You’ve spent LOT of time and money picking out the perfect set of hair extensions that not only enhance your look, but also make you feel like a million bucks. The idea of anything damaging those luscious locks? Nah, we’re not having it. If you’re all about catching rays this summer or slaying that beach day selfie, you'll need to keep those extensions in tip-top shape.
It turns out the sun and even your trusted sunscreen can throw shade at your extensions, leaving them pink, peach, or just not as fabulous as they should be. Don’t worry—we’re breaking down everything you need to know about protecting your hair extensions from sun damage and sunscreen mishaps.
The sun’s harsh UV rays are not just a threat to your skin; they also harm your hair extensions.
Using sunscreen is non-negotiable (your skin will thank you), but certain sunscreens can wreak havoc on your extensions. Ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene, often found in chemical sunscreens, react with the textile dyes in your hair under UV light. This chemical reaction can lead to an orangey-pink hue, which can be especially heartbreaking if you’re rocking blonde or ash-toned extensions.
Ever notice certain sunscreens staining extensions, almost as if you’ve accidentally colored your hair coral? Here’s what’s going down behind the scenes:
Not all hair extensions are created equal, and the quality of your extensions can make or break how they react to summer elements.
If you want hair that resists discoloration, opt for pure and validated Remy human hair extensions. Why? Remy hair has intact, aligned cuticles that act as a barrier, making it less porous and less likely to absorb sunscreen chemicals or react to textile dyes. These extensions are less processed, which means fewer vulnerabilities to reactive compounds.
Non-Remy hair extensions, unfortunately, don’t hold up as well. Their cuticles may be stripped or misaligned, resulting in higher porosity, more damage from UV rays, and a greater chance of chemical reactions with sunscreen.
If you’re all about long-term value and fewer hair woes, verified Remy extensions are worth the investment.
*PRO TIP -- all brands claim their hair is 100% natural Remy hair, when, IN REALITY, they are not. Make sure to do your research and purchase your extensions that has third-party verification of their sourcing AND third-party validation tests that prove the hair is Remy.
Now that we’ve decoded the science behind the damage, here’s how you can summer-proof your extensions and keep your locks looking flawless all season long.
Recommended Product: Crown Affair The Leave-In Conditioner x D.S. & Durga
Recommended Product for Prolonged Hair: Vacation Classic Spray
Recommended Product for all other brands: Sunright® Solar Screen Mineral Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
After a day in the sun, be sure to wash hair thoroughly to remove the sunscreen residue. Always follow with a hydrating conditioner to help restore the moisture depleted from a day in the sun.
Recommended Product: Kérastase Soleil Crème UV Sublime 150 ml
Recommended Product: Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner
If you do choose to weight on the cautious side, then always opt for products that only contain the active ingredients Zinc Oxide AND Titanium oxide. These two ingredients is what makes sunscreen considered "mineral," rather than "physical" or "chemical." When looking to identify what sunscreens are "chemical," (also known for their chemical interaction with textile dyes), be Look out for these ingredients and steer clear when they’re listed on the label:
"Remember, don’t drown your hair in sunscreen! A light mist near your hairline and scalp is all you need."
Chelsey, California Native and Extension Specialist
If the damage is already done, don’t panic! Follow this step-by-step plan to revive your extensions.
Recommended Product: Malibu C Vitamin C
Enjoy the Sunshine Without the Stress
With a bit of planning and the right products, your extensions can handle any summer adventure. Focus on prevention with UV sprays, mineral sunscreens, and high-quality extension choices (hello, PROLONGED HAIR).
And if things go sideways? There are always ways to undo mishaps and restore your extensions to their former glory.
Looking for more maintenance tips on how to prolong the health of our extensions? Check out our tried and true maintenance guide. Updated seasonally for all the go-to best practices for your hair.