The summer heat is on, and you want to show off your new hair extensions at the beach. But do you know how to enjoy the sun and surf without damaging those extensions?
Hair extensions have become one of the most popular kinds of hair treatments out there. There are many different kinds of extensions, and not only do they make your hair longer, they also add volume. With extensions, you can quickly and easily change up your look without waiting for your hair to grow out.
However, extensions are prone to damage from surprising sources. You might know that too much sun exposure can take a toll on your natural hair – but did you know it can hurt your extensions too?
Fortunately, there are ways to protect your extensions, even if you plan on spending all summer at the beach. In this guide, we’ll break it down – keep reading to learn how to keep your style fresh all summer long.
Handle the Heat
The sun is one of the biggest culprits for hair extension and natural damage. Its UVA and UVB rays can harm the cuticles. While UVB rays suck the protein out of your hair, UVA rays can change the color. If you don’t intend to lighten your hair with the sun, that change can be an unpleasant surprise.
After too much time in the sun, your blonde extensions might look brassy, or your sleek hair might get dried out and frizzled. Breakage, tangles, and frizz are among the results of sun damage.
Water Damage
Next, you’ll have to consider what water can do to your hair extensions.
Water threatens the extensions by loosening the tapes and bonds, and adding strain to your hair. Chlorine from the pool and salt from the sea also remove the natural oils from your scalp, so your natural hair stays less strong.
If you sweat a lot, the damage is compounded by the sweat and salt in your scalp.
It’s best to keep your extensions out of the water, if at all possible. But if you just can’t give up swimming, think about wearing a swim cap when you’re in the waves and give your hair a gentle towel-dry right after you get out of the water.
Let’s take a closer look at just why water damage can be such a big issue.
Salt Water
There are tons of different minerals in the ocean, including sodium chloride, or salt – and lots of it. Salt and other ocean minerals suck the moisture from your hair, so it becomes brittle, dry, and more likely to get damaged.
Salt water also removes the sebum, or natural oils, from your scalp. This means you’ll have to add more oils or conditioning products to your hair later to make up for it. However, the more conditioners you add, the more likely it is that your tape or bonds might slip out.
Chlorine
The pool isn’t safe for your extensions, either.
Chlorine makes hair brittle and dry, like salt water does. It can also cause your hair to change colors.
Make sure you buy high-quality extensions that haven’t been treated with chemicals or harsh dyes, so your hair will stand up to chlorine better. The lower the quality of the extensions, the more likely they are to get damaged by chlorine. Look for a trusted brand like Private Label Extensions when you shop.
If you don’t love the idea of wearing swim caps, you should at least rinse your hair before you get in the water each time. Your hair, including your extensions, is very absorbent. If you let the hair soak up some clean water before jumping in the pool, less chlorine will be able to penetrate your strands.
You can also apply a bit of natural oil to the ends of your hair before your swim, so there’s an added layer of protection. Your hair ends are the most likely to break, and oil will help protect them.
The longer the chlorine stays on your scalp and hair, the more damage you’ll get. Make sure you wash your hair as soon as you can after leaving the pool.
Take Control of Your Tresses
Of course, you know it’s best to avoid sun and water exposure. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to cancel all your summer plans. If you still want to spend time on the beach, make sure you take these steps to further minimize the damage.
Proper Washing
With extensions, you’ll need to wash your hair just two to three times per week.
This keeps your natural moisture levels balanced out. Try to avoid heat styling tools as often as possible, too. The more sweat and water your hair gets, the more often you’re likely to wash it, which can make the damage worse.
Don’t scrub too hard at the scalp when you want, since the bonds and tapes are located there. Instead, gently rub your scalp and work your hands below the bonds and tapes, moving downward. If you use a circular motion to wash your hair, you can add more tangles.
If using conditioner, only apply it below the tapes and bonds, from mid-shaft to the ends. Otherwise, the conditioner can cause your extensions to become loose.
Every time you wash or get your hair wet, give it a gentle towel-dry to prevent the water from damaging the bonds. Always be gentle, and use a soft towel or cotton t-shirt to press the water out rather than rubbing.
The Right Equipment
Make sure to invest in the right kind of hairbrush for your extensions. It should be wet/dry brush that can get the tangles out before they start causing issues.
Protect Your Hair Extensions This Summer
Having hair extensions doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite summer activities. It just means you need to be a little bit more careful.
After you get extensions, you might be looking for easier, non-invasive ways to upgrade your look. Check out some ideas here.
