Home / Hair Care / 7 Best Shampoo for Weaves and Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Hairpiece

7 Best Shampoo for Weaves and Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Hairpiece

Best Shampoo for Weaves

So you have finally invested in weaves. Congratulations! Hairpiece, clip-on wigs, closure piece, frontal piece, hair bundles — whatever you call them — weaves are great in adding length, volume, and texture to one’s natural hair in addition to introducing tons of styling repertoire. No wonder weaves are the current trend in this growing cosmetic hair advancements.

Getting weaves are wonderful and all that but the upkeep, well, is not exactly a piece of cake. Without proper maintenance, tangles and frizziness become evident. But a weave shouldn’t be hard to manage. All you need is the right products.  Washing with the right shampoo is one of the basic care strategies that you can do to maintain and extend the life of your weaves. Because just like your natural hair, weaves also need cleaning as it can easily pick up pollution, dirt, and debris.

If the best shampoo for weaves is what you are after, you have landed on the right post. Ahead, we reviewed best selling cleansing shampoos for weaves to narrow down your selection. Also included in this post are useful information on how to choose the best shampoo for weaves. Because if you are to consider the hefty amount and effort you put in hair installation, you certainly would want to make it last for quite a while.

Read also related topics – best shine spray for hair, best shampoo for bleached hair, best drugstore shampoo for oily hair.

What is the Best Shampoo for Weaves?

When it comes to the washing procedure, the regular shampoo that you used on your natural hair may contain chemicals that can trigger wear and tear on your hair extension. Most weave wearers complain about the damage to their hairpiece because they are not careful enough in choosing the right product. This comes as a no surprise if you are to reflect on the overwhelming variety of shampoos piling the market, it’s easy to make the wrong choice. Having this said, we went on a hunt to find the best shampoo for weaves. Here are 7 of them.

1.  OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo & ConditionerBest for sew-in weaves

If your weaves are permanently attached to your hair, you will need a shampoo that both accommodates your hair and sews needs. OGX Nourishing is enriched with coconut oil, coconut milk, and egg proteins to keep your hair and weaves healthy and well hydrated. With the addition of tea tree oil, the trace of pollution and impurities are reduced, all while keeping your scalp invigorated and balanced.

The wholesome blend of natural ingredients calms frizz, hitting the major needs of prone-to-tangle coarse hair weaves such as the Peruvian and Brazillian. It also comes with a nourishing conditioner that further locks nutrients whilst strengthening cuticles. Both the shampoo and conditioner are all-natural which makes the combo more weave friendly.

Pros

  • Enriched with a creamy blend of natural ingredients
  • Very nourishing and hydrating
  • İnfused with deep-cleansing tea tree oil
  • Keeps frizz and tangles at bay
  • Free of sulfate and other harsh ingredients
  • Set of shampoo and conditioner
  • Light minty scent

Cons

  • Not the best for oily scalp

2. RemySoft Glam Rocker Rapid Renewal System

RemySoft Glam Rocker Rapid Renewal System

Best for natural-textured weaves

The best thing about Virgin Remy is they are easier to style because they are unprocessed and made of real human hair. But when your hair attachment has lost its will to live due to occasional ironing, curling, or coloring, RemySoft Rapid Renewal System can bring your fried and sizzled weaves back to life. It comes in a hair treatment kit that includes the hydrating cleanser a.k.a the “glorified soap” for your hair, containing moisturizing plant extracts and hair-age defying collagen to keep your weaves as good as new.

Working in harmony with the hydrating shampoo is the serum conditioner to leave your hair a smooth and soft finish. And the icing on the cake? Completing the set is the handy silicone-based spritzer especially design to liven up your locks without the added weight.

Pros

  • Blend of moisturizing botanicals
  • With anti-aging collagen; Extends the life of your weaves
  • Protects hair from heat-styling
  • Ideal for dry and damaged weaves
  • Sulfate-free
  • Set includes shampoo, conditioner and hair mist
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • Will cost you more

3.  Awesome Synthetic Wig Shampoo

Awesome Synthetic Wig Shampoo

Best for artificial weaves

Wigs that are made from plastic fibers significantly differ from those that are made from human hair and therefore require a special hair care routine. This synthetic wig shampoo from Awesome is formulated with the considerations of synthetic-made hairpieces. It skips the use of aggressive sulfate and cleans without altering the integrity of the wigs and extensions. As a matter of fact, slows down the degradation of the synthetic fibers whilst showering your weaves with moisture so they look gorgeous for as long as possible. See also best hairspray for synthetic wigs

Pros

  • Exclusively designed for wigs, weaves, and extensions
  • Hydrates hair and keep it supple
  • Recommended for dry weaves
  • Lengthens the life of hairpieces
  • Refreshing citrus scent
  • Sulfate-free

Cons

  • Contains methylparaben

4.  Henry Margu Cleanse Wig Shampoo

Henry Margu Cleanse Wig Shampoo

Best for glued-in weaves

A quick glue weave is easy to install but requires a special washing routine. If you are not careful enough, washing it can cause black goo-balls which the risk of making you look like you’re having a bad hair day. You also cannot use moisturizing shampoos as it can degrade the glue product and can cause the weaves to slide or cause permanent damage to your edges.  Instead, rely on Henry Margu shampoo to cleanse the hair of pollutants and impurities without ruining the structure of your weaves.

The shampoo is made in mild formula and specially designed to keep your hair attachment — be it natural or synthetic —  last longer. It also hydrates hair without weighing it down. Best of all, it imparts hair a lovely scent that lingers but not too overpowering.

Pros

  • Keeps hair hydrated and weave looking new
  • Specially designed for weave care
  • Deep-cleansing
  • Mild formula, safe to use on all types of weaves
  • Highly-favored scent
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Little is know about the ingredients

 5.  Redken Colour Extend Magnetics Shampoo

Best for color-treated human hair

If long-lasting beautiful color care is what you are after, look no further than this color-enhancing shampoo from renowned haircare brand Redken. It contains amino-ions that locks in color to keep your hair vibrant in between dye sessions while the amino acids are what give your strands a noticeable shine.  The inclusion of three strengthening protein baths cuticles the nourishment they need and adds plenty of volume from root to tip. While the formula may contain no sulfate, it still lathers well, providing your hair and the extensions the deep cleaning they deserve.

Pros

  • Preserves the vibrancy of hair color
  • Highly-awarded shampoo for color-treated hair
  • Lightweight, non-stripping, and sulfate-free
  • Strengthens fiber from roo-tot-tip
  • Adds body and bounce to hair
  • Rich lather

Cons

  • Overdrying for some
  • A bit expensive

6.  Big Kizzy Best Dry Shampoo & Dry Conditioner Spray

Big Kizzy Best Dry Shampoo & Dry Conditioner Spray

Best dry shampoo for weaves

It is recommended that you only wash your weave once or twice a week, or every other day if you work a lot. Overwashing it can prematurely wear it down. To get your weave in-between washing, use this Big Kizzy Dry shampoo. The translucent airy formula removes excess oil from hair while amping hair volume without the added grittiness. It is specially designed for extensions so rest assured your weave is in good hands. It comes with a Marula oil-infused conditioning mist that leaves out dry ends and makes hair more manageable.

Pros

  • Wii get your weaves through non-washing hair days
  • Removes oil-buildup without the use of water
  • Volumizes a limp hair
  • Comes with a moisturizing mist
  • Formulated for extensions and weaves
  • Customer satisfaction guarantee

Cons

  • Shampoo volume is too small for some

7. OGX Ever-Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

OGX Ever-Straightening + Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo

Best for Brazilian and Indian hair

Of course, no shampoo product can take the place of ironing or blow-styled straight hair. But if you’re looking to tone down coarseness of Brazilian and Indian hair or perhaps want to prep it for easier hair styling, you’ll like this keratin Shampoo from OGX. The keratin in the formula smooths down those pesky strands that seem to have a mind of their own to make your hair more naturally straight.

It’s good for your weave and for your hair too. As something that is coming from a nature-inspired brand, expect a blend of natural goodness. Working hand in hand with the keratin proteins are cocoa butter, avocado oil and coconut oil to shower your hair with moisture and nutrients for vitality and healthier growth. No more bad hair days and more of the I-just got-my-hair-done look.

Pros

  • For manageable hair
  • Enhances hair’s elasticity and vitality
  • Enriched with of natural oil
  • Adds shine and suppleness
  • Free of sulfate
  • Safe for color-treated hair

Cons

  • Formula too heavy for some

Choosing the Best Shampoo for  Weaves

Choosing the Best Shampoo for  Weaves
The haircare market is full of options for the shampoos exclusively formulated for weaves. There are also other glorified shampoos– from volumizing, plant-based and moisturizing — that can take good care of your weaves. Sure you can just randomly handpick a cleansing shampoo but the right formula can mean the difference between a gorgeous weave that will keep your hair company for longer and one that is just ‘okay enough’.

Considering the investment you spent on your hairpiece, you certainly don’t want to settle for less. Apart from the shampoo formula, choosing shampoo should also be based on the structure of your weaves. Your hair weaves, much like every hair type, differs in structure in terms of texture and quality, and buying the best shampoo for weaves should be based on the aforementioned.

What is your weave made of?

Just like being meticulous about the hair care products you used on natural hair, choosing cleansing shampoo based on the materials used for your hair integration is an essential part of maintenance. Weaves are generally sourced from two kinds of material; synthetic fiber and real human hair. It is important to consider the materials used on your weave because there are various types of shampoos that best cater to the different types of weaves.

Synthetic Weave

Weaves that are made of synthetic microfibers, commonly of low-grade acrylic, are manufactured into strands to mimic human hair. In its basic form, synthetic weaves are versatile and can be easily damaged by heat and friction. High-rated heat protectant shampoos work great in protecting delicate plastic weaves, be it from heat-styling or environmental factors. It is also wise to choose mild surfactants, better yet a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your hairpiece looking fresh without ruining the composition.

Futura Weave

Futura is a type of synthetic weave that is made of heat resistant fiber and can withstand heat up to 400F to be exact. They last longer than the regular synthetic weave and are sometimes sold as human hair blends. It is not necessary to use shampoos containing oil or moisturizers for Futura hair since it already has a natural sheen on it. If you want to wash your Futura without losing in touch with the shine, low-lather shampoo or baby shampoo should suffice.

Human Hair Weave

As you may have already guessed, human hair weaves are made of real human hair that is harvested, and sanitized and have been processed to be used as a hairpiece. Aesthetically, human hair weaves are superior to their synthetic counterparts because they appear more natural. Much like your natural hair, you can also do more with the material. However, it still has a maximum range of heat and chemical treatments that it can take.

 Best shampoos for weaves made of human hair are nutrient-packed and sulfate-free shampoos with outstanding formula. Avoid chemical-laden shampoo as they can strip the natural luster away from strands. We recommend natural and organic shampoos as they are kinder to all types of human hair.

Virgin Hair Weave

Virgin hair is a type of human hair that is touted to be the most long-lasting and reliable hair weave in the market. Generally caring for virgin hair requires shampoos that are very nurturing to the strands. Maintaining moisture is also crucial for virgin hair, so always go for shampoos that have conditioning botanicals to keep your hair looking supple.

Unlike human hair weaves,  virgin hair is not chemically processed or heat-styled in any way. Therefore, the cuticle in its original texture is retained. This type of weave is commonly sourced out of different ethnic hair. The most popular types are Malaysian, Indian, Peruvian, and Brazilian.

Each type of weave is characterized by texture including straight, thin, thick, wavy, or curly. The following chart summarizes the varying type of weave according to texture. Knowing the texture of your virgin weave is a must as there will always be the right formula that best suits your hair texture. Having that said, below is a comparison chart for the different types of virgin hair.

Virgin Hair Type Guide

 

Type of Virgin Weave

Features and Texture

Malaysian weaveMalaysian✓ Comes in  wavy, curly or straight

✓ Thicker  (although fine types are available) and silkier than Indian hair

✓ Won’t swell in humid conditions

✓ Shiny and silky

 

 

Indian weaveIndian✓ Comes in curly, deep to loose wave and straight

✓ Fine to thick types available

✓ Fine types have a light and airy feel to it

✓ Thicker types are the densest

✓ Naturally silky and lustrous

 

Peruvian weavesPeruvian✓ Comes in straight, curly, wavy and coarse

✓ Extremely thick and the coarsest out of all types

✓ Light and soft in nature

Brazilian✓ Crosses all variety of ethnic hair including straight, wavy and curly

✓ Naturally voluminous and more coarse than Indian

✓ Very soft and supple

The Right Shampoo for Every Weave Texture

Weave TextureOnce you figure out which category your virgin weave falls into (thin, fine, thick, coarse, curly, wavy), choosing the right shampoo would be a lot easier. Every shampoo differs in formulation and chemistry. Using the proper shampoo for your weave can help extend its longevity while the wrong choice of products can wear down your weave prematurely. The following are some helpful tips you can use in choosing the best shampoo for your weave.

  • If your weave is fine or thin, volumizing shampoos are a lifesaver. It contains body-enhancing additives and strengthening agents that provide fuller appearing hair.
  • If your weave is coarse, thick, or curly, you can benefit from moıisture-packed shampoos. The heavy-duty conditioning agent and co-polymers present in hydrating shampoo can add shine and luster.
  • If your human weave is color-treated or chemically processed, organic and natural shampoos are your go-to. These types of shampoos are very nurturing to the cuticles of your strands.

Your Own Hair Type

Of course, you should not discard your own hair. After all,  your hair is the integral part that really makes the most of your crowning glory and those weaves are just “extensions”. When buying hair bundles, most people match the texture of the weave to that of their own natural hair. But in cases your hair is different from the structure of your piece, it is important to strategically choose a formula that caters to both your hair and your weave especially if the wefts are affixed into your hair.

But how do you choose a shampoo when you are working with dandruff-prone hair and a delicate weave, for instance? Your cleansing shampoo may be effective in removing flakes and build-up but surfactants present may be too much for your weaves. This is where the ingredients that make up the shampoo becomes a substantial criterion in choosing a shampoo.

Always read the packaging label and ingredient composition of your product. The sodium Laureth sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate present in conventional shampoos are what make the formula lather but will dry out your hair attachment and fade the color. On top of that, these foaming agents will parch oil from your hair and scalp, making strands duller and lackluster. Sulfate-free shampoos and coconut-based cleansers are your best options. They normally contain milder surfactants that effectively cleanse without altering the integrity of your hair and weave.

Also, consider the pH level or the potential hydrogen levels of your shampoo. The higher pH, the harsher the formula. The best pH level for shampoo ranges from 4.5 pH to 5.5 pH.

Our Top Pick


Of course, choosing the best shampoo for weaves should always depend on your hair needs as well as the type of your weave. But if you want a rinse-off product that takes care of all the major needs of your hairpiece — artificial or natural — while also taking care of your hair, we highly recommend OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner.

The fact that it is sulfate-free alone backs the product’s safeness for weaves. But what really makes this shampoo stand out is its renown, highly nourishing ingredients working synergistically to bath hair with vitamins while keeping your weave fresh and luxurious-looking for an extended period of time, worth the hype for being the best shampoo for weaves.

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One comment

  1. personally i use Big Kizzy Best Dry Shampoo & Dry Conditioner Spray and it works best for me. Although as you have beautifully reviewed the best products one can get better understand from it

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