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Everyone loves summertime, but we know how dangerous the sun can be. Over the years we have learned the importance of taking care of our skin in the sun, but what about our hair? In this blog, our experts discuss how the sun can damage both your natural hair and hair extensions, as well as providing you with a few handy hair extension sun protection tips.

The sun can damage hair extensions in a couple of key ways. Firstly, sun damage can cause the hair to become dry and brittle, resulting in frizz and breakages. Secondly, UV rays can cause discoloration – usually a few shades lighter. This is like what happens to your own hair with prolonged sun exposure, but usually happens much faster. 

Read on to learn more about what happens to hair extensions in the sun, and what you can do to protect them. 

Is the Sun Bad For Hair Extensions?

UV rays are not only bad for your skin, but can also damage your scalp, natural hair and extensions. Prolonged exposure can cause your extensions to fade in colour, making them look dull and lifeless. 

In cases where natural hair is used to create extensions, the sun can result in the hair drying out and cause breakages. As such, it is essential to protect your hair extensions from the harsh summer sun. Learn more about how to do this later.

Can Hair Extensions Change Colour in the Sun?

As mentioned above, the sun can cause your hair extensions to fade in colour slightly, usually a shade or two lighter – similar to how your natural hair might lighten with prolonged exposure to the sun, only faster. 

Think about how the things you leave on your windowsill fade in colour over time – the same happens with hair extensions – just a lot faster!

What Else Could Damage Your Extensions This Summer?

Whilst the harsh summer sun is incredibly damaging to both skin and hair, there are other things to be aware of that can also damage your extensions in the summertime and especially when you’re on holiday. 

Products

If your hair extensions are feeling a little dry, you might naturally be tempted to slather on moisturising products and oils. This is one of the worst things you can do in summer! They will essentially burn/cook your hair, damaging it further.

Do you remember the tanning oils that previous generations would use on holiday, and how bad they are for the skin? Now think about how bad oils can be on the hair in harsh sunlight. 

Oils and moisturising products have their place, but avoid using them if you’re going to be in harsh, direct sunlight. If your hair really needs them, wear a wide-brimmed hat or hair covering. 

Swimming

Both chlorinated and sea water can damage your extensions. Chlorinated pool water will strip your hair and extensions of your natural oils, colour and moisture, leaving it dry, brittle and discoloured. Similarly, the salt in sea water will also dehydrate your hair and extensions. 

We’re not saying that you can’t go for a refreshing dip on holiday if you have extensions, but you must take proper care of them before jumping in! Read our recent blog to learn some of the best ways to protect your extensions when going swimming.

What Does Sunscreen Do to Extensions?

Unfortunately some sunscreens can cause extensions to discolour due to their chemical makeup. This is particularly true for those with blonde extensions, especially if the colour isn’t natural.

Look out for sunscreens containing Avobenzone and Octocrylene. These are the chemicals that are responsible for discolouring hair extensions, often turning them a pink/orange colour. 

Sunscreen is, of course, essential but when wearing hair extensions, we recommend opting for a mineral sunscreen as these typically don’t contain  Avobenzone and Octocrylene. 

How Do I Protect My Hair Extensions From the Sun?

Hair extension sun protection isn’t as difficult or inconvenient as you might think! Here are our top tips for protecting your hair extensions from sun damage.

  • Use the right products – (and know what not to use!). Avoid using hydrating products and oils when in direct sunlight, and be sure to check your skincare/SPF products for  Avobenzone and Octocrylene.
  • Invest in a wide-brimmed hat or hair covering – the best way to protect your hair from the sun is to simply not expose your hair to the sun. We recommend investing in a stylish wide-brimmed hat (think chic, south of France vibes!). 
  • Learn to braid your hair – Braiding your hair won’t necessarily protect it from sun damage, but it’s a great protective style when on holiday. Braids are great when you swim and can also create beautiful, natural waves if you leave your hair to dry when braided (although, we do recommend washing your hair after exposure to chlorine or sea water).

Learn more about protecting your hair on holiday with our Holiday Hair Extensions Tips.

What Extensions Are Best for Holidays?

The best extensions for a holiday largely depend on your needs and level of maintenance. At The Hair Alchemist, we always recommend Micro Rings or Mini Micro Rings as they are widely regarded as the safest hair extensions on the market, whilst also blending seamlessly into your own hair – whatever style you choose, making them perfect for holidays!

On the other hand, Micro Rings are semi-permanent. You can’t just put them in and take them out when you want to. If this is something you require, Clip-in extensions may be the better option. They allow you to be low-maintenance on the beach, whilst looking fabulous in the bar later!

Get Luxurious, Healthy Hair Extensions with The Hair Alchemist

At The Hair Alchemist, we exclusively use Russian and Slavic hair for our extensions, as it is widely believed to be the healthiest hair in the world. Glossy, strong and lightweight, our Russian hair extensions are the epitome of luxury and can be expertly matched to both your own hair colour and texture for a seamless result.

What are you waiting for? Book your free consultation today to get started with the summer hair of your dreams!

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