The Best Hair Masks for Extensions

If you’re reading this blog, chances are you love hair extensions as much as I do. I mean, let’s be honest: they can literally transform any hair look and bring your mane to life with new volume, new length, new thickness, adding so much versatility and pzazz to your hairstyle! But when it comes to giving your added tresses some good ole TLC, not every product can keep up with the fabulousness. Cliphair provides you with everything you need to know about how to wash your hair extensions, but what about deep conditioning and hydration? Using a hair mask on your hair extensions should be part of your hair care routine as mandatory maintenance to keep them shiny, soft, manageable and luscious. In today’s blog, I will guide you through my favourite hair masks for hair extensions, how to apply them, and ultimately how to achieve glorious tresses in no time by choosing the right products.

Our Favourite Hair Masks for Extension Care:

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque

I purchased this hair mask after bleaching my hair from jet black to light blonde. Let’s not discuss that particular process in detail (hello, brassiness) but this product has worked wonders on my parched tresses. So I thought to myself, why not try it on hair extensions? Enriched with honey and a blend of miracle oils (including coconut, avocado and baobab seed), this product’s formula is a high-impact recipe for dry hair, restoring moisture, repairing damage, and enhancing the overall health of your tresses. Its thick and creamy formula smoothes down your strands, leaving them feeling soft, smooth, and manageable – infused with new life. Its high-street price is also a huge pro. Highly recommend.

Shop Now: Shea Moisture Deep Hair Treatment Mask Raw Shea Butter

OUAI Fine To Medium Hair Treatment Masque

I always end up talking about OUAI whenever a product recommendation comes up, and the reason behind that is quite simple – I’m a huge fan of the brand. Although quite expensive, this hair mask (also available in a specific range for thick hair) keeps its promise of moisture, softness, rebuilt bonds, and anti-frizz properties. The final touch? Silky finish and a characteristic, velvety fragrance with notes of rose, lychee, champagne, and bergamot. The aesthetic packaging also gets points, because why not. My first try with OUAI was their leave-in conditioner, and since then I’ve been swearing by this company and their mission – not to mention how the OUAI Detox line made me ditch dry shampoo. If you have some extra budget to spend on designer hair care (OUAI was founded by hair stylist and beauty columnist Jen Atkins, after all), then give it a go.

Shop Now:FINE TO MEDIUM HAIR TREATMENT MASQUE

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Intensive Treatment 150ml

This top-rated hair mask is a favourite among those who have struggled with strand-like texture in their hair, myself included (I got bleach-happy one too many times in my life, can you tell?). This hair mask falls on the mid-high price range, and let me tell you – the Elasticizer knows what’s up when it comes to dry, brittle, damaged tresses that are prone to breakage. Designed to be a weekly fix of moisture and repair, this product’s formula features Castor oil and olive oil as its main ingredients to save your hair and extension with exceptional results, visible from the first use. Say goodbye to dry and dull strands, and hello to a plump, shiny, soft and manageable mane!

How to Properly Apply a Hair Mask:

Applying a hair mask correctly is crucial to maximise its benefits. Always make sure you follow the instructions specific to the product you decide to try! Generally speaking, these are the steps you should follow:

1. Wash your hair and hair extensions thoroughly. If you have very greasy hair or are trying to get rid of any residues and/or product build-up, you can go with a double round of shampoo. Make sure that the product you choose is always sulfate-free and alcohol-free to avoid drying your your hair and extensions any further.

2. Gently squeeze out the water in excess; this should leave you with damp but not soaking wet, dripping strands.

3. Take a generous amount of the hair mask and distribute it evenly throughout the lengths of your tresses, paying particular attention to your ends. Avoid applying a hair mask to your roots and scalp, as this can weigh your hair down, suffocate your scalp with product build-up, and damage your hair extensions bonds – not to mention the promotion of greasy hair.

4. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your extensions, gliding through your lengths to ensure the mask is evenly distributed on your hair.

5. Leave the mask on for the recommended time mentioned on the product label. Some products require you to also use a source of heat or a shower cap, as they require it to stay on your hair for extended periods of time. This pose time allows the mask to penetrate the hair shaft and provide deep nourishment.

6. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear, ensuring all the product is removed. Some people like to finish with a dash of cold water, as it’s believed it helps sealing the hair cuticles. 

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Extensions:

Keeping your tresses moisturised, soft and silky is a long-term job – using a hair mask weekly isn’t a panacea for all of the damage you may be putting your hair through in between washes. To ensure the longevity and beauty of your remy hair extensions, make sure you take proper care of them on a daily basis by following these simple steps:

Avoid excessive heat styling: Heat can damage both your natural hair and extensions, being the main cause behind dryness, breakage, frizziness and split ends. Reduce your use of heat-based styling products such as hair straighteners and curling wands; embrace your natural hair’s texture and try heatless styling techniques instead, such as the curling ribbon. You can read more about this versatile accessory here: Heatless Hair: Curl Ribbons & Silk Everything Are The Latest Trend.

Use a wide-toothed comb: When on a detangling operation on your tresses, start from the ends and work your way up using a wide-toothed comb. Never use a normal brush or a boar bristle brush on damp hair! When wet, your hair is at its weakest – being prone to irreparable damage that will leave you with crinkly, frizzy hair.

Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase: Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, on your hair whilst sleeping, keeping tangling and breakage at bay when you get your beauty rest.

Protect your extensions during physical activities: Whilst in everyday life you may be able to experiment with creative styling, going to the gym or engaging in outdoorsy activities whilst wearing your clip in hair extensions will require some rigorous styling to protect your added tresses. Braids, ponytails and buns are always welcome… Find your inspiration in our blog: The 10 Best Workout Hairstyles For The Gym.

Schedule regular maintenance appointments: Visit a qualified hair stylist experienced in dealing with human hair extensions in order to have them adjusted and maintained regularly.

Conclusion:

Finding the right hair mask to give a deep conditioning treatment to your tresses may not be easy – so why not give a try to one of these products? You may find your hair’s new best friend. Investing in high-quality hair masks specifically formulated for extensions is essential for maintaining your Remy extensions’ health, shine, and longevity. Make sure you follow the instructions provided with your product of choice for outstanding results.