Products to Avoid When Wearing Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are an investment in your beauty routine, and maintaining them properly is key to keeping them looking flawless for as long as possible. One of the most important, and often overlooked, steps is using the right products for your extensions. Without proper education and preparation, using the wrong products can cause tangling, shedding, slippage, or even shorten the life of your extensions altogether. Here are the top product types to avoid when wearing extensions, and what to use instead.

Sunscreen Sprays and Tanning Products

Many sunscreen sprays and lotions contain ingredients that can be harmful to hair extensions, such as alcohol, oils, and silicones. These can transfer onto your extensions, causing discoloration, giving your extensions a pink-ish hue, and causing build-up.

Alternatives:

Look for hair-specific sunscreens that are formulated to protect your hair from UV damage without the harmful ingredients found in skin sunscreens. We recommend the use of a mineral-based sunscreen. Alternatively, wear your hair up in a ponytail, bun, or braids to avoid contact. If you use self-tanners, be sure to avoid direct contact with your hair extensions. Consider using self-tanning products specifically designed for the face and body that are less likely to transfer to your hair.

Sulfate-Containing Shampoos

Sulfates are strong cleansing agents found in many shampoos, but they can be too harsh for both your natural hair and extensions. Because extensions go through extensive rounds of processing before reaching your stylist, they can dry out and weaken at a much more rapid rate.

Look For:

Sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoos that are gentle and moisturizing. Here are 3 professional brands we know and trust: Oribé, Kerastase, L'Oréal Professionnel.

Bond Builders or Protein-Heavy Products

Protein treatments and bond builders have been all the rage! But it is important to remember that extensions are no longer connected to a nutrient sourcer, and therefore don't need additional strengthening products. When overused, they can make extensions feel stiff and straw-like.

Use Sparingly:

Once every 4–6 weeks, on your natural hair, can be the perfect amount for extra hair health, unless your stylist recommends otherwise.

Dry Shampoo with Too Much Residue

While dry shampoo is a go-to for extending time between washes, many formulas leave behind a powdery buildup that can interfere with extension bonds and cause itchiness. Avoid powder-heavy or aerosol dry shampoos used directly on the extensions

Pro-Tip:

Use sparingly and focus on the crown — not the bonded areas.

Hair extensions are an investment, so treat them like it! Choosing the right products is key to keeping your extensions looking fresh, healthy, and long-lasting. When in doubt, consult your stylist for product recommendations that match your lifestyle. Stick to gentle, hydrating products, and your extensions will thank you.