Hair Oils and Extensions: What Works, What Wrecks Them
Using oil on hair extensions can greatly help keep them soft, shiny, and manageable. However, hair oil can also be a double-edged sword for extensions. While some oils can be greatly effective at restoring moisture and minimising dryness, others can dissolve adhesives, cause slippage, or create buildup that shortens extensions’ lifespan.
In light of this, our experts have looked closely at what works, what to avoid, and how to apply hair oil safely with different types of hair pieces.
Oils That Work Well on Extensions
Not all oils are created equal as far as suitability for extensions is concerned. The best oil for hair extensions will typically be effective at mimicking or supplementing natural hair oils.
Here are some of the options you would be well-advised to consider for your extensions:
- Argan oil
Often referred to as “liquid gold”, argan oil is one of the safest and most popular choices for hair extensions. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and adds shine without leaving hair pieces feeling greasy or weighed down.
- Jojoba oil
This oil is the one in our list that most closely resembles the scalp’s natural sebum, which makes it a great choice for maintaining softness and flexibility. You can count on jojoba oil hydrating your extensions without creating heavy residue.
- Marula oil
Rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, marula oil can be an excellent product to use on extensions that feel dry or brittle. It helps improve frizz, in addition to enhancing shine and protecting vulnerable ends from further damage.
Whatever oil you choose for your hair pieces, you should only use two or three drops at a time. The oil should be applied from the mid-lengths to the ends, with the root area and attachment points being avoided entirely.
Oils to Avoid Near Bonds and Tape
It can be problematic to use certain types of hair oils near bonds or tape, such as:
- Coconut oil
Although coconut oil is highly moisturising for natural hair and penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, it can interfere with extension adhesives. Applying it near tape tabs can contribute to loosening and premature slippage.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is too thick and heavy for use on hair extensions. It tends to sit on the surface of hair pieces, creating noticeable buildup on wefts and making hair feel greasy. The excessive use of olive oil can also attract dirt and make cleansing trickier.
Regardless of the specific hair oil you place your trust in, you should never apply it near the roots if you have bonded extensions. Oil weakens the bond between natural hair and extensions, which can lead to hair pieces sliding or falling out prematurely.
Tape-ins can be particularly vulnerable. This is because while medical-grade tape is designed to hold securely, the use of oil-based products can reduce its stickiness.
How to Apply Oil Safely by Extension Type
Different extension methods require slightly different approaches to the application of oil:
- Clip-in extensions
These are the safest hair extension type for oiling. Remove your clip-ins before applying a small amount of jojoba or argan oil to these hair extensions, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Then, allow them to air dry before storing.
- Tape-in extensions
With this type of hair piece, you should be applying oil only to the mid-lengths and ends. You will need to take extra care to avoid the tape tabs entirely, given that even small amounts of oil can weaken adhesion over time.
- Nano-ring extensions
The oil that you apply to your nano-ring hair pieces needs to be kept at a minimum of seven centimetres below the attachment point. To maintain grip, it is essential that the ring or bond area stays completely dry and product-free.
Would you appreciate further advice and tips? In that case, check out this detailed guide to using hair oil on extensions.
How Often to Oil Hair Extensions
The ideal frequency at which to apply oil to your hair extensions will depend on the condition of the hair pieces and how often you wash your hair.
- For dry extensions
Applying a few drops of oil to dry hair extensions after every wash helps restore lost moisture and maintain a healthy appearance. This is important for keeping the hair nourished while also preventing product build-up.
- For regular maintenance
For the purposes of general maintenance on non-wash days, most extension wearers benefit from using oil about two or three times a week. This provides hydration without causing excessive buildup.
- Before heat styling
Applying several drops of oil to your extensions can create an additional protective barrier against high temperatures. So, this can be well worth doing before you blow-dry or style with heated tools. However, you should always use a dedicated heat protectant, too.
When it comes to applying oil to hair extensions, a great mantra is “less is more”. Putting on too much oil can lead to greasy roots, flattened style, and tape or bond slippage. So, begin with the smallest amount possible, and add more only if necessary.
Conclusion
The best oil for your hair extensions is likely to be argan or jojoba oil, both of which are renowned for their safety and versatility. When you use either of these products on your hair pieces, you can be sure of them providing lightweight moisture without excessive residue.
It’s crucial to make sure, though, that whatever oil you choose is kept away from bonds, tapes, and rings. Just a few drops applied to the ends of your extensions can make a noticeable difference to their softness, shine, and longevity.
Disclosure: This is a featured post.
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