Caring for Your Extensions This Summer
(Posted on 18/06/25
Summer is here, and we all know the golden rule: protect your skin from the sun. But did you know your go-to sunscreen could secretly sabotage your beautiful hair extensions?
If you’ve noticed your blonde or light-coloured extensions looking peachy or pink, the culprit is probably lurking in your favourite SPF product.
Let’s talk about why this happens, what ingredients to look out for, and how to protect your gorgeous hair extensions without compromising your sun protection.
Why Does Sunscreen Affect Hair Extensions?
Most hair extensions, especially blonde or light shades, undergo a chemical colouring process to achieve their desired tone. When extensions come into contact with certain ingredients found in sunscreens, it can trigger a chemical reaction that leads to colour changes, typically turning blonde hair extensions peachy or pink.
Ingredients to Watch Out For:
The main culprits in sunscreens causing these colour shifts are:
-
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane): A common UVA absorber found in chemical sunscreens.
-
Octocrylene: Often combined with Avobenzone, this chemical helps stabilise SPF products but can increase the likelihood of reactions with hair dye chemicals.
These ingredients are perfectly safe for your skin but problematic for your extensions, particularly lighter shades.
Can't I just tie my hair up?
You might think throwing your hair into a bun or ponytail keeps it safe, but unfortunately, it's not that simple.
Even if your hair is up, sunscreen can linger on your skin even after a shower, transferring onto your extensions when you let your hair down or even while you sleep. This residual transfer can then trigger those unwanted peachy-pink tones.
How to Protect Your Extensions:
Here are some simple, practical steps to keep your extensions looking flawless all summer:
-
Avoid creams containing Avobenzone and Octocrylene:
Instead, look for products with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, as these minerals are less likely to cause colour changes in your extensions. -
Shampoo Carefully:
After a day of sunscreen application, use a gentle clarifying shampoo designed for extensions to remove residues thoroughly. -
Barrier Protection:
Consider wrapping a scarf or wearing a hat to minimize sunscreen transfer onto your extensions. -
Post-Sun Care:
Use nourishing masks or treatments designed specifically for hair extensions to replenish moisture and reduce any minor damage.
Stay Beautiful and Protected
You don't have to choose between beautiful extensions and safe sun protection. Being mindful of the sunscreen you choose and following the simple steps above will ensure you maintain stunning hair extensions without compromising your skin’s safety.
Remember, prevention is better than correction. Choose your sunscreen wisely, and you'll keep your hair extensions looking fresh, vibrant, and summer-ready.
Need more advice on keeping your extensions flawless? Pop into the salon or get in touch—we’re always here to help!
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