Greasy hair is more than just a cosmetic annoyance; it can be a real problem when you’re in a rush or making a last-minute plan but don’t have time to refresh your locks. More importantly, it can completely dim your confidence, especially if you’re a fan of wearing hair extensions. Whether you’re wearing clip in extensions for volume or length or have committed to permanent hair extensions for a long-term hair glow up, managing oil at the scalp is key to keeping your style fresh, healthy, and long-lasting. Oily roots can cause clip in hair extensions to slide out of place and even lead to residue buildup that affects the bond strength of professional hair extensions.
In this guide, we’ll be breaking down why oily hair is an issue for extensions, how to wash your hair properly when you’re dealing with greasy roots, and some of the best products on the market right now to use. You’ll also find DIY tips for managing oil without harming your extensions, so your natural hair and Remy hair extensions stay as flawless as day one.
Why Greasy Hair Is a Problem with Hair Extensions
When your scalp produces excess oil, it doesn’t just weigh your hair down, it can cause a host of issues for human hair extensions. For styles like tape-ins or bonded permanent extensions, oil at the root can lead to slippage. The adhesive bonds rely on a clean, oil-free surface to stay secure, so when sebum builds up, your extensions may not last as long or stay in place properly.
Greasy hair also attracts more dirt and product buildup. Avoid using styling sprays, serums, or oils around the roots of your hair, as these products can create a sticky residue that can affect extension bonds. This buildup can cause irritation, unpleasant odour, and even damage to both your natural hair and your clip-in hair extensions. To keep your hair moisturised and protected, you can apply our moisturising spray or heat protectant spray on the mid-lengths and ends of your extensions.
Keeping your scalp clean and balanced is essential for the longevity of professional hair extensions. The right routine, paired with the best shampoos for greasy hair, makes all the difference.
Best Shampoo for Greasy Hair (That’s Also Extension-Friendly)
So, what is the best shampoo for greasy hair when you also need to protect your extensions? The goal is to gently remove oil and buildup from the scalp without stripping the natural hair or compromising their bonds.
Look for the following qualities in an extension-friendly shampoo:
- Sulphate-free to prevent drying out or loosening extension bonds
- Lightweight formulas that cleanse without coating the hair
- Balancing ingredients that control oil production without being harsh
While clarifying shampoos are great at tackling greasy roots, some traditional formulas can be too harsh for clip-in extensions and permanent hair extensions. It’s best to choose shampoos with ingredients like micellar water or gentle, nourishing extracts from nature designed to lift oil without stripping.
Our top picks for the best shampoos for oily hair:
- Cliphair Deep Moisture Shampoo – Our shampoo is specifically developed for use with human hair extensions, this formula balances oil, hydrates and rejuvenates, all without weakening bonds.
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo – This tea-tree based shampoo helps purify the scalp, and the lightweight lather is extension-friendly when used occasionally.
- Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo – A gentle micellar-based cleanser that’s safe for most types of hair extensions, especially clip in extensions.
Overall, it’s vital to avoid shampoos that contain heavy oils or waxes, which can add to buildup, and steer clear of sulphates if you’re wearing permanent extensions.
Tips for Washing Oily Hair with Extensions
Even the best shampoo for greasy hair won’t work effectively if you’re not using it properly. When you’re dealing with both an oily scalp and hair extensions, technique is just as important as the formula.
Focus your shampoo application on the scalp only, this is where the oil lives. Avoid lathering the mid-lengths or ends of your extensions too much, as these don’t produce oil and can be dried out by over-washing. For very greasy hair, don’t be afraid to shampoo twice at the roots. The first wash breaks down oil and product, while the second cleanses the scalp more thoroughly.
Rinse with care, making sure no shampoo or conditioner is left behind near the bonds or clips. Leftover residue can lead to buildup, odour, and even irritation. If you are prone to an oily scalp, it’s best to avoid conditioner and masks near the roots altogether.
Limit washes to 2-3 times a week. While over washing can make the scalp produce more oil, under washing when you already have an oily scalp can lead to other problems. A well-balanced routine is the key to keeping both your scalp and your Remy hair extensions in top condition.
When you’re between washes, use a dry shampoo sparingly on the parting area or around the roots and make sure it is thoroughly blended. Brush through with a detangling brush to ensure the dry shampoo is undetectable. Just be cautious with talc-based powders on dark hair, as they can leave a white cast. If your extensions are removable, like clip ins, take them out before applying dry shampoo to avoid coating them unnecessarily.
What is the Best Shampoo for Greasy Hair with Extensions?
So, what is the best shampoo for greasy hair if you wear extensions? The answer depends on the type of extensions you wear and your specific scalp needs. For example, those wearing clip in extensions have more flexibility, since these are removed before washing your natural hair. In that case, clarifying shampoos with apple cider vinegar, charcoal, or lemon can be effective without the risk of damaging extensions, but must be used only occasionally as they can have a drying effect.
If you wear professional hair extensions, our sulphate-free shampoo is designed and formulated for use with bonded hair. The best shampoo for oily hair in these cases will balance the scalp without interfering with the adhesive or weakening the keratin bonds.
Extension-Friendly DIY Hacks for Greasy Hair
DIY solutions can also help manage oil in a pinch, but it’s important to choose methods that won’t damage your extensions.
For a natural rinse, a lemon juice and green tea mix can help gently clarify the scalp. Use this only on your natural parting and not directly on bonded areas if you're wearing permanent extensions.
If you're not currently wearing extensions, you can try a scalp scrub made from sugar and aloe vera. This exfoliates the scalp, removes oil, and refreshes the roots. Avoid any kind of scrub while wearing clip-in hair extensions or bonded styles, as particles can get trapped in the bonds or clips.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been struggling with persistent greasy hair, then having a balanced hair routine is the way to go! By choosing the best shampoos for greasy hair while following a consistent routine, you can enjoy fresh, clean hair that looks and feels amazing. From deep cleanses to DIY touch-ups, every step helps extend the life of your extensions and the health of your natural hair!
Browse our full range of aftercare products designed specifically for clip in extensions and professional hair extensions and check out our complete guide on how to care for your human hair extensions today!
