Are you using the wrong products on your extensions? You might be ruining them without even realizing it. Many people assume that if a product is salon-quality, it’s safe for extensions—but that’s not always the case. Some ingredients can dry out the hair, cause buildup, lead to discoloration, or even shorten the lifespan of your extensions. The key? Choosing products that focus on hydration, gentle cleansing, and avoiding harmful ingredients. Below, I’ll break down what to look for, what to avoid, and my top product recommendations to keep your extensions healthy, soft, and long-lasting. But first, let’s talk about why proper care matters so much.

Why Proper Care Matters

• Hydration is Key

Hydration is the key to keeping your extensions soft, shiny, and healthy. Without enough moisture, they can become dry, brittle, and even discolored over time. A lightweight, hydrating shampoo and conditioner—like Kevin Murphy Hydrate.ME—nourish without weighing the hair down. For an extra boost, incorporate a deep conditioning mask like Goldie Locks Signature Hair Mask into your routine once a month to lock in moisture and keep your extensions looking flawless.

BEWARE! Not all professional products are meant for extensions.

Avoid products with protein or keratin—these can actually make extensions dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.

• Detoxing & Clarifying the Right Way

Product buildup can leave your extensions feeling heavy, dull, or sticky—definitely not the vibe we’re going for! A gentle detox shampoo like Kevin Murphy Maxi.Wash will work wonders to keep your extensions feeling fresh, while also giving some love to your natural hair and scalp. It’s a win-win!

• Don’t Skip the Leave-In Conditioner

After washing, a lightweight, extension-safe leave-in conditioner helps detangle, hydrate, and protect your hair throughout the day. Look for a formula that adds moisture without buildup. Kevin Murphy Un.Tangled leave-In conditioner spray is perfect for keeping extensions soft, manageable, and frizz-free. Simply apply to damp hair before brushing and styling.

• Always Use a Heat Protectant

Heat styling is a common part of most hair routines, but using the wrong products—or skipping heat protection altogether—can seriously damage your extensions. A lightweight heat protectant like Goldie Locks Heat Protectant is ideal to shield the hair from high temperatures while keeping it soft and smooth. Avoid products with heavy silicones, as they can cause buildup over time. In addition to choosing the right heat protectant, turn down the heat on your hot tools.  High heat WILL discolor and dry out your extensions beyond repair which can lead to needing to replace them sooner than intended.

• The Right Oil Makes All the Difference

Adding oil to your extensions daily helps maintain softness and shine, but not all oils are safe. Avoid products that have a color to them, have heavy silicones or alcohols that can dry out the hair. Instead, use a lightweight oil like Goldie Locks Signature Serum, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends to keep them nourished without making them greasy.

•  Choose the Right Sunscreen

While sunscreen is typically thought of as a skincare product, it can be just as important for protecting your hair extensions. The wrong sunscreen can cause discoloration, especially in lighter extensions. Certain chemical ingredients, like avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone, are known to react with the hair, leading to unwanted color changes. To avoid this, choose mineral-based sunscreens that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are less likely to cause discoloration. Just remember, not all mineral sunscreens are free from harmful ingredients, so it’s always important to check the ingredient list.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Extensions Looking Flawless

My Top Picks for Healthy, Beautiful Extensions:

• Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner: Kevin Murphy Hydrate.ME
• Deep Conditioning Mask: Goldie Locks Ultra Hydrating Mask
• Clarifying Shampoo: Kevin Murphy Maxi.Wash
• Leave-in Conditioner: Kevin Murphy Un.Tangled
• Heat Protectant: Goldie Locks Heat Protectant
• Extension-Safe Hair Oil: Goldie Locks Signature Serum