Hair extensions are one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your look. AtSWAY Hair Extensions, we pride ourselves on providing you with only premium-quality hair extensions, matched as closely to your own hair as possible. One of the most common problems we hear from clients with extensions is the gradual colour change that can occur over time.
If you've looked in the mirror and wondered why your extensions look slightly warmer, duller, or more brassy than when you first had them fitted, you’re not alone. Colour change is a lot more common than you might think and it’s rarely the result of a manufacturing error.
There are a range of environmental, chemical, and maintenance factors that can cause a natural shift in colour to occur. The good news is that there are ways to help manage, correct, and prevent it.
In this guide, we’ll coverwhy hair extensions change colour, bust some common myths, and share some expert tips on how to keep your SWAY extensions vibrant and fresh for longer!
Learning Why Hair Extensions Change Colour
When you purchase quality human hair extensions, you want them to maintain that gorgeous colour you chose from day one until the day you remove them. Extensions are the same as natural hair, in that some exposure to the sun, certain chemicals, and styling products can have an impact.
The only downside to this is that extensions don't receive the natural oils and nutrients from your scalp like your own hair does. This means that it is down to you to keep them hydrated, shiny, and as healthy as possible through the right care and maintenance. This also makes them a little more vulnerable to environmental factors and chemicals around us that can change the colour over time.
Colour change is also rarely the result of a poor manufacturing process. Our SWAY extensions are made of 100% Remy human hair, which are carefully processed and colour treated to give you a quality, long-lasting product. When a colour change happens, it’s usually the result of these external factors and not the extensions themselves.
Common Causes of Colour Change in Hair Extensions
Colour change can happen gradually or appear suddenly, depending on what’s causing it. Let’s explore the most common factors and why they affect your extensions.
- Hard Water and Mineral Build-Up
Your location can influence how fast the colour changes. If you live in a region that is known for having hard water, then your extensions will be more susceptible.
Hard water has a high mineral content, including calcium, magnesium, and iron, to name a few. The minerals can bond to the cuticles of your extensions when you wash with hard water. The minerals then create a film that changes the tone and brightness of your extensions.
In some cases, this can make blonde hair brassy or slightly orange, and dark tones will begin to look dull or ashy. Over time, the build-up of minerals can also make your extensions feel heavier and less silky, which also affects their appearance.
Installing a shower filter or using treatments such as Malibu C will remove mineral residue and help restore their brightness.
- UV Exposure and Sun Damage
UV rays affect human hair extensions just as they do your own hair. Constant exposure to sunlight causes the pigments to fade, especially in lighter shades and pastel colours. A sunny holiday or days spent outdoors can result in your extensions looking lighter or warmer after a few days.
Apply a UV-protective spray such asThe Hair Hero to keep your extensions safe. Alternatively, wear a hat in the middle of the day to avoid direct sun exposure.
- Chlorine and Saltwater
If you have ever jumped out of a pool and noticed your hair is drier and lighter in colour than when you went in, you will have some idea of the effect chlorine and salt water can have on your extensions.Chlorine is a drying agent which also reacts with pigments, causing colour to fade or change tone. Salt water is a natural drying agent, which can leave extensions looking dull and brittle.
If you do go swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as you get out and apply ahydrating mask to rehydrate and protect the colour.
- Heat Styling and Product Build-Up
Overheating your extensions can also cause colour to change as well, especially if you use heating tools above the recommended 180°C for SWAY extensions. Applying heat without aheat protectant can damage the outer cuticle layer of the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to fading and discolouration.
Product build-up is another factor. Build-up from hairsprays, serums, and oils coats your extensions, affecting the way the light reflects on your extensions and making the colour look different. Regularly shampooing your extensions with a gentle,Sulphate-free shampoo will keep your extensions bright and product-free.
- Chemical Reactions from Everyday Products
Another surprise source of colour change? Your everyday hair and skincare products. Ingredients in suncreams, fake tans, perfumes, and even some shampoos can react chemically with the pigments in your extensions, leading to some unexpected changes.
Take suncream, for example. Lots of formulas contain UV filters such as avobenzone, which can be absorbed into the hair. This can leave an orange or pinkish tint behind, especially in lighter extensions.
To prevent this, tie your hair up when you apply suncream, wash your hands well before touching your extensions, and use mineral-based suncreams where you can.
- pH Imbalance and Oxidation
Your extensions are also sensitive to changes in pH levels. Hard water, chlorine, and certain shampoos can all cause the hair to become more alkaline. This leads to oxidation, a natural chemical process that can shift the tone of your extensions.
Blonde extensions may become slightly yellow, ash tones can start to look warmer, and rich brunettes may lose their depth and vibrancy. Using a clarifying treatment and following up with ahydrating conditioner can help restore your extensions’ natural appearance.
Myths About Why Hair Extensions Change Colour
There are plenty of misconceptions about why extensions change colour, so it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
“It’s a Manufacturing Fault”
This is one of the biggest myths surrounding colour change. High-quality hair extensions go through rigorous quality checks to make sure there is consistent colour, texture, and durability. When extensions shift in tones, it’s almost always caused by external factors rather than poor manufacturing.
“Extensions Shouldn’t Fade Like Natural Hair”
Because SWAY extensions are made from 100% human hair, they behave much like your natural hair in response to UV rays, water exposure, and chemical interactions. Expecting them to remain completely unaffected by environmental changes isn’t realistic, yet with consistent maintenance, you can minimise and manage any changes effectively.
How to Restore Your Hair Extensions’ Colour
If your extensions have changed colour, don’t panic! There are ways to bring them back to their beautiful, vibrant best!
Use Malibu C Treatments
Malibu C is a professional company that helps remove the mineral build-up and discolouration from hard water, chlorine, and product residue. The Hard Water Wellness Kit, for example, detoxifies hair gently and restores its natural shine and tone without stripping moisture.
Regular use ofMalibu C treatments can prevent future colour problems and can also be used to revive extensions that have become dulled or shifted in tone.
Invest in a Clarifying Shampoo
A clarifying shampoo of high quality can remove styling product, mineral, and environmental build-up. Be sure to use a deeply nourishing, extension-safe conditioner or hair mask after the clarifying shampoo to keep your hair soft and hydrated.
Preventing Future Colour Changes
Prevention is always better than the cure. To protect your SWAY extensions:
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Use extension-friendly shampoos and conditioners.
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Install a shower filter if you live in a hard water area.
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Avoid submerging your extensions in chlorine or saltwater.
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Always use a UV and heat protectant spray.
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Keep suncream and tanning products away from your hair.
By incorporating these steps into your routine, you’ll keep your extensions looking flawless for longer!
Why Hair Extensions Change Colour: FAQs
Here are some FAQs on why hair extensions change colour.
1. Why have my blonde extensions gone brassy?
This is most commonly caused by buildup of minerals from hard water or exposure to product contamination from suncream or after-sun lotions. A Malibu C hard water treatment will help to restore those cool tones.
2. Can I tone my extensions at home?
We know it’s tempting, but we do not recommend toning SWAY hair extensions. SWAY will not accept liability for any coloured or toned extensions.
3. Can colour change be repaired under warranty?
No, colour change is not covered by the warranty as it is caused by external elements such as sun (UV rays), hard water, and chemical reaction. By using theSWAY Hydrate System, we can help you maintain consistent colour.
4. How can I protect my extensions while on holiday?
When in direct sunlight, always cover with a hat. Be extra careful when applying sun cream and make sure you don’t let the cream drip onto your hair. After swimming in a chlorinated pool or the sea, use a UV protective spray to protect your hair from the elements.
5. Do SWAY extensions fade faster than other brands?
No, SWAY extensions are made from premium quality Remy human hair. They are treated with softer colouring techniques so they will maintain tone beautifully when cared for properly.
