Summer Hair Extensions Survival Guide: Sun, Swimming, Humidity, and more

Written by: Samantha K. Paris

Summer is one of the best times of the year, but can also be one of the toughest seasons on your hair extensions. Between pool days, beach vacations, humidity, and long hours in the sun, your extensions need a little extra TLC to stay looking beautiful longer.

Protect Your Hair Before Swimming

Whether you're jumping in a pool, lake, or the ocean, it's always a good idea to get your hair wet with clean water first and apply a conditioner (do not rinse!) Hair acts like a sponge, so saturating it with fresh water can help minimize how much chlorine or salt and minerals are absorbed into the hair fibers. The fresh water and conditioner act as a barrier to prevent unwanted substances from penetrating the cuticle. This is extremely important for extensions, as their lifespan is already shorter than your natural hair.

Sunblock and Hair Extensions

Just like your skin, your extensions can be affected by prolonged sun exposure. UV rays can dry out both your natural hair and your extensions, leaving them feeling brittle and dull. Wearing a hat, using UV-protectant such as the Redken One United, and keeping your hair moisturized can help preserve both the color and quality of your extensions throughout the summer.

Additionally, wearing a mineral sunblock is crucial. Typical store bought sunblocks contain avobenzene, which causes a chemical reaction with some hair extensions. Be sure to wear mineral sunblock instead, such as Glymed+ Protective Moisturizer SPF.

Humidity Happens

Virginia summers are no joke. Humidity can cause natural hair to swell, frizz, and behave differently than usual. Using professional smoothing products and keeping up with your extension maintenance appointments can help keep everything looking blended and polished, even on the muggiest days.

Brush More Than You Think You Need To

Summer activities create more opportunities for tangles. Wind, swimming, sweating, and travel can all contribute to matting if extensions aren't brushed consistently. Use a professional extension-safe brush gently at least morning and night, paying special attention near the attached points. Pro Tip: boat days will definitely require an extra brushing session.

Scheduled Maintenance Before Vacation

One of the biggest mistakes we see is waiting until after vacation to schedule a maintenance appointment. If you're heading to the beach, planning a cruise, or spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure your extensions are in great shape before you leave. PS, we often see people taking a week-long extension break for beach vacations, and it works wonderfully. We're equipped for proper removal, care of the extensions, and care of your scalp, plus scheduling you back in to have them reinstalled. They'll be stored away after being shampooed and blown out fully by our team, in an extension safe hanging bag, in your own home until your re-install! The only catch is you can't come in with a sunburned scalp ;)

Hair extensions can absolutely survive summer and still look amazing. They key is staying consistent with your home care, protecting your hair from the elements, and keeping up with maintenance appointments.

If you have questions about your extension care or are wondering whether your current routine is summer-proof, we'd love to help!