Protecting Your Hair Extensions 101
Hair extensions are an investment, and just like natural hair, they require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking fresh, silky, and full of life. However, as summer approaches, the combination of sun, heat, and chlorine can wreak havoc on your extensions, leading to dryness, discolouration, and breakage.
Many people often ask, “Can I go in a swimming pool with hair extensions?” and the answer is yes, but with the right precautions. Similarly, understanding how do you protect extensions from chlorine and how do you protect hair extensions in the sun is essential to prevent damage before it happens. Even if your extensions have already suffered, you might be wondering, “How do you fix heat damaged hair extensions?” Fortunately, there are ways to restore their moisture and shine.
Preparing your hair for summer is key, as seasonal changes bring unique challenges for maintaining hair health. This guide will help you keep your extensions looking flawless throughout the season, no matter how much sun and swimming you have planned.
Can I Go in a Swimming Pool with Hair Extensions?
One of the most common questions when it comes to summer hair care is whether you can safely swim with hair extensions. While it is possible, it’s important to be mindful of the effects chlorinated water can have. Chlorine is a powerful chemical used to keep pool water clean, but it can be extremely drying to both natural hair and extensions. When exposed to high chlorine levels, hair extensions may become brittle, tangled, and difficult to manage. In some cases, especially with lighter shades, chlorine can even cause discolouration, turning blonde or highlighted extensions brassy or, in extreme cases, green.
The risk of damage is even greater for certain types of hair extensions, such as tape-in or bonded extensions. Chlorinated water can weaken the adhesive bonds, causing them to slip or loosen over time. Sewn-in wefts and clip-in extensions can also suffer from the drying effects of chlorine, making them more prone to matting and breakage. Because of this, it’s always best to limit your extensions’ exposure to chlorinated water as much as possible. If you do decide to swim, taking the right precautions will make all the difference in keeping your extensions intact and healthy.
How Do You Protect Extensions from Chlorine?
If you plan on taking a dip in the pool, knowing how to protect hair extensions from chlorine is essential. One of the best ways to safeguard your extensions is to pre-soak your hair with clean, non-chlorinated water before swimming. Hair, including extensions, acts like a sponge, by soaking it with fresh water first, you reduce the amount of chlorinated water it absorbs, helping to minimise potential damage.
Applying ahydrating conditioner before entering the pool can also create a protective barrier, helping to lock in moisture and prevent excessive dryness. This is particularly beneficial for human hair extensions, as they lack the natural oils that keep real hair hydrated. Braiding your hair before swimming can also reduce tangling and help keep your extensions secure. For those looking for maximum protection, wearing a swim cap is highly recommended, as it provides a physical barrier against chlorine exposure.
After swimming, it’s crucial to rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water to remove any lingering chlorine residue. Chlorine left in the hair can continue to strip moisture, so using asulphate-free shampoo and conditioner will help cleanse and rehydrate the extensions. Deep-conditioning treatments can also be beneficial after swimming, helping to restore any lost moisture and prevent excessive dryness or tangling. Taking these steps will significantly reduce the risk of damage and keep your extensions looking fresh, even after a swim.
How Do You Protect Hair Extensions in the Sun?
Sun exposure is another major concern when it comes to maintaining the health of hair extensions. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause extensions to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Just as the sun can lighten and damage natural hair, it can also fade the colour of hair extensions, leading to a dull and lifeless appearance. This is especially problematic for coloured or chemically treated extensions, as they are more susceptible to damage.
To protect your extensions from the sun, using aheat protectant spray is essential. These sprays help create a barrier against UV rays while also providing much-needed moisture. Opting for a leave-in conditioner can also help prevent sun-related dryness, keeping your extensions soft and manageable. Wearing a hat or scarf when spending extended periods outdoors can offer additional protection, shielding your hair from direct sunlight.
Hydration is key when it comes to maintaining the health of your extensions in the summer. Regular deep-conditioning treatments will help replenish lost moisture, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. Limiting the use of heated styling tools, such as straighteners and curling irons, will also reduce the risk of further dryness and damage. By taking these precautions, you can keep your extensions looking vibrant and healthy, even in the peak of summer heat.
How Do You Fix Heat Damaged Hair Extensions?
If your extensions have already suffered from sun exposure or excessive heat styling, there are ways to restore their health. One of the best ways to fix heat-damaged hair extensions is through deep-conditioning treatments. Hydrating masks andhair oils, such as argan oil or coconut oil, can help restore moisture and improve the overall texture of your extensions. These treatments should be applied regularly to keep extensions soft, smooth, and manageable. Using a heat protectant before styling is crucial to prevent further damage. Even if your extensions are already heat-damaged, protecting them from additional exposure to high temperatures will help prevent further deterioration.
In some cases, heat damage may be too severe to fully repair. If your extensions have become overly dry, frizzy, or tangled despite multiple treatments, replacing them may be the best option. Investing in high-quality extensions and following a proper maintenance routine will ensure that they remain in great condition for as long as possible.
Preparing Your Hair for Summer
As the seasons change, adjusting your hair care routine is essential to keep your extensions looking their best. Summer presents unique challenges, from chlorine exposure to intense sun rays, so knowing how to protect hair extensions from chlorine and UV damage is key. By pre-soaking your hair before swimming, using a protective conditioner, and rinsing thoroughly after pool time, you can reduce the risk of dryness and discolouration. Additionally, shielding your extensions from sun exposure with heat protectants, UV sprays, and regular conditioning treatments will help keep them hydrated and healthy.
If your extensions have already suffered from heat damage, using deep-conditioning masks and hydrating oils can help restore their softness and shine. Ensuring that you use a high-quality heat protectant will also prevent further damage.
AtSWAY, we offer a wide range ofpremium hair care products specifically designed to help you maintain and protect your extensions, no matter the season. From nourishing treatments to protective sprays, our products will keep your extensions looking flawless all summer long. With the right care and precautions, you can enjoy the warm weather while keeping your hair extensions in top condition.
