hydration can make the extensions slip.

Again, there are exceptions in the market. Some are conditioners with silicones, while others are deeply hydrating conditioners. However, if you’re considering these exceptions, make sure that they’re specifically developed for hair extensions.

10 Best Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Hair Extensions Comparison Table

Top 2 Budget Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Hair Extensions: Detailed Reviews

1. Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo + Conditioner (Combo Pack)

Editor’s Rating: 4.25/5.0

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You’ll note that it is very difficult to find budget shampoo and conditioner combos for hair extensions. The reason is simply that budget shampoo and conditioner formulations tend to be very mainstream.

This means that they contain a lot off sulfates and silicones. In fact, such is the dearth of such products, that we could only find salon-quality professional brands for our list.

We’ve found two, though, and the first one is from OGX or Organix. This shampoo and conditioner set is good for hair extensions because it is so mild.

The shampoo in this combo doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens. Instead, it combines coconut milk with “ultra-whipped” egg white proteins. The proteins help greatly in protecting the extensions while, simultaneously, nourishing natural hair. Despite not containing sulfates, though, the shampoo lathers quite well because it contains multiple coconut-based cleansers.

The conditioner, likewise, is based around coconut-derivatives such as coconut milk and coconut oil. However, it also contains silicones. The good thing is that the silicones neither weigh down the hair nor cause slippage, provided you can avoid overuse.

This means avoiding both, using too much of the conditioner in a single-use and using it too often. However, you can’t use too little of the conditioner either, or you’ll have heavily tangled extensions. Luckily, the conditioner has a very thick consistency, making it easier to manage quantities so long as you have sufficient strength to squeeze it out of the bottle.

Balancing the use of this conditioner can be quite rewarding if you can manage it just right. In fact, this shampoo and conditioner combo will leave your extensions shiny and soft if used in the right quantities and frequency.

At the same time, you’ll end up with well-nourished and hydrated hair too. These qualities make this combo great not only for hair extensions but also ideal for people with heavily-damaged, very dry, or incredibly brittle hair.

In terms of scent, this combo should send your mind wandering to a serene tropical beach. The shampoo has a very strong coconut scent, but it will dissipate as soon as your hair dries. The conditioner also has a coconut scent, but be aware that it has a chemical note too.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner set for hair extensions on a budget, this is a good option.

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2. Nexxus for Color Treated Hair Color Assure System (Best Budget)

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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As you can tell by its name, this professional shampoo and conditioner set qualified for our list because it is made for colored hair. Since it is developed for colored hair, it is without sulfates, which makes it a good option for hair extensions as well.

It is, in fact, the best budget option for hair extensions, so long as you’re not obsessed with lather. Since it doesn’t contain any sulfates or their natural replacements, it will not give you any sudsy satisfaction. Even so, this is still a great cleansing shampoo that will leave your hair and extensions vibrant and bright.

This combo is also fortified with the company’s Protein fusion Technology. This means that it contains quinoa and elastin protein. These ingredients are beneficial for two reasons.

The first is that they can help strengthen weak and brittle natural hair. The other is that they can coat your hair extensions and prevent them from losing their moisture quickly. Incidentally, one of the reasons why hair extensions are difficult to manage is that they lose their moisture very quickly.

You should note that the conditioner in this combo contains silicones. While silicones can also protect your hair extensions by coating them, their presence can also lead to slip. This is why you need to be very careful about the quantity of conditioner you use each time.

Another problem is that the conditioner has a very thick, jelly-like consistency. This can make it very difficult to get it out of the bottle. To get around this problem, the bottles come with pumps. They only ease the troubles a little, though, as they aren’t the most effective pumps in the market.

Smell-wise, this combo has a fairly neutral scent. The scent is neither very floral nor very sweet, making it equally suitable for men as it is for women. We can only describe the smell as fresh and clean without being too overwhelming.

Who’s it for: If you’re not willing to experiment and want a shampoo and conditioner set for your hair extensions without spending too much, get this combo.

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Top 4 Value Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Hair Extensions: Detailed Reviews

3. Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle

Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0

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If it wasn’t for another combo reviewed later in this guide, this set from Shea Moisture would’ve been the best pick in the value price bracket. As it is, the only reason it fell short is that it moisturizes too well. However, this could be seen as a benefit too for certain hair and hair extension types.

For instance, if you have very dry hair and extensions that cry out for a lot of hydration, this set might well be the best option in this price bracket. The trick to leveraging this set’s hydration is to use it sparingly.

You’ll have to be especially careful because the shampoo and conditioner both have a very thin consistency, and this might make you think that you can use more than you should.

Strangely enough, while the company gives the conditioner with a pump, they chose against doing this for the shampoo. They could’ve also made the pump more efficient. It just doesn’t seem to work consistently.

If you don’t overuse the shampoo and conditioner in every wash, you can actually end up with well-moisturized extensions with significant bounce! This is partly because this set moisturizes and hydrates without using silicones.

The combo is also completely free of sulfates and parabens too. It is still great at cleansing the scalp and doesn’t get overwhelmed by any buildup. Surprisingly, the shampoo lathers well despite the absence of sulfates.

The set is completely natural, as well. It is based around organic raw shea butter, argan oil, and sea kelp. The argan oil and shea butter are excellent moisturizers. Further, argan oil and sea kelp extracts are very nutrient-rich.

This shampoo and conditioner set also has a unique smell. It smells distinctly of honeysuckle. However, because the honeysuckle scent is now commonly known, many people mistake it for vanilla or coconut.

We should also add that the smell is incredibly strong. So, if you don’t like it, there will be no way for you to get around it later. Our suggestion is to somehow figure out whether you like the honeysuckle scent or not before deciding on this combo.

Who’s it for: If you’re okay with the honeysuckle scent and want a shampoo and conditioner combo for your hair extensions that moisturizes deeply, get this set.

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4. Pure Nature Lux Spa Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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This shampoo and conditioner set from Pure Nature Lux Spa is another great option if you have hair extensions, especially if you’re a great fan of Moroccan argan oil. The shampoo and conditioner work well in tandem because they both are based on it.

Moroccan argan oil is an extremely nutrient-rich ingredient that is excellent at hydrating hair and protecting it from external influences by coating it. As a result, it can keep the extensions from drying up quickly.

However, argan oil can also weigh down your hair. In fact, this is a risk with this set, especially since the conditioner also contains silicones. Therefore, you need to be very careful about how much of this combo you use and how often.

The conditioner is further augmented by proteins and keratin. The shampoo, on the other hand, is enriched with various essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E. The combined effect is hair and extensions that are soft, moisturized, and considerably easier to handle. Also, your hair will end up smelling subtly sweet after using this combo.

The shampoo doesn’t contain any sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. It is even free of sodium chloride, which is a bonus. Despite being completely natural, it still manages to produce a considerable amount of lather.

In terms of consistency, both the shampoo and conditioner are thin and watery. They aren’t difficult to use as the bottles come with pumps. The pumps, though, are not the sturdiest. The same is true for the bottles, which can break and leak. If this does happen with your product, you should use the company’s 100 percent money-back guarantee to get a refund.

Who’s it for: If you can manage the quantity of product as well as the fragility of the bottles, get this combo from Pure Nature Lux Spa.

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5. Bingo Natural Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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Argan oil can be very beneficial for hair extensions because it hydrates and coats them. This prevents them from drying up very quickly, as they tend to do. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you that this is the third argan oil-based set in this list.

The argan oil in this pair means it contains multiple nutrients in the form of vitamin E, multiple essential acids, and numerous antioxidants. These ingredients help this shampoo and conditioner set repair damaged and susceptible hair while protecting and softening hair extensions. This set’s argan oil content also gives it very strong hydrating powers because of which it counters frizz very well.

On the other hand, the shampoo in this combo doesn’t have any sulfates. It can still produce a lot of lather and cleanses the scalp well. It is also manufactured in a completely cruelty-free environment.

The standout feature of this pair is its smell. It is the most feminine set in this entire guide because of its scent. Moreover, the smell is also very strong. If you’re man, we suggest you give this combo a pass. You should also avoid it if you’re a woman who doesn’t like overwhelming smells

Both the bottles in this set come with pumps, making them very easy to use. Another good thing is that if you try this combo and realize that it doesn’t fit your requirements, you’ll be able to return it. You can do this by availing the company’s 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Who’s it for: If you want an overwhelmingly feminine shampoo and conditioner set for your hair extensions, choose this one made in Italy.

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6. WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Hair Conditioner Set (Best Value)

Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0

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We think this combo is unique because we’ve not found another product for hair extensions that contains apple cider vinegar. This is surprising because apple cider vinegar is considered to be very good for cleaning extensions and damaged hair.

Moreover, if the views of the users of this product are anything to go by, this pair is incomparable for hair extensions. The foremost benefit they cite of this pair is how well it manages to balance the twin aspects of cleansing and moisturizing hair extensions.

The shampoo in this combo, as mentioned, is based on apple cider vinegar. Because of the awesome cleansing powers of apple cider vinegar, this shampoo can remove even the most difficult buildup from the scalp. Since gunk is a major problem for hair extension wearers, this is a great benefit.

The shampoo in this set doesn’t only remove buildup but also Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) accumulation in the scalp owing to its saw palmetto content. DHT, in case you didn’t know, is statistically the number one cause for balding and hair loss in the world. When there is excess DHT in the scalp, it leads to pattern baldness where the hair follicles shrink and become unable to grow hair.

The only issue with the shampoo in this set is that a few users say that it is a bit too strong and dries their hair a bit too much. We think this is because apple cider vinegar tends to be quite strong. This is why if you’re going to use an apple cider vinegar-based shampoo on your extensions, you shouldn’t forget to pre-condition them.

However, the strong cleansing power of the shampoo is balanced by the strong moisturizing power of the conditioner in this set. The conditioner contains a cocktail of natural oils, including coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, almond oil, and olive oil, along with other nutrients like provitamin B5 and vitamin E. This makes it the perfect foil for the apple cider vinegar shampoo.

As a result, the shampoo and conditioner work very well together. The outcome is clean, soft, and more manageable extensions. In terms of natural hair, the two rejuvenate them by restoring key nutrients to the hair follicles.

Further, even though the shampoo in this set doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens, it still manages to produce a lot of lather. Similarly, the conditioner in this set doesn’t contain any silicones, which means that it won’t make your extensions slip. Both are vegan and cruelty-free.

In terms of scent, there are no added fragrances and both products smell of their primary ingredients, i.e. apple cider vinegar and coconut. While the coconut scent is commonplace in such products, apple cider vinegar is rarer. It is a sharp scent, and you may not like it initially.

One flaw that we can point out is the bottles in this set. They could’ve been designed better. The main problem with them is that they’re very tough to open, especially with wet hands in the shower.

Who’s it for: If you want the best balance of cost and benefits in your shampoo and conditioner set for hair extensions, try this unique combo.

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Top 4 Premium Shampoo and Conditioner Sets for Hair Extensions: Detailed Reviews

7. The Hair Shop 909 Shampoo and Conditioner Kit

Editor’s Rating: 4.0/5.0

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With so many people using hair extensions these days, you would think that there would be more shampoos and conditioners in the market made specifically for hair extensions. Well, you would be right. There are. The only difference is that they’re all in the premium market segment.

The 909 Shampoo and Conditioner Kit from The Hair Shop is the perfect example. Specially designed for human hair extensions, this combo’s shampoo and conditioner contain silk amino acids to repair and protect hair.

The shampoo in this set can cleanse the extensions and natural hair well, especially since it produces plenty of lather. The only problem is that it can do this because it contains sulfates. People with extensions need to avoid sulfates because they can end up drying the hair too much.

The conditioner contains coconut oil in addition to the silk amino acids. This allows it to moisturize the extensions and hair well. However, like the shampoo, the conditioner contains ingredients that shouldn’t be there, namely silicones. Experts suggest avoiding silicones to people with hair extensions because it can cause slip in the bonds.

Despite the inclusion of sulfates in the shampoo and silicones in the conditioner, The Hair Shop specifically states that this combo is “specially designed for 100% Remy Human Hair Extensions and Wigs”. We can only explain this by saying that human hair extensions are less susceptible to both sulfates and silicones.

However, we’ll warn you that these are very small margins. Sulfates and silicones harm human hair too. It is just that the extent of the harm is smaller than in synthetic hair.

The smells of the shampoo and conditioner are well-liked by most of its users. They’re complementary and dovetail really well together. Also, they are neither overwhelming nor tend to linger on for too long.

This combo is positioned in the premium market segment because of its cost. It is quite expensive, so you may have to push the financial boat a little further than you may be prepared for to get it.

Who’s it for: If you want a shampoo and conditioner combo made especially for Remy human hair extensions and can pay well, get the 909 set.

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8. NYK1 Cleansing Shampoo & Detangling Conditioner (Top Pick)

Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0

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This is one of the few shampoo and conditioner combos that meet all the requirements and expectations of a person with hair extensions without requiring the individual to compromise in any way. In a single word, this set is “perfect”. This is why it is our top pick across all price brackets.

The NYK1 Cleansing Shampoo & Detangling Conditioner has been developed specifically for people with hair extensions, color treated hair, or even keratin Brazilian blow out treatments. After all, the requirements and restrictions for all those types of hair are the same.

As a result, this salon-quality premium-grade shampoo and conditioner set will work wonders with your natural hair and hair extensions alike. It will leave them both soft, shiny, frizz-free, and smooth. In fact, this set is so good that it has won awards with the most notable one being the Natural Health International Beauty Award in 2018

The set is completely free of all artificial ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, making it very mild and gentle. It is even vegan. Further, it was developed and is manufactured in a cruelty-free environment.

Although it doesn’t contain any sulfates, the shampoo in this set is still capable of producing lather and cleansing the scalp well. However, some of you may find it to be too good at cleansing because it is capable of leaving hair and extensions dry.

Both the shampoo and conditioner contain coconut, which is why they smell of coconut. The scent, however, is very light and subtle. You won’t be overpowering the room with it, as is the case with many coconut-based shampoos and conditioners out there.

To get the best, you have to put up the best. In the current context, this means you’ll have to pay a lot to get the benefits of this set. It is exorbitantly priced but well worth the cost if you ask us.

Who’s it for: If you’re willing to pay for the best shampoo and conditioner for hair extensions, this set from NYK1 is what you should get.

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9. LuxeOrganix Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

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For some reason, manufacturers of shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions don’t bother offering their products in multiple sizes. We always saw only one size option with all of them. Even the best ones, somehow forgot to offer size options.

LuxeOrganix is the exception. You can get this Rejuvenating Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner Set in three differently-sized bottles. Your options will be the two-ounce bottles, the eight-ounce bottles, and the 16-ounce bottles.

The 16-ounce bottles are, of course, the most cost-effective. However, if you’re new to this set, then we do recommend trying it out by buying the two-ounce bottles first. Then, depending on how you feel, you can go for either the 8-ounce set or the 16-ounce set.

Even though this combo hasn’t been developed exclusively for hair extensions, it works well on them. However, you have to make sure that you don’t apply the shampoo and conditioner to the region where the extensions meet your natural hair.

In fact, the company categorically suggests this manner of application. While we understand that this is precautionary, it can put doubt in your head about the efficacy of this set.

Therefore, when the shampoo ends up drying your hair too much, you become even more skeptical. The shampoo in this set, by the way, is very capable of doing that. This is despite the fact that it is based on Moroccan argan oil.

In fact, both the shampoo and conditioner are based on this “liquid gold” of an ingredient. Moroccan argan oil is an excellent moisturizer that also contains countless beneficial nutrients. The argan oil can hydrate hair extensions and then ensure that the moisture doesn’t escape by coating individual strands.

The effect is hair extensions that are more manageable, softer, shinier, and bouncier. Further, this shampoo and conditioner set will also repair and rejuvenate your natural hair.

Both the shampoo’s and conditioner’s formulae are free of synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to extensions such as phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. Since the formula doesn’t contain natural replacements for sulfates either, the shampoo fails to produce sufficient lather. The set is cruelty-free, though.

Moreover, it has a gloriously, unique scent. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a sweet, citrusy smell that the LuxeOrganix describes as “creamsicle”. According to them, the smell is similar to the “creamsicle” ice cream. Whether they recognize the smell or not, some people find it cloyingly sweet. Fortunately, the smell won’t really linger for longin your hair.

Even though the company has tried to add value to this shampoo and conditioner set with a PDF user guide, we still think it is too expensive. This is why we recommended testing it with the two-ounce bottle set. However, if you do buy the bigger bottles, you can always use LuxeOrganix’s 100 percent money-back guarantee to get a refund.

Who’s it for: If you like the “creamsicle” smell and can use a set on your extensions without getting it on the bonded regions, get this combo.

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10. Big Kizzy F.A.T.T. Volumizing & Thickening Biotin Shampoo & Conditioner Set

Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5.0

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One of the most expensive shampoo and conditioner sets for hair extensions, this combo almost qualified as the best option in our list. Do you know where it fell short? The brand claims that the set is silicone-free when both the conditioner and the shampoo contain the ingredient.

While it could be a result of an overzealous but green marketer, it is still the kind of mistake that can make people very suspicious about a product. With such conflicting information being presented, we cannot in good conscience recommend this set as the best there is.

However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t see it as a good option. It may not be transparent enough to be the best, but it is good enough to be one of the best.

The company says that this shampoo and conditioner set was developed by a hairdresser precisely to cater to the needs and requirements of hair extensions and extremely damaged natural hair. The good bit is that it does deliver excellent results on hair extension.

More than one user has revealed that this set not only cleansed their extensions, but also made them more vibrant, full, and bouncy. From this perspective, at least, this set delivers on its promises. You see, the F. A. T. T. on the bottle stands for Full and Thickening Treatment.

This set has one of the most exhaustive ingredients lists we’ve found when it comes to shampoos and conditioners for hair extensions. This is good because it means all-around hair care. At the same time, it isn’t good because it means that your extensions can get weighed down very easily.

Even within the excellent ingredients list, two ingredients stand out – biotin and provitamin B5. Both are well-recognized the world overfor the way they boost hair health. Further, to cater to damaged hair and protect extensions, this set also contains multiple amino acids.

The scent of this shampoo and conditioner pair is a little weird. It has a sweet but distinct bubblegum scent that should appeal to teenage girls but would probably bother mature men and women. The only saving grace is that the scent is light and subtle.

The pair also doesn’t contain any ingredients that can harm brittle hair or hair extensions, such as parabens and sulfates. The absence of sulfates means that this set’s shampoo neither produces a lot of lather nor too little. We should also add that this set is cruelty-free.

This is the most expensive shampoo and conditioner set for hair extensions in this guide. In fact, we’re fairly confident that it is one of the most expensive combos out there. On the plus side, if you pay the high price, you’ll get a sample of the company’s Keratin Infused Conditioning Treatment.

Who’s it for: If you can look beyond a big marketing faux pas and can pay the big bucks, this set does deliver excellent results for people with hair extensions.

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