Summer is on the horizon, and with it comes sunny days, poolside lounging, and beach holidays in Ibiza. While we love soaking up the sun, there’s something we can’t ignore: the toll it takes on our hair, especially if you’re wearing professional hair extensions.
Permanent extensions like tapes, nanos, weaves, and I-tips that have fallen victim to too much sun exposure can slip out, cause their colour to be altered, and cause damage if you’re not too careful. It’s easy to forget that human hair extensions, also known as Remy hair extensions, aren’t like the natural hair growing from your scalp, they no longer receive nutrients or oils from your scalp, so protecting hair in the sun is that little bit of extra care they’ll need, particularly during the warmer months.
Let’s take a stroll through how the sun affects your extensions, how to protect hair in sun, and what you can do to keep them looking their best, no matter how hot the weather gets!
Sweat and Heat Around Bonds: How to Wash Extensions Effectively
One of the first things you’ll notice when the temperatures rise is that you’re sweating more, and your scalp is no exception. If you’re wearing permanent hair extensions like nano rings, tapes, or flat tips, that sweat tends to collect around the bonds or attachments. Combined with outdoor activity, this can cause product build-up, irritation, or an itchy scalp. This means you’ll likely find yourself needing to wash your hair more frequently in the summer than you would during cooler months.
But there’s a balance to strike. Over-washing can dry out both your natural hair and your extensions, particularly if you’re wearing hair extensions made from real human hair. When you do wash, be sure to use our gentle sulphate-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly, especially around the roots where build-up is most common. Letting sweat and salt linger in your professional hair extensions is a recipe for tangling, matting and slippage so rinsing well after a beach day or workout is a must.
Heat Protection: It Isn’t Just for Styling Tools
Most people associate heat protection spray for hair with blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. But when it comes to human hair extensions, heat protection for hair should also be part of your sun-care routine. Just like UV rays can damage skin, they can also wreak havoc on your hair, drying it out and causing it to become brittle or frizzy.
Before you head out into the sunshine, mist your permanent extensions with a heat defence spray for hair — not just when styling, but anytime you’re spending prolonged periods outside. Our spray offers heat protection and is lightweight, so it won’t weigh your hair down. If you’re on holiday or attending outdoor events this summer, it’s a great idea to carry a travel-sized bottle filled with your spray for a midday top-up. This quick step helps lock in moisture and keeps your extensions looking soft, glossy, and manageable, even under intense heat.
Tanning Oils and Sunscreen: Avoid Direct Contact with Hair
One of the lesser-known but more frustrating summer extension issues? Sun cream and tanning oil staining. Products like sun cream and tanning sprays, creams and butters often contain ingredients that can react with light-coloured hair such as blondes and light browns, causing discoloration. This is especially true for bright blonde human hair extensions, which can take on a peachy, orangey, or even pink hue after repeated exposure to certain chemicals found in these products, much like they turn green or brassy if in too much contact with chlorinated water in swimming pools.
The solution is to be mindful of how and when you’re applying SPF. Try to apply sunscreen with your hair up and before letting your hair down and allow it to absorb into your skin fully before it comes into contact with your extensions.
If discoloration does happen, don’t panic! Give your hair a wash with a clarifying shampoo which helps to strip residue and discolouration from the hair. Just be sure not to overdo it, as clarifying too often can dry out your extensions. Always finish with a deep conditioning hair mask after using any strong cleansing products such as clarifying shampoos to restore moisture and hydration to your strands.
How the Sun Affects Different Types of Permanent Hair Extensions
Not all professional hair extensions are created equal when it comes to summer wear and tear. Depending on the type of extension you’re wearing, the sun, along with heat, sweat, and swimming, can impact them differently.
Sew In Hair Extensions: Weaves & Wefts
If you’re wearing a weave, also known as a sewn-in extension, you’ll need to be extra mindful of drying time. The hair is sewn into braided natural hair or a row of micro rings, which means moisture, residue and sweat can gather beneath. After swimming or washing, it’s crucial to make sure the attachments are completely dry to prevent mildew or scalp irritation. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also protect both your extensions and your scalp from direct sun exposure.
Nano Ring Extensions
Nano rings, which are known for being small and discreet, can heat up in direct sunlight because of the tiny metal rings. Additionally, sweat can collect around the rings, causing slippage so gentle but thorough cleansing is essential. Avoid long sun exposure right after swimming to keep both the hair and scalp cool and clean.
Tape In Extensions
Tape in extensions are particularly vulnerable to heat and oil because their adhesive bonds can break down more quickly with exposure. If tanning lotion or sun cream seeps into the roots, the adhesive may weaken, causing your tapes to slip or come loose. To avoid this, apply skin products with your hair tied up and wait until they’ve fully absorbed before letting your hair down. Very intense, direct heat can also cause the adhesive inside the tape tab to become a little sticky, its crucial to keep your attachment’s covered by your hair or a sun hat.
I-Tips and Flat Tips
I-tips and flat tips, both of which are made from a keratin bond, can soften or weaken under extreme heat. Combine that with sweat and moisture, and the rings holding in your I-tips can become loose or even slide out. It’s important to avoid pulling or brushing roughly when your hair is wet and use the correct hairbrush for extensions such as our Cliphair Wet Brush specifically designed for detangling wet hair extensions.
Opting for Clip In Extensions
Even clip-in hair extensions, which are removed daily, aren’t immune. They can dry out or become brittle when exposed to too much sun. It’s a good idea to avoid leaving them in direct sunlight, even when they’re not on your head. If you’re heading to the pool or beach and don’t plan to wear them, store them in a cool, dry place or a protective carrier.
Summer Extension Care Tips to Keep in Mind
If you really want to give your professional hair extensions a fighting chance during summer, try incorporating a few healthy habits. Wearing a hat or scarf when out in the sun is a stylish and protective way to shield your extensions from UV damage. If you’re heading for a swim, braid your hair or consider an easy heatless hairstyle to minimise tangling. Consider rinsing your hair with fresh water before and after swimming to limit salt or chlorine absorption. Deep conditioning once a week with a hydrating hair mask can also help replenish moisture lost from sun exposure, while getting a trim every 6-8 weeks keeps the ends fresh and less prone to split ends.
Protecting your favourite hair investment during the summer months will help your extensions stay softer, shinier, and healthier for longer, preserving their luxurious look and feel through all your summer adventures.
Conclusion:
The sun can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to your hair. While we all love a sun-kissed glow and carefree summer vibes, it’s worth remembering that your permanent extensions need protection too. With a bit of mindfulness, the right products, and a few simple adjustments, your hair will not only survive summer, but they’ll also thrive in it.
For a full lowdown on how to keep your hair heat-proof this summer, you can explore our latest guide: Heat-Proofing Your Hair: Keeping Your Extensions Protected in Hot Weather.
