5 Best Leave-In Conditioners For Hair Extensions
This is the only thing you need to keep your extensions clean, soft, and looking cool.
Ciara RiceHairstylist
Expertise: Women’s Haircut, Men’s Haircut, Keratin Treatment, & Special Occasion Styling
Experience: 14 years
Ciara is an Irish hairstylist with 14 years of experience in haircuts, keratin treatment, and special occasion styling. She began her hairdressing career at the age of 15. After graduating, Ciara joined Toni&Guy and specialized in cutti... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Anjali SayeeCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Hairstyles, Hair Care, & Skin Care
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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
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So you’ve gone and got yourself a bunch of hair extensions to look cool and are not sure how to take care of them? You can start by looking up the best leave-in conditioner for hair extensions. Hairstylist Ciara Rice says, “With different hair textures, we can come across knots and tangles. Leave-in conditioners on hair extensions can be used after every time you wash your hair and gently towel dry it. Using a leave-in conditioner is an excellent way to boost your extension’s moisture and protection. It will improve smoothness and moisturize the hair shaft, making it less likely to tangle. The longer our hair gets, the more our hair craves additional moisture and hydration.”
Rice further adds, “So, while using a leave-in conditioner on extensions, do not forget to moisturize your hair using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and gently towel drying your hair before you apply your leave-in conditioner, starting at your ends and working up towards the mid lengths. The best leave-in conditioners for hair extension care are lightweight, so as to not weigh the hair down but moisturizing to offer deep nourishment. The extension-friendly conditioners will help detangle, add shine, and keep luster in your weave. It should almost feel like there’s a protective layer on the hair when applied but not heavy enough to make the hair feel greasy or oily.”
With a gazillion brands out there claiming to be the best, it can leave you confused. Well, fear not, we’re here to help. Go check out our list of the best leave-in conditioners for hair extensions.
In This Article
5 Best Leave-in Conditioners For Hair Extensions
1. Best Environment-Friendly:HAIRUWEAR Restore Leave In Conditioner & Heat Styling Protector
Image: Hair U Wear The HAIRUWEAR Restore Leave-in Conditioner is meant for synthetic hair extensions. This conditioner detangles the synthetic hair strands and provides heat protection when styling hair extensions. It has a gentle formula that softens the synthetic fibers and keeps the extensions flexible and bouncy all day long.
Pros
- Environment-friendly
- Contains no harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle
Cons
- Expensive
2. Best Moisturizing:Awesome Synthetic Wig Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Image: Awesome The Awesome Synthetic Wig Leave-In Conditioning Spray is a detangling and conditioning spray that works great for synthetic sprays. It refreshes the wig and prolongs the extension’s lifespan. It prevents dryness and makes hair silky while adding shine and lifting it for more added volume. It makes wig combing easy and manageable. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product.
Pros
- Prolongs the life of the wig
- Makes wig silky
- Adds body to the wig
Cons
- Expensive
Fun FactFirst use of hair extensions dates back to 3400 B.C. in Ancient Egypt when it was a symbol of high status, and both men and women used it. Cleopatra, the Egyptian Queen, used hair extensions.
3. Best Lightweight:beautimark Leave-In Conditioner
The beautimark Leave-In Conditioner is formulated for synthetic hair. The lightweight contains aloe vera, grapefruit, rosemary, and bamboo extracts that care for synthetic hair and extend its life. This spray conditioner maintains the extension’s health and keeps them strong, maintains their natural shine, and protects them from heat damage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
4. Best Affordable:Mitch Stone Essentials X-Tender
The X-Tender by Mitch Stone Essentials detangles and conditions dry, damaged, and frizzy hair extensions. It contains hydrolyzed soy proteins, papaya extract, and pro-vitamin B5 that restore shine and moisture to prevent damage to the extensions and keep them healthy. This spray detangles the hair and makes the extensions manageable.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Softens the hair
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all types of weaves
- Affordable
Cons
None
TriviaMitch Stone, celebrity hair stylist, lived for over 25 years in Malibu, California, and when introducing his line of styling products, used the packaging called ‘Malibu Sunset,’ which was reminiscent of the Californian sunset.
5. Best UV Protection:RemySoft blueMax Daily Refresher
Image: Remysoft The RemySoft blueMax Daily Refresher is a light silicone spray that protects the hair from heavy product buildup. The UV safe formula blocks the damaging effects of the Sun on the hair. It locks in moisture of the hair and eliminates tangling, making hair manageable and easy to comb. It is a fragrance-free formula great for natural hair, hair wigs, extensions, etc. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Great for dry hair
- Works for natural hair and wigs too
- Locks in moisture
Cons
None
Leave-in conditioners are an essential step in hair extension maintenance. They protect the extensions from daily wear and tear and keep them healthy by locking in moisture and enhancing their natural luster. But, with so many different types of leave-in conditioners on the market today, it gets confusing to pick one that is perfect for a specific hair type and need. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for leave-in conditioners!
How To Select The Best Leave-in Conditioners For Hair Extensions
- Ingredients
Getting a leave-in conditioner with natural ingredients is important to prevent chemical damage. Since most leave-in conditioners are applied daily, look up products that do not cause buildup. Avoid ingredients such as alcohol and silicones, which can cause buildup if used too often. Instead, look for ingredients like olive oil, almond oil, and shea butter to lock in moisture and boost shine.
- Consistency
Choose a leave-in conditioner that has a consistency suitable for your hair. If you have fine hair, go for a lightweight formula as heavier ones tend to weigh your strands down. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, choose a thicker leave-in conditioner that will help smooth frizzy or flyaway strands.
- Price
Leave-in conditioners for hair extensions can range in price depending on the manufacture details and the ingredients . While most of them are on the more expensive side, they usually last for quite a while. But, drugstore products ensure good results too. So, pick a product that offers a good balance between product quality and price.
- Fragrance
Many leave-in conditioners for hair extensions also have fragrance added. Look for fragrance-free options, as they might cause, irritation dry, and flaky skin in sensitive scalp. But, if you have normal skin type, avoid overpowering artificial scents and opt for a leave-in conditioner that has a pleasant, natural scent.
Infographic: 6 Benefits Of Using Leave-In Conditioners On Hair Extensions
Hair extensions require extra care to retain their original shine, quality, and volume. Spraying leave-in conditioners on the extension can help nourish and protect them from heat and environmental damage. They also offer several other benefits, which is why you should invest in them. Check out the infographic below to learn about the benefits of using leave-in conditioners on extensions.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
While hair extensions are an add-on to your original locks, it is important to keep them well in order for them to last longer. You can nourish your hair extensions with the help of leave-in conditioners. They help in detangling the synthetic hair strands while protecting these hair extensions from extra heat during styling. Leave-in conditioners that do not contain harmful chemicals or toxins must be chosen to protect these artificial locks. The HAIRUWEAR Restore Leave In Conditioner & Heat Styling Protector offer excellent protection from heat damage, while the Awesome Synthetic Wig Leave-In Conditioning Spray can easily detangle your wigs while adding volume. Lastly, the RemySoft blueMax Daily Refresher offers UV protection, making it is ideal for those who often step out in the sun. There are many gentle leave-in conditioners that help in providing volume, shine, and bounce to the hair extensions. However, you should steer clear of hair extensions that fail to provide body to your wig.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a hair care enthusiast. She compiled a list of the best leave-in conditioners for hair extensions after reading several product details and customer reviews on trusted platforms and brand websites. These products help make your extensions look gorgeous and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply leave-in conditioners on hair extensions?
Yes, you can apply leave-in conditioners on hair extensions to keep them moisturized.
How do you keep hair extensions from drying out?
To prevent dryness, apply a leave-in conditioner on hair extensions after washing. You may also use conditioning sprays to prevent heat damage and dryness.
Is coconut oil good for hair extensions?
Yes, coconut oil moisturizes the hair extensions.
Why do hair extensions get frizzy?
Hair extensions get frizzy as they do not get natural oils and sebum from the scalp. That is why you need to apply a leave-in conditioner to keep them hydrated and frizz-free.
Do hair extensions help hair grow?
No. Hair extensions do not promote hair growth, but they can make your hair appear longer.
Do I use a detangler and a leave-in conditioner on my extensions?
No, using a detangler and a leave-in-conditioner together can weigh down your extensions and leave the braids lifeless.
Can you use a leave-in conditioner to detangle hair extensions?
Yes. Use a leave-in conditioner to add an extra dose of hydration to your tresses and detangle the knots.
How do I keep my hair extensions from getting frizzy?
• Wash your extension with a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping the natural oils from the hair.
• Apply a conditioner from the mid-length to the end of the hair extension.
• Pour three drops of nourishing oil and apply evenly on the tips of the strands.
• Brush the extension with a gentle comb to retain its smooth texture.
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