The Science Behind Extension-Safe

The Science Behind Extension-Safe

Explore the science behind our Extension-Safe system—and discover the chemistry that works as hard as you do.

At Covet Labs, every formula begins with a single goal: to protect and prolong the life of luxury hair extensions—without compromise. As a stylist, you know that extension hair requires a completely different approach than natural hair. Because extension hair isn’t nourished by the scalp, it’s more vulnerable to damage from ingredients, styling, and environmental stressors. This means your product choices are a direct reflection of the quality, longevity, and satisfaction of your installs.

That’s why we created the Extension-Safe™ system—a science-backed approach that supports the long-term integrity of your work by protecting every strand you install and color.

The Extension-Safe Standard: What It Really Means

“Extension-safe” isn’t a buzzword to us. It’s a rigorous, multi-step formulation process designed to meet the unique needs of extension hair. Here’s what makes our system different:

1. Banned Ingredients List

We start by eliminating the most common culprits behind shortened extension lifespan and compromised hair health, including:

Category

Ingredients We Avoid

Why It Matters

Harsh Sulfates

SLS, SLES

Strip moisture and weaken bonds

Drying Alcohols

SD Alcohol 40, Ethanol, Isopropyl Alcohol

Dehydrate hair and lead to tangling

High pH Ingredients

Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide

Cause cuticle lifting and swelling

Silicones That Build Up

Dimethicone, Amodimethicone

Lead to buildup and coating that affects re-application

Protein Overload Agents

Keratin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (at high levels)

Can harden and snap already-processed hair

Aggressive Chelators

EDTA (at high levels), Tetrasodium EDTA

Strip color and essential moisture from extensions

 

2. pH-Balanced Formulas (4.5–5.5)

Hair—both natural and extension—has an optimal pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Many traditional shampoos or treatments clock in closer to 7 or higher, leading to lifted cuticles, frizz, and color fading.

Our entire system is pH-optimized to:
- Keep the cuticle sealed and smooth
- Lock in color for longer
- Maintain moisture and manageability
- Minimize matting, tangling, and friction at the root

3. Weightless, Residue-Free Performance

Extension hair is prone to buildup, which can affect reapplication, cause slippage, or leave a film that dulls the finish. Our formulas are designed to be:
- Lightweight and water-soluble – to rinse clean without residue
- Non-greasy and breathable – so they don’t clog bond sites or add heaviness
- Layerable – perfect for styling while preserving the extension’s natural movement

4. Human Hair, Human Testing

We don’t just test on swatches—we test on real human hair extensions across multiple textures, origins, and bond types. That includes:
- Tape-In
- The Keratin Tip
- Hand-Tied Wefts
- Machine Wefts

We simulate multiple washes, heat styling sessions, and product layering to ensure our formulas perform under real-world salon conditions.

5. Color-Conscious Chemistry

Most traditional color-safe products aren’t tested on pre-colored extension hair. Covet Labs Pro Color and our care products are designed to work with extension pigment, not against it.

- We eliminate ingredients known to strip semi-permanent pigments
- Use gentle surfactants that preserve tone and vibrancy
- And support longer wear between touch-ups or toning appointments

It’s Not Just Clean—It’s Extension-Safe™

Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made without parabens or phthalates. But more importantly, they’re made for stylists who work with extensions every day. Whether you’re prepping a full install, refreshing tone, or extending wear between appointments, our system is built to protect your investment—both in hair and in your work.

Your Craft Deserves the Right Chemistry.

Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made without parabens or phthalates. But most importantly, they’re made for stylists who work with extensions every day. Whether you're prepping a full install, toning custom blends, or sending clients home with aftercare instructions, our system is built to uphold your standard of excellence. Because when the hair performs, your work shines—and your reputation grows.

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