1. Introduction
Ever wondered why your hair extensions start feeling dry, frizzy, or tangled over time? Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t receive moisture from your scalp’s natural oils. This makes them more prone to dryness, brittleness, and frizz if not cared for properly.
Several factors contribute to this dryness, and the most common culprit is using the wrong products. Shampoos with sulfates and alcohols strip moisture from extensions, leaving them dull and rough. Another major cause is heat damage—excessive use of curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers can weaken the hair fibers, making extensions more fragile.
Even washing too frequently can be a problem. Unlike your natural hair, extensions don’t get oily as fast, so overwashing removes essential moisture, causing them to become stiff and lifeless. Environmental factors like sun exposure, humidity, and pollution also play a role, making the hair look frizzier and harder to manage.
The good news? With the right care routine and products, you can keep your extensions soft, silky, and long-lasting. Hydration is key—using sulfate-free shampoos, nourishing conditioners, and heat protectants will help maintain their smooth texture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through expert tips to keep your extensions looking flawless while avoiding common mistakes that lead to dryness and frizz.
2. Common Reasons Hair Extensions Get Dry & Frizzy
Hair extensions can look gorgeous and silky when new, but without proper care, they often become dry, frizzy, and unmanageable. Unlike natural hair, extensions lack a direct source of moisture—your scalp’s natural oils—so they’re more prone to dehydration. Let’s break down the most common reasons extensions lose their softness and how to prevent it.
Lack of Natural Oils
Your scalp produces natural oils that keep your hair moisturized and healthy, but extensions don’t benefit from this process. Since they aren’t connected to your scalp, they don’t receive hydration naturally, making them more susceptible to dryness and frizz. That’s why using the right products and adding extra moisture is essential.
Sulfate-Based Shampoos & Conditioners
Many regular shampoos contain sulfates, which are harsh detergents that strip away oils. While this might be great for greasy hair, it’s a disaster for extensions. Sulfates cause extensions to lose moisture, become brittle, and tangle more easily. Always opt for a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo to keep them smooth and soft.
Excessive Heat Styling
We all love perfectly styled hair, but constant use of heat tools like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers weakens hair extensions over time. High temperatures cause the hair cuticle to lift, leading to frizz, dryness, and split ends. If you must style with heat, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low to prevent damage.
Overwashing
Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t get oily quickly, so they don’t need frequent washing. Washing too often removes essential moisture from the strands, making them coarse and lifeless. Stick to washing permanent extensions 1–2 times a week and clip-ins only when necessary to retain their silky texture.
Not Using a Heat Protectant
Skipping a heat protectant before styling is one of the quickest ways to ruin your extensions. Direct heat exposure damages the hair fibers, causing them to feel rough and frizzy. A lightweight, non-greasy heat protectant spray creates a protective barrier, keeping extensions smooth and damage-free.
Hard Water Exposure
If your water supply contains high mineral content, it can build up on your extensions, making them feel stiff, dry, and tangled. This is especially common in areas with hard water. Using a clarifying shampoo occasionally and installing a shower filter can help minimize this issue and keep your extensions looking fresh.
Dry, frizzy extensions don’t happen by accident—they’re often the result of incorrect products, excessive heat, and overwashing. To maintain soft, silky extensions, always use hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos, limit heat exposure, and moisturize regularly. With proper care, your extensions will stay luxurious, smooth, and frizz-free for much longer!
3. Best Ways to Restore Moisture to Hair Extensions
Hair extensions losing their softness and turning dry? That’s a common struggle! Since extensions don’t receive natural oils from the scalp, they need extra moisture and care to stay smooth and healthy. Here’s how to bring back their hydration, shine, and silkiness.
Use a Sulfate-Free, Hydrating Shampoo
Regular shampoos with sulfates strip moisture from extensions, making them brittle and prone to tangling. Instead, opt for a gentle, sulfate-free, and hydrating shampoo that cleanses without drying out the hair.
Best Shampoos for Extensions:
· Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – Strengthens and hydrates.
· Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – Infused with botanicals for deep moisture.
· Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo – Rich in argan oil for nourishment.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioners and hair masks work wonders for restoring lost moisture. Using a deep conditioning treatment once a week can transform dry extensions into soft, luscious strands.
How to Apply:
1. Apply a rich, hydrating hair mask (avoid roots if you have tape-ins).
2. Leave it on for 15–30 minutes (wrap hair in a warm towel for deeper penetration).
3. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to retain hydration.
Best Hair Masks for Extensions:
· Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask – Repairs and strengthens.
· Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Mask – Deeply nourishing.
· Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense – Perfect for restoring silky texture.
Apply Natural Oils
Natural oils lock in moisture and restore shine to extensions. A few drops of argan oil, coconut oil, or castor oil can revive dry hair.
Best Oils for Extensions:
· Argan Oil – Lightweight and deeply moisturizing.
· Coconut Oil – Prevents dryness and frizz (use sparingly).
· Castor Oil – Strengthens and hydrates, but use a tiny amount to avoid buildup.
How to Use:
1. Warm a small amount of oil in your hands.
2. Gently apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of your extensions.
3. Avoid the roots if you have tape-ins or bonded extensions to prevent slippage.
Avoid Overwashing
Since extensions don’t produce natural oils, washing too often can dry them out. Instead, follow this schedule:
· Clip-In Extensions: Wash only when needed (every 10–15 wears).
· Tape-Ins & Sew-Ins: Wash 1–2 times per week to maintain moisture.
Switch to a Silk Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases create friction, which causes frizz, tangles, and dryness. Silk pillowcases, on the other hand, reduce breakage and help retain moisture. They also make extensions feel smoother and shinier every morning.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner
A good leave-in conditioner helps extensions stay hydrated, frizz-free, and manageable.
Best Leave-In Conditioners for Extensions:
· Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray – Lightweight and hydrating.
· Moroccanoil All-In-One Leave-In Conditioner – Prevents dryness and adds softness.
· It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product – Restores silkiness and shine.
Restoring moisture to hair extensions is easy with the right routine. Focus on hydrating shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and natural oils while avoiding overwashing. Small changes, like switching to a silk pillowcase and using leave-in conditioners, can make all the difference in keeping your extensions soft, shiny, and frizz-free!
4. Step-by-Step Repair Routine for Dry & Frizzy Extensions
Bringing dry, frizzy hair extensions back to life is all about gentle care and deep hydration. Follow this simple repair routine to restore their softness, shine, and manageability.
Step 1: Detangle Gently
Before washing, always detangle extensions to prevent breakage and knots.
Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristle brush (never a regular brush).
Start at the ends and work your way up slowly.
Hold the hair near the roots to minimize tension on the bonds or clips.
Pro Tip: Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or detangling spray for easier brushing.
Step 2: Wash Extensions the Right Way
Using the wrong washing technique can strip extensions of moisture, making them coarse and brittle.
Use lukewarm water—hot water opens the cuticles, causing dryness.
Choose a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo to maintain softness.
Gently massage the shampoo into the hair without rubbing or twisting.
Rinse thoroughly to prevent product buildup.
Pro Tip: For tape-in extensions, avoid applying shampoo directly to the roots to prevent slipping.
Step 3: Deep Condition for Intense Hydration
Hair masks are a game-changer for restoring moisture and repairing damage.
Use a rich, moisturizing hair mask once a week.
Apply it from mid-lengths to ends (avoid roots for tape-ins).
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes before rinsing with cool water to seal moisture.
Best Deep Conditioners:
Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Mask
Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense
Step 4: Apply Lightweight Oils & Serums
Oils and serums lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and add shine.
Use a tiny amount—too much can make extensions look greasy.
Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
The best options include argan oil, coconut oil, or a lightweight serum.
Pro Tip: Avoid applying oil near the roots or bonds to prevent slipping.
Step 5: Air Dry & Avoid Heat When Possible
Heat styling weakens extensions over time, making them more prone to dryness.
Let extensions air dry naturally whenever possible.
If using a blow dryer, use low heat and a heat protectant spray.
Avoid straighteners and curling irons daily—opt for heatless waves instead.
Final Tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely braid your extensions before bed to minimize friction and frizz.
By following this repair routine consistently, your hair extensions will stay silky, smooth, and hydrated for longer!
5. Best Products to Fix Dry & Frizzy Hair Extensions
Keeping hair extensions hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free requires the right products. Whether you need a nourishing shampoo, deep conditioner, or intense treatment, these top picks will restore your extensions to their soft, silky state.
Best Shampoos for Dry Hair Extensions
Hydrating, sulfate-free shampoos are essential for preventing moisture loss and brittleness.
1. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – A game-changer for extensions, this formula strengthens and hydrates while repairing damage.
2. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo – Sulfate-free and packed with natural botanicals, it deeply nourishes without weighing hair down.
3. Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo – Infused with argan oil, this shampoo restores softness and shine while protecting against dryness.
Best Conditioners for Dry Hair Extensions
A deeply moisturizing, lightweight conditioner helps extensions stay smooth without buildup.
1. Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – Repairs, hydrates, and smooths damaged or frizzy extensions.
2. Redken All Soft Conditioner – Infused with argan oil, it softens extensions and adds a healthy shine.
3. Kerastase Nutritive Lait Vital – A lightweight but deeply moisturizing formula that prevents dryness and tangling.
Best Hair Masks & Leave-In Treatments
For extra hydration and repair, a weekly hair mask or leave-in conditioner is a must.
1. Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector – A bond-repairing treatment that restores strength and smoothness to dry, brittle extensions.
2. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask – A deep-conditioning treatment enriched with argan oil for maximum moisture.
3. Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner – A lightweight, multi-benefit treatment that detangles, hydrates, and protects extensions from heat.
Using high-quality, moisture-rich products will keep your hair extensions healthy, soft, and frizz-free for longer. Stick to sulfate-free formulas, deep-condition regularly, and use nourishing oils to maintain a flawless look!
6. Heat Styling Without Damaging Hair Extensions
Hair extensions may look fabulous when styled, but excessive heat can lead to dryness, frizz, and breakage. To keep them healthy and long-lasting, follow these key tips for safe heat styling.
Always Apply a Heat Protectant
Before picking up a curling iron or flat iron, spritz on a heat protectant to create a protective barrier. Look for lightweight sprays like Gisou Heat Protecting Spray or CHI 44 Iron Guard to shield your extensions from damage.
Use a Low-Heat Setting
Unlike natural hair, extensions lack natural oils, making them more prone to heat damage. Keep styling tools at or below 300°F (150°C) to prevent brittleness. Fine extensions may need even lower heat.
Give Extensions a Break
Daily heat styling can shorten the lifespan of extensions. Instead of reaching for hot tools every day, try switching up your look with heat-free styling methods.
Best Heat-Free Styling Methods
· For Waves & Curls: Braid damp hair overnight for soft, natural waves.
· For Volume: Use velcro rollers on dry hair and let them set.
· For Sleekness: Wrap hair around your head and secure it with a silk scarf.
By minimizing heat exposure and using protective products, your hair extensions will stay silky, smooth, and beautiful for longer!
7. Preventing Dryness & Frizz in the Future
Keeping hair extensions soft, smooth, and frizz-free requires ongoing care. A few simple habits can prevent dryness and extend the life of your extensions.
Use Hydrating Products Regularly
Hair extensions don’t receive natural scalp oils, so they need extra hydration. Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and deep condition weekly with a nourishing hair mask like Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask or Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector.
Limit Heat Styling to Special Occasions
Heat is one of the biggest culprits behind dry, brittle extensions. Instead of using a curling iron daily, opt for heat-free styling methods like braiding damp hair for waves or using rollers for volume. When you do style with heat, always use a heat protectant.
Detangle Properly with a Soft Brush
Brushing too harshly can cause breakage and shedding. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush, starting from the ends and working your way up. Detangle before washing to prevent knots.
Sleep with a Satin Bonnet or Silk Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases cause friction and frizz, but a silk or satin pillowcase helps extensions stay smooth and tangle-free. If you prefer, wrap your hair in a satin bonnet or loose braid before bed.
Apply a Small Amount of Leave-In Conditioner Daily
A lightweight leave-in conditioner keeps extensions hydrated and manageable. Avoid heavy oils or creams that cause buildup. A small amount of Redken One United Leave-In Spray or Pureology Color Fanatic Spray will do the trick!
With consistent care and hydration, your extensions will stay beautiful, silky, and frizz-free for the long haul!
8. FAQs About Fixing Dry & Frizzy Hair Extensions
Can I use regular shampoo on hair extensions?
No, regular shampoos often contain sulfates and harsh detergents that strip moisture from extensions, making them dry and brittle. Instead, use a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo or Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo to keep extensions soft and nourished.
How often should I deep condition extensions?
Deep conditioning once a week is ideal for maintaining moisture and preventing dryness. Use a hydrating hair mask, such as Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask or Redken All Soft Heavy Cream, and let it sit for 15–30 minutes before rinsing. If your extensions feel extra dry, you can deep condition twice a week, but avoid applying conditioner near the roots if you have tape-in or bonded extensions.
What oils are best for restoring moisture?
Lightweight oils like argan oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are great for adding moisture without making extensions greasy. Apply a small amount to the mid-lengths and ends to keep them soft and manageable. Avoid heavy oils like castor oil, which can be too thick and weigh down extensions.
Should I trim my extensions if they feel dry?
Yes! Just like natural hair, extensions can develop split ends and dryness over time. A light trim every 6–8 weeks helps remove damaged ends and keeps them looking fresh. If you’re unsure, visit a professional stylist for a precise cut that blends seamlessly with your natural hair.
Can I use a keratin treatment on extensions?
It depends. Keratin treatments can help smooth frizz, but some contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, which can weaken extensions. If you want a keratin boost, opt for a formaldehyde-free keratin treatment or use a keratin-infused leave-in conditioner like Redken Extreme Anti-Snap for added strength and shine.
9. Conclusion
Keeping hair extensions soft, smooth, and frizz-free comes down to proper hydration, gentle care, and heat protection. Since extensions don’t receive natural oils from the scalp, they require extra moisture from sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, and nourishing hair masks. Using hydrating leave-in treatments and lightweight oils like argan or jojoba oil helps maintain their silkiness without weighing them down.
Washing extensions the right way is just as important—lukewarm water, gentle shampooing, and conditioning only the mid-lengths and ends prevent unnecessary dryness. Limiting heat styling and always applying a heat protectant ensures they stay soft and damage-free. And don’t forget nighttime care! Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or braiding extensions before bed can prevent friction and frizz.
By following these simple care techniques, your extensions will stay shiny, manageable, and long-lasting. If you're looking for the best products to keep them in top condition, check out Fabulive’s recommended hair care collection—specially curated for silky, salon-quality extensions!