Extensions Product Review
- Gigi Giovinazzo
- May 2
- 3 min read
We want you to get the most out of your extensions so follow along to see what products we recommend and what ingredients to keep an eye out for.
Although the keratin bonds are our most versatile and longest lasting extension method, they are the most sensitive to certain ingredients. The main ingredient you need to avoid is HYDROLIZED PROTEIN. This can include pea, whey, wheat, keratin, soy and more. Ever since Olaplex came out with protein in their formula, it has taken off in the hair market. Don't get us wrong protein is a great way to strengthen and correct the cuticle if done correctly, but it is NOT intended for daily use. One use of the protein infused product, and you could begin to lose many bonds. There is no way for us to reverse the over-proteinization of the bonds so you could risk losing all of your bonds.
The reason this happens is because the bond is already made of (keratin) protein, so adding more will overload the amino chain and in turn break and loosen the bond.
Protein can come in all forms so it is important to look in ALL of your products - oil, creme, shampoos, sprays, dry shampoos - you name it, it can be in there so BE CAREFUL.
Another ingredient to avoid is anything with alcohol or sulfates. So anything that says CLARIFYING is a no go. Alcohol is part of the way we remove the bonds, so unless you are ready for them to come out, don't wash with any clarifying shampoos! It will also dry out the extension hair, leading to more tangles and damaged looking hair.
Washing your hair more frequently will actually help the bonds stay clean and intact. This is because when we sweat we produce natural sulfates - so it is best to keep everything clean. If you do not sweat a lot on your scalp then you have a bit less to worry about - I would still recommend washing at least every 4 days for very dry hair.
Oils are great for the hair but not so great for the bonds. Over oiling the bonds can cause premature slipping so please try to avoid heavy oils on the scalp / bonds. A good rule of thumb is to apply everything oil below the ears.
Recommended Products for your Extensions
At the studio, we carry the Balmain line which was made FOR extensions. We carry the whole line so any product(s) you need we have available for you. It is the only line we carry because every product is safe for your extensions and amazing for maintaining the quality of your extension hair. Below are cheaper alternatives for your convenience but please let us know if you have any questions!
shampoo and conditioner
tip: shampoo twice and only put conditioner on from the ears down - not on the scalp
brand: CLEURE
hair mask
tip: only apply on the bottom half of the hair
brand: AMIKA soulfood mask
leave in conditioner
brand: Marc Anthony curl envy creme
hair oil - ends only
brand: L'anza
heat protectant
brand: BED HEAD
dry shampoo
brand: Balmain
sold at the salon! seriously the best dry shampoo ever + extension friendly
Batiste is a good alternative that is safe for the extensions but is not great for hair growth!
hair spray
brand: CHI iron guard 44 style and stay
texturizing/ volume spray
Brand: Kenra dry volume burst
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