9 Best Oils for Hair Extensions to Boost Their Lustre and Health

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 26, 2024
Oils for Hair Extensions to Boost Their Lustre And Health
Oils for Hair Extensions to Boost Their Lustre And Health
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Hair extensions do not get oils from the scalp. Keep them healthy and shiny with the best oil for hair extensions.

Hair extensions are a fabulous way to give a new dimension to your natural hair. They are great to carry different hairstyles, adding volume and length, quickly preparing for a special occasion, correcting accidental haircut errors or masking hair loss. The follow-up care of hair extensions determines the lifespan and healthiness of the extensions. Washing, drying, detangling, styling, and oiling the extensions have to be done carefully and in the correct manner to maintain their longevity. 

Today, we will talk about oiling your hair extensions. It should always be done after styling the extensions to prevent the oil from heating up. But care should be taken while selecting the oils.

According to our contributor William Slator, Product developer at HairGuard - a holistic hair care product brand, “Frizziness in hair extensions can occur due to a lack of moisture or damage from heat styling. Proper care and maintenance, including regular conditioning and avoiding excessive heat, can help prevent frizz. When oiling hair extensions, it's essential to use a lightweight, nourishing oil and apply it sparingly, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends to avoid weighing down the hair or causing buildup.”

Using just any regular hair oil will not combat common hair extension problems like frizzy hair, breakage, dryness, entanglement, or lack of shine. To make matters worse, they might turn the hair extensions greasy and heavy. As per our expertise, we have brought you the best oil for extensions, 9 of them to be precise. They are formulated to take care of the extensions, keeping them safe and healthy. At night, oil the extensions before braiding them up so that they can nourish the hair while you get your sleep.

9 Best Oils for Hair Extensions

Protect your extensions and natural hair from heat with the hair heat protectant from HSI. It is a mist infused with argan oil that protects hair from heat up to 450°F. The highly concentrated antioxidant-rich oil along with shine-boosting vitamins helps in detangling and speeding up drying time. The benefits of argan oil for hair extensions is many. It hydrates, nourishes, and creates a protective barrier atop the hair. Even after using high-heat styling tools, your extensions and hair remain healthy, smooth, and manageable. This weightless spray also works as a conditioning serum for easy styling and perfect finishing results.

Pros
  • Use before styling to create a protective layer for the hair
  • Also works as a leave-in conditioning serum
  • Makes extensions and hair smooth and frizz-free
  • Suitable for real hair and human hair extensions
  • Gentle, mild formula
Cons
  • The spray nozzle does not work properly
  • Best for Repairing

    Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

    Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
  • A reparative styling oil with Olaplex no.7, it minimizes frizz and flyaways, increasing the shine, softness, and vibrancy of the hair extensions. The patented Olaplex bond-building technology works at a molecular level to repair broken hair bonds and improve hair strength. It protects the hair structure and repairs its appearance and texture. The No.7 can be used alone or with any other Olaplex styling or conditioning products to boost its power. Give your hair extensions the benefits of this bonding oil to keep them healthy, smooth, and resilient. This is one of the best oil for human hair extensions that you can get your hands on.

    Pros
    • Should be used before styling with heat
    • Lightweight formula
    • Protects from heat upto 450°F
    • Provides UV protection
    • Safe for 100% human hair extensions
    • Expensive
  • Best for Shine

    NOW Solutions Moisturizing Multi-Purpose Oil for Face, Hair and Body

    NOW Solutions Moisturizing Multi-Purpose Oil for Face, Hair and Body
  • Infused with organic jojoba oil, this multi-purpose oil works wonders for healthier-looking hair. Ideal for all hair types, jojoba oil, extracted from the jojoba plant, is beneficial to hair extensions, too, when used in the correct manner. It hydrates the hair strands from deep within, adding shine and softness to the extensions. The oil contains essential fatty acids and fatty alcohols which help in protecting the strands from damage that comes from heat styling. Get your hands on this best hair oil for your extensions today and see the difference it makes in their maintenance.

    Pros
    • Safe for hair extensions
    • Promotes softer hair
    • Adds shine and luster
    • Hydrates the strands
    • Provides deep-conditioning
    Cons
    • Can be damaging if used too often
  • Best for Hydration

    VERB Ghost Oil

    VERB Ghost Oil
  • Clinically proven to enhance shine by 75%, the ghost oil from VERB harnesses the power of moringa oil. It works to provide hydration to hair strands, combating frizz and flyaways. The lightweight formula softens hair by locking in moisture, promoting shine and smoothness. Applying it on hair extensions before heat styling offers extra protection against damage. The oil distributes evenly to smooth out dry ends and frizzes without leaving behind any greasy residue, keeping the extensions looking natural and lovely.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Pleasant smell
    • Distributes evenly
    • Restores luster and shine
    • Does not weigh hair down
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Hair Restoration

    L'ANZA Keratin Healing Oil Treatment

    L'ANZA Keratin Healing Oil Treatment
  • Restore your damaged and stressed hair along with conditioning your hair extensions with this Keratin healing oil treatment. It contains keratin protein and phyto IV complex that has restorative properties which are extremely beneficial for the hair. It will add shine to your extensions while building the damaged hair from roots to ends. With renewed strength and restored moisture, your hair becomes radiant and bouncy. If the reviews are anything to go by, you will have flowy, ultra-soft hair in no time with this magical oil.

    Pros
    • Heals and repairs damaged hair
    • Revitalizes from roots to ends
    • Protects from heat damage
    • Provides frizz-free hair
    • Prevents split-ends
    • Expensive
  • Best for Nourishment

    VIRTUE Healing Oil

    VIRTUE Healing Oil
  • The VIRTUE healing oil is formulated with a unique blend of hydrating oils and the brand's patented alpha keratin 60ku which infuses hair with a potent dose of protein that makes hair stronger and shinier. The key ingredients are tocopherol, a natural form of vitamin E, that helps to neutralize free radicals, Kalahari melon seed oil protects and nurtures dry, brittle hair, and Tahitian gardenia flower extract strengthens damaged hair. The lightweight, fast-absorbing hair oil for extensions nourishes and delivers a healthy glow to the hair strands.

    Pros
    • Ultra-lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Fast-absorbing
    • Clinically proven to repair broken keratin strands
    • Safe for hair extensions
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Hair Breakage

    PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Oil Hair Serum

    PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
  • With a delicate scent of lavender, this jojoba oil blend provides intense moisture when the hair strands are in dire need. Ideal for low-porosity hair, it maintains hair elasticity, preventing breakage. It works great for hair extensions as the extensions tend to become dry due to a lack of natural oil. This oil for hair extensions is weightless and provides moisture to the extensions, keeping them nourished and hydrated. It keeps the extensions looking their best.

    Pros
    • Adds moisture
    • Non-greasy
    • Promotes healthy hair
    • Safe for extensions
    • Moisturizes hair
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Healthy Glow

    Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

    Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
  • The 100% pure, cold-pressed coconut oil makes the ideal natural hair oil with super-hydrating properties. The natural fats contained in the oil hydrate and nourishes the hair. It can be used to condition hair extensions or as a detangler. The soft and buttery texture adds shine and luster to the extensions, making them soft to the touch with a healthy glow. But care should be taken not to use coconut oil for hair extensions often as it can be damaging to the bonds.

    Pros
    • Unrefined formula
    • Non-greasy
    • Naturally nourishing
    • Hydrating
    • Pure, virgin oil
    Cons
    • None
  • Best for Conditioning

    Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil for Hair, Lashes & Brows

    Sky Organics Organic Castor Oil for Hair, Lashes & Brows
  • Sky Organics utilizes the goodness of castor oil to care for your hair extensions. The pure, cold-pressed castor oil is enriched with nourishing fatty acids that moisturize and condition the hair and scalp. Apply the oil in the ends and mid-shaft, avoiding the attachment area as it might loosen them. It makes dry hair strands healthier, fuller, and shinier. Castor oil is known to provide gloss and shine to the hair's texture. This hair extension oil helps to smooth down frizz, making the extensions easily manageable.

    Pros
    • It is a natural source of fatty acids
    • Helps in conditioning hair
    • 100% pure castor oil
    • Deeply hydrates strands
    • Prevents dryness of hair
    Cons
    • Can be heavy on the extensions

    How to Choose the Right Oil for Hair Extensions?

    Choose the best oil for hair extensions by considering the following points:

    • Hair Type: The most effective oil for hair extensions will depend upon the types of hair. For fine and straight hair, light oils like argan or jojoba will best suit the extensions while for thick and curly hair, heavy oils like coconut or castor will suit the best.
    • Extension Type: The oil will also depend upon the type of hair extension you have. Temporary hair extensions like clip-in extensions do not require much oiling but permanent extensions need special care and caution. 
    • Purpose: The intent of using the oil also plays a role in selecting the best oil. For glossy and shiny hair, argan oil is best suited for hair extensions while castor oil can be used to promote hair health by improving the hair texture and condition the hair cuticles.
    • Ingredients: All-natural ingredients are ideal for hair extensions. Oils that are pure and organic will provide softness to hair extensions, keeping them as well as your real hair healthy. Avoid using products that have harsh chemicals which can lead to build-ups or hair damage.
    • Compatibility: Another important factor to take into consideration is the compatibility of the oil with your hair extensions. Some oils can only be used on 100% human hair extensions. Some oils might cause discoloration or have damaging effect on the hair extensions. It is always advisable to consult your hairstylist before buying oil for extensions.
    • Customer Reviews: Go through the customer reviews to find the ideal oil for your hair type and hair extensions.

    The Benefit of Oil for Hair Extensions

    Hair extensions can get dry and brittle due to a lack of natural oils. Like your real hair, the extensions do not get the goodness of oil from the scalp. With the best oil for hair extensions, you get several benefits of oiling your extensions such as:

    • Improves texture: Oiling the extensions keep them looking luscious, soft, and shiny throughout their lifespan. It conditions the hair strands and improve their texture.
    • Increases longevity: Providing a nourishing layer of hair oil revives and refreshes the extensions. It gives them healthy nutrients increasing their longevity.
    • Protects from heat styling: Oiling before heat styling also offers a protective shield to the extensions. It keeps them getting damaged and breaking off.
    • Reduces tangles: Oiling the extensions before going to bed ensures there are lesser tangles to deal with in the morning. Ad lesser tangles mean lesser pulling and tugging at the bonds, keeping the hair extensions safe.
    • Nutrients: Using high-quality oils on the hair extensions provide deep nourishment, makes hair soft, and delivers essential vitamins to the hair shaft. It also adds shine to hair, and treats dry hair extensions, giving you healthier and stronger hair extensions.  

    Our findings show that the best oil for hair extensions help in increasing their longevity by taking care of them. It is made from a wide variety of natural ingredients and oils that directly infuse the extensions with their goodness without losing any of their properties. The ideal oils for extensions are free from artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals that might lead to product build-ups, dry scalp, dry skin, or the bonds and attachments breaking off. Hair oil product like argan oil is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that acts as deep conditioner, protecting the extensions from pollutants and UV rays, and maintaining hair elasticity. Now that we have established oil as an essential hair care product for extensions, and since you are here searching for the right ones, as a hair extension user, we hope you found what you came looking for. Just remember, oil your extensions for their healthy, long life but be careful not to oil the bonds and attachments as oil can open them up, detaching them from your natural hair.

    Contributor: William Slator, Product developer - HairGuard

    FAQ's

    Should you use hair oil for extensions?
    Yes, using hair oil for hair extensions is very much beneficial for them. It makes them healthy and long-lasting.
    Can I oil my hair if I have extensions?
    Yes, you can oil your hair even if you have extensions but extra care should be taken to oil them in the proper manner to keep them from slippage or damage.
    What oils should not be used for hair extensions?
    Coconut oil should not be used to oil hair extensions as it can break the attachments. Even if it is used, do not let it sit for too long.
    How can I keep my hair healthy while wearing extensions?
    Brushing and detangling each morning and before going to bed, washing twice a week, and oiling keep the hair healthy while wearing extensions. While washing, care should be taken to rinse off well and while brushing, avoid extreme pulling and tugging to keep the attachments safe.
    Is argan oil OK for hair extensions?
    Argan oil provides moisture to hair extensions, keeping them from becoming frizzy and dry.
    What ingredient is bad for extensions?
    Harsh chemicals like sulfate, paraben, and alcohol strip the extensions of their natural oils. Products containing these chemicals should not be used on the extensions.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira is our in-house hair care expert. Anything related to hair, she is all game to learn and bring her readers the best of knowledge. Today, she touches on the topic of the best oils for hair extensions. She discusses in length the benefits of oiling your extensions and the points to consider while buying the right oil. She provides her readers with tips and tricks to keep the extensions safe and long-lasting.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More