What products should I avoid using on hair extensions?
Updated
by
Aleksandra
The Best Products for Luxy Hair Extensions
Taking care of your Luxy Hair extensions starts with using the right products. The wrong formulas can leave extensions dry, tangled, or dull, while the right ones keep them soft, smooth, and manageable.
Avoid Sulfates and Drying Alcohols
Check ingredient labels carefully and avoid:
- Sulfates: SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Drying alcohols: Alcohol denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl, Propyl
Why avoid them:
- Strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and brittle
- Increase tangling and matting
- Damage hair integrity over time
Good Alcohols to Look For
Not all alcohols are harmful. Fatty alcohols help hair retain moisture and improve manageability. Look for:
- Cetyl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Myristyl alcohol
- Behenyl alcohol
- Lauryl alcohol
These ingredients add slip to conditioners, making detangling easier.
Avoid Sticky Styling Products
Products such as hairspray, gel, and wax can build up on extensions. The more you use, the more often you will need to wash them, which can lead to dryness and tangling.
Tips:
- Keep products to a minimum—extensions already have a smooth, shiny finish.
- For curls, try rolling and pinning instead of spraying. Leave pinned overnight or for at least an hour.
- If you use hairspray, choose a lightweight, alcohol-free formula. Avoid extra-strong sprays that clog extensions.
Limit Keratin and Protein Products
Many products marketed as “bond-building” or “repairing” contain keratin or proteins. While these can benefit natural hair, extensions can develop protein overload. This leads to dryness, dullness, and breakage.
Better choice:
- Use sulfate-free and protein-free products
- Wash only every 30 or more wears to extend the life of your set
Key Takeaways
To keep Luxy Hair extensions looking their best:
- Use sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and protein-free products
- Choose conditioners with fatty alcohols for moisture and slip
- Avoid sticky styling products
- Wash gently and only as needed
