Whether you're testing out a new style for the summer or just wearing your go to look, here's the expert guide to maintaining your extensions throughout the summer months!
You’ve booked your vacation and the beach is only days away, and with everything else in the rear-view the last thing left is your hair. But just how high maintenance are hair extensions when it comes to taking care of them in the summer months? Here you will find the answers to all of your burning questions about keeping your extensions healthy come heat, humidity, sand and sea.
Thank us later. Now, go enjoy your time in the sun with less worries.
Can you go in the pool with hair extensions in?
The answer, it seems, is more complicated than a simple yes or no - and it comes with a lot of advice and warnings.
Avoid chlorine where possible
It may sound impossible given that in order to get that Instagram photo, you’re going to need to be lounging on an inflatable flamingo. BUT, do so at your own risk.
Swimming in chlorine is probably the worse thing you can do with hair extensions. Chlorine is a bleach and all pools are typically not maintained to the same standard. Exposure to chlorine may make your hair extensions dry, tangled or discoloured due to the chemicals that will disturb your hair's PH-balance.
Wash it immediately
If the pool looks a little too inviting and you just can't resist, we suggests that you can get into the pool at your own risk and use a moisture-rich shampoo immediately to reduce damage. It’s no problem if your hair does get wet in the pool but it is important to fully rinse the chlorine out of your hair afterwards.
Watch the clock
We also suggest not staying in the water for too long. If you spend too much time in the pool, it can start excessively aging the hair. Meaning that the lifespan of your extensions is suddenly a lot shorter.
What effect will salt water have on my hair extensions?
The verdict is unanimous - Avoid sea water. Hair extensions may matt and tangle when exposed to salt water and sun due to excess drying.
If you can't resist even with this warning, be sure to apply a leave-in conditioner as a last resort.
What effect will the sun have on hair extensions?
The sun will have an effect on the cuticles of your hair extensions and can cause excessive dryness. Thus, making a conditioning routine even more important.
Will humidity make the extensions go frizzy?
Simple answer? Yes.
Human hair extensions will act like your natural hair, we suggest using a lightweight serum to keep frizz at a minimum. However when humidity is real high, which is the norm in southern states, there may be no avoiding the frizz. :(
All the product in the world is no match for the high heat and humidity!!
Why does hair become matted more in the summer?
The most common area for matting is along the back and neck area. This is due the the constant friction and movement of the hair up against your body. Mix this with body heat and sweat, and the results are things hair nightmares are made of.
How long do hair extensions last?
It depends on the type of hair extension - and the quality.
Hair bundles can last for many applications and will need to be reapplied every eight to ten weeks, so the great thing is that you can take them out and have them put back in whenever you need or want to.
On the flip side, Lace products will last around three-six months but can’t be reused in most cases - it's best to install lace products using glueless methods which would provide longevity.
Any licensed professional hair stylist will care about you and your hair, so be sure to ask questions during the process about how to maintain whichever type of extensions you've gone for.
Remember human hair extensions are just that, human hair. It's not indestructible magic hair. Extensions will require care when styling and wearing to achieve the best results!!