Summer Hair Extensions: The SPF Ingredient That Could Be Affecting Your Hair
Whether you are enjoying long days in the sunshine, relaxing by the pool or heading off on holiday, hair extensions are the perfect way to add length, volume and confidence to your look.
While most of us never forget to apply SPF, few realise that one common suncream ingredient could be affecting the colour of their hair extensions.
If your blonde or lightened extensions have developed an unexpected pink or peach tint after a holiday, the cause may not be the sun itself, but your suncream.
Extension Care
The Unexpected Impact of Suncream on Hair Extensions
Protecting your skin with SPF is one of the best things you can do during the summer months. However, certain suncreams contain a UV filter called avobenzone, which may also be listed as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane.
When this ingredient comes into contact with minerals such as iron or copper, often found in tap water, swimming pools and seawater, it can cause discolouration on lighter hair extensions.
Unlike natural hair, extensions have undergone professional processing before they are fitted. Without the continuous nourishment of the scalp’s natural oils, they can be more porous, allowing them to absorb products and environmental elements more readily.
Blonde, platinum, highlighted and balayage extensions are particularly vulnerable, as even subtle colour changes are more noticeable on lighter shades.
What to Look For
Has Your Extension Colour Changed?
If your extensions do not look quite the same after a holiday, you may notice:
- — A soft pink, peach or orange hue through the lengths or ends.
- — Discolouration where the hair rests against the shoulders or neckline.
- — A noticeable loss of brightness or shine.
- — Colour that appears uneven or dull despite washing.
Once staining has occurred, shampoo alone will rarely remove it. Prevention is always the best approach.
Expert Advice
How to Protect Your Extensions This Summer
With a few thoughtful changes to your routine, you can help keep your extensions healthy, glossy and beautifully coloured throughout the season.
Before Styling
Let Your SPF Fully Absorb
Apply suncream before styling your hair and allow it to absorb completely, particularly around the neck, shoulders and chest where extensions naturally rest.
Throughout the Day
Refresh Your SPF Carefully
When reapplying suncream, clip your hair up or place it in a loose ponytail while the product absorbs. It is a small step that can make a significant difference.
Choosing Your Protection
Selecting the Best SPF
If you wear blonde or lighter extensions, check the ingredients in your suncream. Choosing a formula without avobenzone may help reduce the risk of staining.
A 100% mineral suncream containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be a useful alternative while still providing the appropriate level of protection for your skin.
After Swimming
Rinse Away Residue
Salt water, chlorine and suncream residue can contribute to dryness and colour changes. Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove residue before it settles into the extensions.
Restore and Replenish
Maintain Hydration
Extensions benefit from regular hydration throughout the summer. A nourishing mask or professional conditioning treatment will help maintain softness, shine and manageability, particularly after exposure to the sun.
Summer Haircare
Keep Your Extensions Nourished
Discover expert haircare designed to hydrate, condition and protect your hair throughout the summer months.
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Keep Your Extensions Summer-Ready
If your extensions have taken on a pink or peach tint, avoid reaching for purple shampoo or at-home colour products, as these can make the staining more difficult to correct.
Instead, speak to your extension specialist. A professional treatment may help lift staining, refresh the tone and restore your extensions’ beautiful finish.
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