Summer Hair Extensions Care Tips to Keep Your Locks Looking Great

Summer can take its toll on your hair. If you wear extensions, you’ll want to be particularly careful. Long-term sun exposure and frequent trips to the beach can cause your clip-in human hair extensions to dry out, along with color fading.

Fortunately, you can still spend your summer days soaking up the sun by the pool or on the beach while caring for your extensions with the simple steps below.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration starts from the inside out, so drink lots of water not only to maintain clear skin, but also to achieve healthy-looking hair. When the roots are hydrated, it will eliminate problems like dandruff. Plus, your extensions will look seamless against your natural hair.

Prevent Dryness

Shampooing everyday strips the hair of natural oils that serve to nourish and moisturize. This practice causes the strands to dry out and become brittle. Since clip-in extensions are not attached to the scalp, they do not have access to this nourishment and are more susceptible to dryness and brittleness. Ideally, you’ll want to only shampoo your extensions when they become particularly oily. You can also prevent your natural hair from drying out by shampooing every other day if your hair is oily, or every three to five days if you have normal hair.

Invest In Quality Products.

The shampoo you use (and how you use it) is also important. Make the switch to sulfate-free shampoo and apply it only to your scalp. Then, use your sulfate-free conditioner on the ends of your hair. Also, invest in quality treatments and serums to make your summer hair as healthy as it can be. Use products formulated for your specific hair type, such as curly or fine.

Protect Your Hair When Swimming

Ideally, you should remove your ZALA clip-in hair extensions before taking a dip in the pool to protect them from harsh chemicals. If you’re wearing taped-in extensions, it’s better to swim in freshwater instead of in a pool. The chlorine in pools can act as a bleaching agent that could cause damage to the extensions. All that water and sweat can also wear down the bonds on your extensions, which is why it’s best to avoid frequent water activities with tape-in extensions.

If swimming cannot be avoided, you can lessen the damage and prevent the extensions from tangling up by putting your hair in a braid or on a swimming cap. Air dry the hair extensions as soon as you get out of the water, then apply a leave-in conditioning product on the roots while avoiding the bonds or tapes.

Avoid Sea Salt Sprays

Note that the salt from the ocean may weaken the hair extensions. This means that applying sea salt spray can cause more damage to your already weakened extensions. Instead of sea salt sprays, use a curl-enhancing product or put your hair up in a braid for an effortless beach-wavy hairstyle.

Apply Sunscreen Strategically

If you’re taking advantage of the sunny days outside, you’re probably putting a ton of sunscreen on your face. When applying sunscreen, avoid touching your hair because it could weaken the bonds in your extensions. Wash and dry your hands to thoroughly remove oily residue from the sunscreen.

Brush Away

During summer, your hair and extensions become more susceptible to tangling. Use a brush that has been specifically designed for extensions. It’s easier to use than a regular brush because it has looped bristles that allow the strands to easily glide through.

Give Heat Styling A Rest

Lay it off on the use of a blow dryer, curling wand, and flat iron in the warmer months. The oppressive heat of the summer is already taxing enough on the hair; adding heat styling to the mix will only cause more damage. If it cannot be prevented, use heat protectant spray to protect your natural hair and extensions before styling.

There are plenty of casual, laid-back hairstyles you can achieve without having to use these tools. A low bun with wispy sides is perfect for brunch with the girls, while a ponytail with a tousled look is great for a quick coffee run.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of a great accessory to elegantly achieve your hot-girl-summer look! Put on a chic scarf for a job interview, a patterned bandana for shopping, or a colorful cap for working out.

With these steps, your hair extensions give you the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities in the summer – and look glamorous while doing it.