Choosing the right shampoo for your hair extension can mean the difference between having natural and beautiful extensions, and dry and dull hair extensions. 

That's why we have created this guide to help you understand what makes the best shampoo for hair extensions and what is the worst. 

First we will start with the worst. There are three ingredients in extensions that should be avoided at all costs. Those are: 

1. Sulfates
2. Parabens
3. Sodium Chloride 

Sulfates 

Sulfate shampoos have been around for decades. It was first introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1930 and it forever changed the world of hair care and even today sulfates are in a majority of the shampoos you find at local convenience stores. Sulfate Free shampoos are relatively new with the term gaining popularity in 2007.

• Sulfates are added to shampoo because of their ability to separate dirt and oil from your hair. This allows water to rinse the oil and dirt out of your hair and down the drain.
• Sulfates are very effective at this and that is why they are in a lot of shampoos. 
• Sulfates are designed to strip oil and dirt from your cuticle and it can strip the natural oils and proteins that help keep it healthy. This will lead to dry and brittle hair.

That is why you want to avoid this ingredient if you are looking for a shampoo for your dry hair. You want a shampoo that is going to leave your hair’s natural oils intact, while simultaneously removing excess dirt and unnecessary oil from your hair. It’s worth noting that all Cuticle Lisse Shampoos are Sulfate Free!

Parabens 

If you do a little research online you will see that there are several articles that say Parabens are nothing to worry about and that they are a necessary ingredient in cosmetic products and you will see other articles that make claims that Parabens are linked to breast cancer and can cause skin irritations. While we do see the benefits of adding Parabens to certain cosmetic products, we do not feel that the benefits of this ingredient outweigh the negatives when it comes to shampoo. Parabens have been shown to cause dry, dull and brittle hair because it can tear apart the cuticle that covers the hair shaft. Parabens have NO benefit to your hair and is not something you will miss when switching to Paraben Free Shampoos. The only benefit it provides is that shampoos have a longer shelf life. Better options, like Cuticle Lisse Shampoos, give you the same results without all the questionable side effects of Parabens.

Sodium Chloride 

Sodium Chloride, or more commonly referred to as salt, is notoriously bad for your hair! You may ask yourself, why would companies add this ingredient to their shampoos? The answer is simple, money. Salt is an incredibly cheap way for companies to thicken the water formulas used in shampoos. There is no question about this ingredient, it will dry out your hair, so avoid it at all costs! All Cuticle Lisse products are Sodium Chloride Free.

The Best Shampoos For Your Hair Extensions 

Shampoos that you should be using on your hair extensions should not have any of the ingredients listed above. Additionally, the best shampoos for your hair extensions will have ingredients that smooth, strengthen and nourish your extensions from the inside out. Ingredients such as: 

1. Proteins 
2. Amino Acids
3. Keratin 
4. Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) 
5. Plant Extracts (Non-Synthetic) 

These all natural ingredients each work to strengthen your extensions and prolong their life. 

Proteins 

Proteins are the building blocks of life and the primary molecule that gives your hair strength and flexibility. When added to a shampoo, proteins coat your hairs' cuticle, strengthening it and providing protection for long lasting beauty. 

Amino Acids 

Amino acids derived from plant proteins such as wheat have a thickening effect which increases your hair’s surface area which in turn allows it to absorb more water. This is important, because water increases your hair's elasticity, reduces split ends and softens it.

Keratin 

Great for women with curly and frizzy hair, this high quality and potent nutrient carries special peptides that tell cells to heal and grow, helping to repair, protect and condition your hair and extensions. Additionally, keratin will help to tame frizz, add shine to curls and help to make curly and frizzy hair more manageable. 

Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) 

Not to bring you back to science class, but in order to understand the true value of this ingredient you will need to know how it works. Panthenol  has very strong hydrophilic properties, which means it attracts water. Panthenol at a molecular level is small enough to be able to penetrate the hair’s cortex and draw water to it. Imagine panthenol as a sponge like material that you are able to inject into the internal structure of your hair; the sponge will soak up water and give your hair strength and flexibility. After repeated use your hair will appear thicker and more voluminous, it will retain moisture better and you will see a noticeable improvement in your hair’s appearance.

Choosing The Best Hair Extension Shampoo

So when it comes to choosing the best hair extension shampoo you should avoid parabens, sulfates and sodium chloride and look for ingredients like proteins, keratin, panthenol, amino acids and natural plant extracts. 

All Cuticle Lisse Shampoos are 100% safe for your hair extensions.