A comprehensive guide for summer
Hair extensions are a popular way to quickly and easily increase hair length and fullness. Especially in the summer, when many people spend time outdoors, it is important to protect the extensions from harmful influences. One of the biggest dangers to hair extensions in the summer is sunscreen. This guide will show you how to protect your extensions from sunscreen so they look like new all summer long.
Why are sunscreens and day creams harmful to hair extensions?
Sunscreens and day creams are essential to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, however, they can cause significant damage to human hair extensions. Certain chemical ingredients in sunscreens, such as avobenzone and octocrylene, can react with the hair proteins and UV light and cause discolouration. These chemical reactions can cause blonde hair extensions to turn pink or brassy orange. This is especially annoying if you have invested a lot of money in new hair extensions.
Protective measures against sunscreen damage
1. Choose the right sunscreen:
- Opt for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients work on the skin by deflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them, reducing the chance of a reaction with the extensions.
2. Avoid contact with sunscreen:
- Wear your hair extensions pinned up or in a bun to minimise direct contact with sunscreen.
- Tie your hair back when applying sunscreen and do not let it down until the cream is completely absorbed.
3. Aftercare:
- Wash your hair extensions immediately after contact with sunscreen. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue, followed by a nourishing conditioner and/or a hair mask to moisturise.
4. Follow-up care:
If it has happened anyway and your hair extensions have turned orange, the only thing that will help is the ColorRestore spray (available here) .
This product removes the orange tint and returns your extensions to their original colour.
After treatment with the ColorRestore spray, the extensions should be washed with a mild shampoo . A moisturising hair mask should then be used.
Why does sunscreen turn hair extensions orange?
The unsightly discolouration is caused by a chemical reaction between the sunscreens avobenzone and octocrylene and the keratin in the hair extensions. Avobenzone absorbs UVA rays, while octocrylene stabilises them. However, when exposed to UV radiation and in the presence of oxygen, free radicals are formed that attack and destroy the keratin in the hair. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) catalyse and accelerate the damage to the hair structure, breaking down the natural melanin pigment in the hair. What remains are the warm, orange and red tones that are particularly visible in lighter hair.
Tips for protecting your hair extensions.
1. Use mineral sunscreens:
- Products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safer for hair extensions because they are less likely to cause chemical reactions.
2. Protect your hair while sunbathing:
- Tie your hair extensions up or braid them to avoid contact with sunscreen.
- Use a swim cap when swimming to protect your extensions from chlorine, which can also be harmful.
3. Regular rinsing:
- After swimming or being out in the sun, rinse your hair extensions thoroughly with fresh water. This will help remove any residue from chlorine and sunscreen.
4. Use protective products:
- There are special hair care products that have been developed to protect hair extensions from UV rays and other harmful influences. These products form a barrier and reduce the risk of damage. Our daily treatment (detangling spray) is one such product that protects your extensions from UV rays and supplies the hair with nutrients.
Care instructions for summer
In addition to the protective measures mentioned above, there are some general care instructions you should follow to keep your hair extensions in top condition:
1. Regular washing and care:
- Wash your hair extensions regularly to remove dirt, oil and product buildup. Use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
2. Moisturising treatments:
- Use deep moisturising masks regularly to keep your hair extensions hydrated and smooth.
3. Avoid heat:
- Avoid excessive heat from styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. If you must use these, always apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
4. Protect your hair while you sleep:
- If you wear extensions that you can remove yourself (ponytail, clip-in extensions, top hairpiece), be sure to remove them before going to sleep.
- If you have hair extensions that you cannot remove, tie them into a loose ponytail before going to bed.
Conclusion
Hair extensions can be a great way to change up your hairstyle and add extra length and fullness to your hair. However, to keep your human hair extensions beautiful and healthy all summer long, it's important to protect them from the damaging effects of sunscreen and day cream. By using mineral sunscreens, protecting your hair from direct contact with sunscreen, and practicing careful aftercare, you can avoid discolouration and other damage. Follow these tips and enjoy the summer with beautiful, well-maintained hair extensions .
