Want to make your extensions last longer? Try these shampoos for tape extensions to keep your scalp clean and the extension-glue as strong as before.
When you spend hours at the salon trying to get tape in extensions, you obviously want them to last long. Using the right products for tape in extensions is very important for this. Tape extensions are high maintenance and the products that you use on them can affect the quality.
Below, I have used some of the best shampoos for your tape extensions that will take good care of your long hair. Here’s how it went.
| Best Shampoos For Tape-In Extensions | Best For |
| Love Hair Extensions Shampoo | Natural Hair Extensions |
| Brazillian Bondbuilder Extension Repair Set | Damaged, Processed Extensions |
| Nexxus Colour Assure Shampoo | Color-Treated Hair Extensions |
| Brandywine Haircare Shampoo | Synthetic Tape Extensions |
| hairUWear Cleanse Shampoo | Straight to Wavy Hair |
| Remysoft Glam Rocker Hydrating Cleanser | Curly Extenions |
As a hair styling and cosmetologist who has worked with extensions of all kinds over the years, I have found the Remysoft Glam Rocker Hydrating Cleanser the best shampoo for tape in extensions. It is sulfate-free and it has a low salt formula that won't weaken the glue on the tape strips. The gentle formula is good for remy, human hair extensions as well.
Top shampoos for tape extensions 2024
Love Hair Extensions Shampoo
The first shampoo I tried on my extension is the Love extensions shampoo.
If you are looking for a mild shampoo that will gently cleanse away all the impurities from your tape in hair extensions, this would be a great choice.
This shampoo left my extensions squeaky clean without causing any damage to the extensions.
I also adored the low salt formula of the shampoo that works best to protect your tape extensions.
It is also formulated with oils and silicones that are beneficial for smoothening your extensions. (Disapio, A, and P Fridd. “Silicones: use of substantive properties on skin and hair.” International journal of cosmetic science vol. 10,2 (1988): 75-89. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.1988.tb00004.x)
I also used it on one of my dyed extensions and it didn’t bleed out the color at all. So you can go for it!
What I liked:
- Low salt formula
- Contains oils
- Makes hair shiny
- Mild formula
What I didn't like:
- Nothing
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 5/5
- Cleansing Power - 4/5
- Color-Protect - 3.5/5
Who It’s For - All types of extension textures.
Brazillian Bondbuilder Extension Repair Set
Most of the extension shampoos do not create a good lather. Nope, the Love Hair Extensions shampoo didn’t either.
But this shampoo lathers well and cleans your hair well. And before you ask, no there are no sulfates here.
This set comes with a shampoo, conditioner, and finishing spray which worked wonders on my hair extensions.
I was looking for hair care products that will not weaken my bonds and this one worked perfectly well. It has a low-salt formula just not as great as the Love Hair Shampoo.
It also made my extensions blend in with my hair really well. My extensions look very similar to my natural hair and are much thicker and smooth now.
What I liked:
- Lathers well
- Value for money
- Silicone free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for chemically treated hair
What I didn't like:
- Might dry out your hair
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 4/5
- Cleansing Power - 4.5/5
- Color-Protect - 4/5
Who It’s For - Chemically treated or colored tape extension.
Nexxus Colour Assure Shampoo
I know a lot of people just use regular shampoo on their extensions if they are made of Remy hair. Ahem..I do this too!
But what if you’ve dyed your hair? Yes, it is possible to color tape extensions since it is made up of natural hair so I decided to try it out.
My quest for the perfect shampoo for colored tap extensions took me to the Nexxus Colour Assure shampoo.
This is a clear shampoo that cleans your hair and scalp (if your wearing the extensions at the moment) without leaving any residue.
For best results, I would recommend using the shampoo and conditioner from the same range. It has a very pleasant and soothing smell.
There’s just one issue. This is a regular shampoo, it doesn’t have a sufficiently low enough salt formula. You might weaken the tape extensions if you use it regularly.
I just used it once a fortnight and urge you to do the same.
What I liked:
- Colour safe
- Suitable for colored hair
- Contains elastic protein
- Contains quinoa complex
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone free
- Pleasant smell
What I did not like:
- Might fade your hair color
- Might weigh down your hair
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 3.5/5
- Cleansing Power - 5/5
- Color-Protect - 3/5
Who It’s For - Natural (Remy) hair extensions.
Brandywine Non Static Shampoo
If you are on a tight budget, this combo is for you. The Brandywine range comes with a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in detangler, and a wig brush.
I got this set as it is literally all you need to take care of your extensions.
This is a great product for beginners or lazy people like me!
I could feel the extensions looked super soft and manageable after using these products. And these are glue-safe as well. So you won’t have to worry about your extensions getting loose.
It also has a very pleasant smell. The brush felt very gentle on my hair and helped in detangling the extensions quickly.
I could see that this set was especially good for my curly hair extensions.
What I liked:
- Budget-friendly
- Sulfate-free
- Makes hair manageable
- Flexible use
- Includes brush
- Pleasant smell
What I didn't like:
- Might dry out your hair
- Flimsy brush
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 4.5/5
- Cleansing Power - 4/5
- Color-Protect - 4/5
Who It’s For - Curly and wavy extension textures.
hairUWear Cleanse Shampoo
When I was looking for more low-salt formulas, I found this HairUWear shampoo. And I was pretty impressed.
This shampoo has a very pleasant smell but the smell didn't really stay on the extensions after washing.
It gently cleansed my hair and scalp without drying them out too much.
I only had to use very little product to get these results out of my hair and it was much more soft and shiny after use.
If you are struggling with getting rid of product buildup, this shampoo will work really well for you.
But the downside of such clarifying products is that they can leave hair dry. So I won’t suggest using it on curly hair extensions which are prone to dryness already.
What I liked:
- Pleasant smell
- Lightweight
- Makes hair shiny
- Makes hair soft
- Reduces frizz
- Strengthens extensions
- Moisturises hair
What I didn't like:
- Might cause allergic reactions
- Not suitable for oily hair
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 4.5/5
- Cleansing Power - 4/5
- Color-Protect - 3.5/5
Who It’s For - All types of extension textures.
Remysoft Glam Rocker Hydrating Cleanser
This shampoo has moisturized my extensions and made it soft with consistent use. I was so happy that this product gave me salon-quality results.
Among all the low-salt shampoos for extensions I’ve tried, I liked this one the best.
I really like that this is an all-in-one shampoo that helps in protecting your hair and repairing any existing damages to your hair.
It gave me better results than even HairUwear and Brandywine.
But the one thing I noticed is that it will not give you instant results. You have to use it regularly to get the best results out of it.
The best part about this shampoo is that it contains a plethora of natural ingredients that are highly beneficial for your hair.
So you can use it while you’re wearing your extensions as well. It’s safe on your scalp, even if it’s sensitive.
What I liked:
- Contains natural nourishing ingredients that make hair soft
- Maintains scalp health as it's ph balanced
- Repairs damaged hair
- Cruelty-free, Sulfate-free and Colour safe formula
- Pleasant smell
What I didn't like:
- Might make your hair greasy
My Ratings:
- Low-Salt Formula - 4/5
- Cleansing Power - 3.5/5
- Color-Protect - 4/5
Who It’s For - Colored hair extensions.
How To Choose The Best Shampoos For Tape Extensions
Choosing the right shampoo for tape extensions is essential to maintain the longevity and appearance of your hair extensions. Tape extensions require special care to ensure they remain in good condition. Here are some steps to help you choose the best shampoos for tape extensions:
Avoid Ingredients Like Sulfates and Alcohol
Look for sulfate-free shampoos. Sulfates can strip the adhesive used in tape extensions and lead to premature loosening or damage.
Avoid shampoos with high alcohol content, as alcohol can weaken the adhesive.
Choose a Gentle, Moisturizing Formula:
Opt for shampoos designed for dry or damaged hair. These are typically more hydrating and less likely to strip the extensions of their natural oils.
Look for shampoos that contain natural oils like argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, as they can help keep both your natural hair and the extensions nourished.
Pick A pH-Balanced Formula
A pH-balanced shampoo is gentle on hair and extensions. It helps maintain the natural pH level of your hair, preventing damage to both your hair and the extensions.
Choose A Clarifying Shampoo (Occasionally)
Use a clarifying shampoo on your natural hair, but avoid the tape bonds. This helps remove any product buildup, oil, or residue from your natural hair without compromising the extensions.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Stay away from shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These can be damaging to both your natural hair and the extensions.
How To Take Care of Tape In Hair Extensions
Use The Right Shampoo
It is not recommended to use regular shampoo on tape extensions. The harsh ingredients in these shampoos might react badly with the adhesive of the tape and damage them.
This will not only damage your extensions but will also reduce the lifespan of your extensions by detaching them from your hair. Look out for shampoos without harsh ingredients like sulfates. You should also opt for all-natural hair products that will keep your hair in good condition.
Do Not Wash Extensions Too Often
It is best to leave more gaps between your wash days and use a dry shampoo to compensate for those days.It is not recommended to wash your hair regularly when you have tape extensions.
Frequent contact with adhesive and hair care products can wear off the adhesive from the tape extension and cause it to fall off. It will also strip the natural oils from your extensions.
Don't Wash Hair Immediately After Getting Extensions
When you fifths get the extensions, you should wait for at least two days before washing your hair. This gives adequate time for the adhesive to attach properly to your natural hair.
Even if you are only taking a body bath in the first two days, it is recommended to use a shower cap to prevent any damages to the extensions.
After this period, you should only wash your hair twice a week. Invest in a good dry shampoo if you have oily or greasy scalp but do not spray it directly on the adhesive part. You can even have a wash day once a week if your hair is wavy or curly.
Air Dry Your Hair (Reduce Heat on Hair)
Air drying your hair is probably the best way to style your tape extensions. Because bringing your tape extension adhesive into contact with heat from blow dryers can wear them off and cause your extensions to fall off.
However, if you are in a hurry, it is not always possible to take your time and air dry your hair. In that case, you can use a blow dryer at gentle speed with a low heat setting.
Use The Right Hair Drying Technique
If you have synthetic hair extensions, you should steer clear from a blow dryer otherwise it would literally melt your extensions. This method is only meant for people with natural hair extensions.
Do not tilt your hair upside down when using the blow dryer. This will add to the weight of the extensions to make them weak and might even get detached from your natural hair.
Tape extensions are probably one of the safest ways to get long hair quickly. Most of the other methods of getting hair extensions(sewing, bonding,etc.) are harsherr on your roots.
But it is important to maintain your hair and extensions properly by brushing them regularly and using the right products.
So you’ll need to pick the best shampoos for tape extensions to keep your scalp clean!