How to Choose the Right Products for Your Natural Curly Hair and Curly Extensions

When caring for your curly hair and your extensions, the products you use can make all the difference in maintaining quality and longevity. To keep your curls looking flawless, it’s essential to know what ingredients to avoid and which ones to embrace. Let’s break it down for you.

Ingredients to Avoid

These ingredients can strip moisture, weigh down curls, or even damage your extensions over time. When shopping for hair care products, keep an eye out for these culprits:

1. Silicones

Silicones can create a barrier that weighs down curls and makes extensions appear dull over time. Look for ingredients ending in:

• -one, -cone, -conol, or -xane
  Examples to avoid:

• Dimethicone
• Bis-aminopropyl dimethicone
• Cetearyl methicone
• Dimethicone Cyclopentasiloxane
• Stearoxy Dimethicone
• Stearyl Dimethicone Trimethylsilylamodimethicone
• Amodimethicone
• Dimethiconol Behenoxy
• Phenyl trimethicone

2. Sulfates

Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip moisture and natural oils, leaving your extensions dry and brittle. Watch out for:

• Sodium laureth sulfate
• Ammonium lauryl sulfate
• Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate
• Benzene Sulfonate
• Ethyl PEG-15 cocamine sulfate
• DSS; Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
• Alkylbenzene sulfonates

3. Waxes and Non-Natural Oils

Waxes and mineral oils can cause buildup, making it harder for your extensions to absorb moisture. Avoid:

• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum/petroleum
• Beeswax
• Lanolin 

4. Drying Alcohols

Drying alcohols can dehydrate your extensions, leading to frizz and breakage. Look out for:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• SD alcohol 40
• Ethanol
• Witch hazel

What’s Safe for Your Extensions?

Not all alcohols, silicones, and oils are bad. Here’s what to look for instead:

Water-Soluble Silicones

These silicones are lightweight and wash out easily, preventing buildup. Examples include:

• PEG-Dimethicone
• Lauryl methicone copolyol

Moisturizing Alcohols

Unlike drying alcohols, these nourish and hydrate. Examples:

• Cetearyl alcohol
• Stearyl alcohol

Natural Oils

Natural oils are fantastic for hydration and shine. Look for:

• Avocado oil
• Olive oil
• Coconut oil

Pro Tip: Read Your Labels

Grab your favorite product and scan the ingredient list. If you spot any of the harmful ingredients listed above, it might be time for a switch. Remember, expensive products does not mean they’re good for your extensions.  

The Bottom Line

Caring for your curly hair extensions doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding harmful ingredients and sticking to extension-friendly options, you’ll maintain their texture and keep them looking natural.

 Need product recommendations? Check out our curated list of curly-hair-approved products designed to keep your extensions thriving!