Summer is finally here… 3 months late. Double vaccinated individuals are rushing to book holidays in Autumn months following Boris’s lifting of restrictions on overseas travel. Following unacceptable volumes of true British overcast, sun-starved brits are eager to catch up on well-needed rays before the summer season is officially over. A few days of rare British heat – what took you so long?! - has got us dreaming of overdue summer holidays. Going on holiday with hair extensions can present its own set of challenges. If you’re fortunate enough to be jetting off this Autumn, we’ve complied a comprehensive guide of how to take care of human hair extensions in summer.
Summer heat feels glorious on our skin. We can almost feel the Vitamin D soaking into our pores as we sit by the pool, cocktail in hand. Unfortunately, hair extension damage from heat is only too common. Just like your natural hair, real hair extensions are susceptible to drying out in summertime. Hair extensions, however, don’t produce the natural oils (sebum) that keep your real locks moisturised and healthy.
Washing hair extensions tactically can help remedy dry, brittle hair. Keep shampoo treatments to a minimum as daily washing strips the existing oils from your extensions. When you do need to apply shampoo, use a moisturizing, sulphate free formula and only wash the roots of your hair. Tape in extensions or weft-wearers need to shampoo and rinse under the extensions.
With conditioning, the reverse applies. Apply plenty of conditioner regularly to the lengths. Once every 1-2 weeks deep condition the extensions to keep them moisturised. If wearing bonded hair extensions, avoid applying the conditioner at the roots as this may loosen the bonds.
Dry Shampoo can be a lifesaver between washes to keep hair extensions feeling fresh. Also, applying a daily leave-in conditioner can lock in moisture without stripping your hair. For a complete guide to washing hair extensions, check out our in depth blog here.
1. The Best Type Of Hair Extensions For Swimming
Swimming is bad for hair extensions. Shock. Before you start cancelling your plans for a hot-girl-summer, however, we have some tips for reducing hair extension damage from swimming. Depending on the type of water (and type of hair extensions) risks can vary. Fresh water is the least damaging option. Swimming pools seeped in chlorine pose the biggest risk, harshly bleaching and parching your locks almost instantaneously. Unfortunately, the sea isn’t much better, with the salty waves similarly stripping extensions of their limited moisture.
The obvious option would be to not get your hair wet. If you’re content with keeping your head above water, your watery worries stop here. To avoid tangles, explore some super chic summer updos or braids to keep your hair extensions safe and stylish.
As a self-proclaimed water baby, I sympathise with anyone wanting to submerge themselves in the warm Mediterranean Sea. If this sounds like you, all is not lost. First up, be sure to wet your hair extensions with fresh water before entering the pool/ocean. Dry hair absorbs chlorine/salt far easier than wet hair, increasing the risk of chemical damage to your precious extensions.
To avoid tangles when swimming, put your hair into a braid or low bun before entering the water. Usually, bonded or tape in hair extensions suffer most from water damage, as the bonds themselves can weaken considerably. Be sure to pat dry your extensions at the root the moment you get out of the water. Extra points if you apply a moisturising spray to replenish natural hair oils.
2. Wear A Swim Cap For Hair Extensions
While it may be a vibe-killer for some, a swim-cap can help prevent hair extension damage from water. Though most swim-caps aren’t completely waterproof, a latex cap is your best option for majorly reducing contact with the water. If you’re keen for a gentler option, try silicone caps at a slightly higher price.
3. Swimming With Clip In Hair Extensions
Our tip-top piece of advice from today… Don’t swim with clip in extensions. Just don’t. Not only will it damage the hair itself, getting clip hair extensoins wet is a recipe for miserable matted mayhem. Once wet, your natural hair tangles effortlessly with your extensions, your hair can also become matted around the clips making removal a potential nightmare.
Funnily enough, clip in hair extensions are probably the best option for vacationers simply because they can be applied and removed at your leisure. By only attaching your extensions when needed e.g., for a restaurant trip or a night on the strip, you risk far less damage to your hair than semi-permanent options. Clip in hair extensions are the clear winner for holiday convenience, just remember to take them off before going for a swim!
4. Use Heat Protection Spray For Hair Extensions
Sun-soaked strands aren’t all that. Just like your natural locks, hair extensions are susceptible to sun damage. Luckily, we’re not going to tell you to stay out of the sun. Instead, use a silicone spray to protect your delicate hair extensions from harmful rays. Sprays like this will form a protective barrier over both your natural hair and extensions and keep your hair feeling silky smooth and summer chic.
5. Have A Good Hair Brush For Hair Extensions
Any hair extensions veteran will tell you that finding a good brush for your hair extensions is key for maintaining luscious hair. This is especially important in summer. Summer hair is prone to tangles and dryness. Find a suitable brush designed for your specific hair extensions to keep your hair tangle free and healthy. Remember to always brush downwards to preserve the natural direction of your hair.
6. Put Down That Curling Iron!
As much as we all want the perfect beachy waves to match our sunny surroundings, try to avoid using heat tools on your hair in summer months. As mentioned, your hair extensions are already prone to drying out in the holiday heat. Additional heat styling can strip your hair of its existing moisture while causing colours to fade. Hair Extension damage from heat is all too common in summer months. If not styling your hair isn’t an option, ALWAYS use a heat protecting spray and keep the temperature as low as possible.
