Looking for a shampoo for weaves? From clarifying shampoos to dry shampoos check out reviews for your Brazilian weaves or sew in weaves right here!
There are many types of hair extensions in the market and weaves are among the most popular and common ones. And using a good shampoo for weaves can help maintain them well.
Weaves are a type of hair extension that can literally be “weaved” into hair using a needle, as opposed to other products that are glued or just clipped on.
They add length and different textures to your hair. And can even act as a protective hairstyle for African American hair.
But to maintain the texture, longevity, and looks of these hair extensions, you need to use the best shampoo for weaves.
| Shampoos For Weaves | Best For | Chief Ingredients |
| SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Residue Remover Shampoo | Dry Scalp and Type 4 Hair | Shea Butter, Tea Tree Oil, Borage Seed Oil |
| OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo | Peruvian Hair | Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Whipped Egg Whites |
| Nexxus Therappe Shampoo | Oily Scalps | Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Coconut Oil, Caviar & Protein Complex |
| Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo | Color-Treated Weaves and Sensitve Scalps | Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Menthol, Aloe Vera |
| OGX Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Smooth Shampoo | Brazilian Hair | Coconut Oil, Keratin Protein, Avocado Oil, Cocoa Butter |
How I tested the top shampoos for weaves?
I tested out these top shampoos for weaves on some of my Remy and Brazilian weaves. I looked at several factors (that I've listed below) before rating the shampoos on a scale of 1-5.
- Cleansing Power - Like any good shampoo, these products do need to do their main job which is to remove dirt, debris, product build-up and other impurities from your weaves.
- Versatility - A shampoo for weaves should be versatile as you can curate a product to your natural but not the multiple types of weaves you have. So it should be moisturizing enough for quality Remy hair, clarifying enough for synthetic weaves and so forth.
- Price - Listen, I know women who just use detergents on their wigs and weaves. So if you're willing to buy a shampoo for weaves it should be affordable.
Top Shampoo For Weaves 2023
How to Select the Best Shampoo for Weaves - A Buying Guide
Before buying a shampoo for weaves, here are some things you should keep in mind.
Type of weave: The first thing is to check what your weaves are made of. If they are created with synthetic fibers or made of natural human hair.
Synthetic fibers do not require much discretion, so you can get away with using harsher shampoos with surfactants in them.
Virgin hair or remy hair requires the same amount of care you’d give to your natural hair. Using harsh shampoos can open the cuticles on these weaves and make it frizzy.
So you should use a moisturizing and milder cleanser.
Texture of the weave: Like natural hair, weaves too come in different textures. If you’ve got a weave with type 3 or type 4 curly textures, you’d have to use a rich, moisturizing shampoo.
Curly, afro hair can get coarse, frizzy, and dry, so they require a sulfate-free shampoo with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, etc. that can keep them smooth and manageable.
On the other hand, Indian hair or Brazilian weaves (straight black hair) would require shampoos that won’t weigh them down and keep the smoothness intact.
Natural scalp condition: Don’t forget that at the end of the day, any weave will ultimately be attached to your scalp and hair.
So even if you’re tempted to buy sulfate-based shampoo for synthetic weaves, it’s a bad idea if you have a dry or sensitive scalp.
I suggest going for a cleansing shampoo with tea tree, apple cider vinegar, or other such ingredients that will remove all impurities from your scalp and the weave without harming either.
How to wash your weaves easily without damaging them?
Washing weaves requires some care to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly without causing damage. Here's a step-by-step guide to washing your weaves easily while minimizing the risk of damage:
- Detangle: Before washing, gently detangle your weave using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. This helps remove any knots or tangles and prevents further tangling during the washing process.
- Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Apply a pre-shampoo treatment to the weave to help loosen any product buildup or dirt. You can use a clarifying shampoo or create a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar (diluted with water) and spray it onto the weave. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly.
- Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free, gentle shampoo specifically formulated for weaves or extensions. Dilute the shampoo with water and apply it to the weave, focusing on the roots and scalp area. Gently massage the shampoo into the hair, but avoid rough rubbing or twisting motions that can cause tangling. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Condition: Apply a moisturizing conditioner to the weave, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying the conditioner directly to the roots, as this can weigh down the hair and potentially loosen the weave. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft and provide hydration. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Deep Conditioning (Optional): If your weave feels dry or damaged, consider using a deep conditioning treatment. Apply the treatment according to the manufacturer's instructions and leave it on for the recommended time. Rinse it out thoroughly with cool water.
- Air Dry: Gently squeeze out excess water from the weave using a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. Avoid rubbing or wringing the hair, as this can cause frizz and tangling. Allow the weave to air dry naturally by hanging it up or laying it flat on a clean towel. Avoid using direct heat from blow dryers or styling tools, as this can damage the hair and the bonds of the weave.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using excessive force or rough handling when washing your weave, as it can lead to shedding or loosening of the weave tracks.
- Don't sleep with wet or damp hair, as this can cause matting and tangling.
- Brush or comb your weave gently when it is dry to prevent tangles and maintain the desired style.
- Avoid using heavy oils or products near the roots, as they can weigh down the hair and cause the weave to loosen.
- Follow any specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer or stylist who installed the weave.
By following these steps and handling your weave with care, you can keep it clean and maintain its longevity without causing damage.
After looking at several products in the market, I’ve rounded up six of the top shampoos for weaves. Here’s how it went.
SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Residue Remover Shampoo
The first shampoo for weaves I tried was this Residue Remover from SheaMoisture. This one intrigued me most as unlike most shampoos on this list, it’s especially formulated for wigs and weaves.
So I went in with a lot of high hopes, and truthfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
I found the shampoo to be very cleansing and gentle at the same time. It removed most of my scalp buildup and even some of the residual bonding glue from the weave.
The shampoo contains tea tree oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and borage seed oil. And there are no sulfates, silicones, or other harsh ingredients in sight.
This makes the SheaMoisture Residue Remover a fantastic pick for both synthetic and virgin wigs and weaves.
I also liked that the formulation was cruelty-free and vegan. Most of the ingredients are also ethically sourced and follow fair trade practices too.
And as it contains ingredients like shea butter and aloe it’s super moisturizing too.
So if you want to use it on weaves that are of the 4b or 4c texture, you can go ahead.
Pros:
- Nourishing ingredients such as shea butter that take care of Remy hair
- Sulfate-free so you can use it on human hair weaves
- Vegan and cruelty free formula
- Good for both natural and synthetic weaves as it's clarifying yet moisturizing
- Good for type 4 weave textures as it contains rich ingredients
Cons:
- Can be too heavy for Brazilian weaves
My Ratings:
- Cleansing Power - 3.5/5
- Versatility - 4/5
- Price - 4/5
Related: Types of hair weaving
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo
A good shampoo for weaves should also be affordable. So if you’re on a budget, the OGX shampoo is a great choice.
The Organix brand is known for its drugstore prices and large variety.
So after much research, I found this Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo to be a good choice for African, Peruvian and Brazilian weaves.
The main ingredients here are coconut milk (which is excellent at hydrating your hair), whipped egg whites, and coconut oil. It's very nourishing and protein rich.
But at the same time, it contains a milder form of surfactants (sulfosuccinate not sulfates) that cleanse dirt, impurities, and product build-up from your weave and scalp.
The coconut-based formula is also lighter and doesn’t weigh straight hair down as the SheaMoisture shampoo does.
It also lathers wells so a little goes a long way.
But one little disappointment was its effect on color-treated weaves. It left my blonde-highlighted weaves a bit brassy.
So I would recommend using this shampoo on untreated, virgin hair.
Pros:
- Moisturizing shampoo that suits both human hair and synthetic weaves
- Adds shine to weaves as it contains silicones
- Doesn’t weigh down hair as coconut milk-based formula is light
- Affordable drugstore prices
Cons:
- Can leave Afro weaves dry in the long run
- Leaves brassy streaks on color-treated weaves
My Ratings:
- Cleansing Power - 4.5/5
- Versatility - 3.5/5
- Price - 5/5
Nexxus Therappe Shampoo
This Nexxus shampoo for weaves is a good choice if you’re looking for a product with good cleansing properties.
Most of the time, residual bonding glue, sebum, and build-up from hairsprays, gels, conditioners, etc. can leave your follicles blocked.
So it’s good to use a shampoo to remove these impurities.
But what I didn’t like is that this shampoo uses Sodium Laureth Sulfate as it’s chief surfactant. While it removes all the dirt and oil no doubt, it can strip hair dye and natural oils too.
If you have a high quality remy weaves, I suggest trying out the Giovanni shampoo instead. Same if you have color-treated hair extensions.
However, this Nexxus Therappe shampoo is great for synthetic weaves. And it can also benefit human hair wigs that have a lot of buildup unless you're using it regularly that is.
The shampoo contains hydrolyzed keratin, elastin, caviar complex, and coconut oil all of which nourish human hair and soft and shiny.
But unlike the OGX or SheaMoisture shampoos, this one hydrated without leaving hair greasy or limp.
Pros:
- Good for synthetic weaves as it is highly clarifying
- Removes product build-up from human hair weaves if used judiciously
Cons:
- Contains sulfates so it's not for color-treated hair or 4c remy hair
- Strips dye from color-treated extensions
My Ratings:
- Cleansing Power - 4.5/5
- Versatility - 3/5
- Price - 3.5/5
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
If you want the clarifying power of a shampoo like Nexxus but don’t want to deal with sulfates, try this Giovanni Triple Treat shampoo for weaves.
The hero ingredient here is tea tree essential oil. It cleanses impurities from your scalp, balances sebum production and even controls dandruff.
And it doesn’t strip hair dye from your extensions or leave your scalp extremely dry!
The shampoo doesn’t contain PEGs, mineral oil, silicones, or artificial dyes either. So if you have a sensitive scalp, you can use it without worry.
I also appreciate the fact that the Giovanni shampoo is vegan and comes in recyclable packaging.
Apart from tea tree, this shampoo also contains several herbs like thyme, rosemary, lavender, etc. that nourish your natural hair from the root too.
I loved the fresh scent and tingling sensation left behind by the combination of menthol, eucalyptus, and peppermint. But it might be too much for some users.
So what’s the catch? Well, this shampoo is great for flake control and oiliness but it can really dry out an already-dry scalp. And it’s also expensive.
Pros:
- Controls flaking and excess oiliness
- Good for natural hair and weaves
- Herbal formula
- Vegan and eco-friendly
Cons:
- Scent can be too overpowering for some
- Expensive
- Dries out hair
- No frizz control
OGX Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Smooth Shampoo
It’s very important to match your shampoo to the texture of your weaves.
While stuff like OGX Nourishing shampoo and SheaMoisture are great for hydrating afro-textured hair, they can get too heavy for straight, Brazilian weaves.
So I suggest using shampoo specially made for such hair that can smoothen your tresses and prevent frizz.
And the Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Smooth Shampoo is just the thing.
The formula contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, and cocoa butter that add softness and shine to your weaves.
But there’s also hydrolyzed keratin that leaves them silky straight and smooth.
If you constantly straighten your extensions along with your hair, this shampoo is a good option then.
The keratin formula helps repair any damage to the weaves as well.
I loved the cocoa scent this shampoo leaves behind on my hair. And my extensions and hair felt softer after use.
But as it’s too moisturizing, it can cause issues if you have an oily scalp.
Pros:
- Leaves weaves soft and shiny
- Prevents frizz and repair damage
- Smoothens hair
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not for oily scalps
- Contains milder surfactants, so not for color-treated weaves
Let's recap on the top shampoos for weaves!
| Top Shampoos For Weaves | SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Residue Remover Shampoo | OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo | Nexxus Therappe Shampoo | Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo | OGX Ever Straight Brazilian Keratin Smooth Shampoo |
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| Price | Affordable | Very Affordable | Expensive | Very Affordable | Very Affordable |
| Gentleness o the Weave | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Cleansing Power | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ingredients Quality | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Sulfate-Free | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable For Remy Hair | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Just like your natural hair, you’ll have to maintain your weaves too. The best way to do this is to use a good shampoo for weaves.
The product you select can depend on many factors like the texture of the weave, whether it’s synthetic or human hair, and others.
These shampoos can help remove sweat, oil, and buildup from various hair care products like gels, hairsprays, and leave-in conditioners from your weaves.
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
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