SEA, SUN AND HAIR EXTENSIONS
HAIR EXTENSIONS AFTERCARE: SUMMER EDITION. Fast forward Summer 2016: It’s hot, you are in some exotic location on a white sandy beach, sipping some colourful cocktails. You dive into a clear blue sea, and emerge from the water like Halle Berry in 007, swishing your long hair extensions from side to side. Can you picture the scene?
Where are you going to this summer? Dubai? Spain, Barbados? Or good ol’ Devon? If you’re making the choice of wearing hair extensions on holidays, there a few things you should know. Different temperatures and different environments can affect your own hair, let alone hair extensions. So you need to give them extra attention while you’re having fun in the sun.
First of all, let me rip off the Band-aid: sun makes hair extensions dry and brittle, causing damage and chlorine exposure can cause hair extensions to become unmanageable. Sea water can also cause damage to hair extensions in the same way as hard water and chlorine does.
Please note that fr light-blonde hair extensions, these factors can also work to strip away colour pigments causing discolouration, in the form of a orange/brassy tone.
Here, I said it. Now, onto the good stuff.
Looking after your hair extensions when on holiday
Hair extensions are very easy to look after when you are away on holiday once you know what you are doing, therefore here we shall go through out top 10 holiday tips that will keep your hair extensions looking beautiful before, during, and after your holiday.
Tip 1: Invest in some hair extension oils
We start of our list with our most important tip for those looking to care for their hair extensions on holiday, and this is hair oils. Hair oils keep the moisture levels correct in your hair extensions, and due to the increased temperatures this will be essential in ensuring your hair extensions stay silky soft. We are proud stockists of Hairapeutix, a brand who specialise in hair oils which have been created for use with hair extensions. It all natural, organic, and contains absolutely no silicones, sulfates or any chemical nasties.
Tip 2: Hair Extension After Care Products
When packing, make sure that you take with you the recommended shampoo and conditioner for your hair extensions. Not only have these been designed for use with hair extensions, but many forget that once on holiday you might not find it easy to locate a shop that sells a good quality shampoo, ending up being stuck with the hotels own supply. By taking your own along with you, you wont be running the risk of using a shampoo that is not suited to your hair extensions.
Tip 3: Try to avoid the sea water and chlorine when wearing hair extensions
For the majority of us, the idea of dunking our head under the water is not really that appealing, and for the most this advice will go without saying, however if you are the type that likes to do a few lengths and splash about in the pool, try to always keep your head above water. The hair extensions will be able to withstand sea water and chlorine, but for those looking to keep their hair extensions in tip top condition too much exposure to sea or pool water is not advisable. In the event that you do, a product such as Hairapeutix is a great way to try to reduce the impact is can have on your hair by nourishing your extensions and preventing them from becoming dry.
Tip 4: Choose your hair style carefully
If you do go in the water and plan on getting your hair wet despite the above advice, make sure your hair is in an easily manageable style. By this, we mean a style that can easily be taken down once you are out of the water. A plait is an example of an easily manageable style, as you will be able to un-plait the hair easily once out of the water. Styles not to opt for are messy buns for example, as this will encourage the hair to knot and tangle which will make the removal of the bun when your hair is wet and full or chlorine/salt water very difficult. Also, try to use a hair extension friendly hair tie, to stop your hair becoming tangled up.
Tip 5: Love your hair extension hair brush
If it isn’t already, your hair extension hair brush should become your new best friend. Take your hair brush everywhere you go, regularly brushing your hair extensions. Salt in the air can make even our natural hair slightly more unmanageable, therefore having a hairbrush will help to keep things under control.
Tip 6: Brushing your wet hair extensions
If you get your hair wet, do not let it dry before you have brushed it. Take your hair out of the plait whilst it is wet, brush your hair, and then tie is back up. Leaving it to dry in the same style before you attempt to brush it may make it more difficult resulting in pulling and tension on the bonds.
Tip 7: Do not sleep with your hair extensions wet
This is a very important rule generally for hair extensions wearers, however it can be more tempting to give in and sleep with your hair wet when on holiday. Doing this may result in your hair extensions tangling together or in a worst case scenario matting, therefore you should always make sure your hair is dry and secured in a plait before sleeping.
Tip 8: Avoid brand new hair extensions
When you plan a trip away, it is always tempting to have a brand new set of hair extensions fitted so that you are feeling your best, however this is not always the best idea. If possible, try to keep an existing set in and have them maintained before you travel in order to have them looking as good a possible. This way, even if the sun, sea and sand does have a negative impact on your hair, you wont be left too disappointed if that hair is due for a change anyway.
Tip 9: Protect against UVB and UVA rays
In additional to protecting your hair extensions from pool and sea water, you will also want to try to protect your hair extensions from the sun.
As well as your skin, your hair should also be shielded from the suns powerful rays, as extensive exposure can have a negative impact on the appearance of your hair extensions. By wearing a hat when out in the sun you will be protecting your hair as well as your face from the strong UVA and UVB rays, which is highly recommend for hair extension lovers.
In addition to a hat, you should be using a heat protector on your hair regularly. It is a common misconception that heat protector sprays are designed for heated tools only, when they are in fact very effective for your hair when exposed to the natural heat from the sun.
Spray your hair with a heat protector before securing your hair in a braid for a day by the pool for some added protection.
Tip 10: Book in for a hair extension maintenance appointment upon your return
When you return from your holiday, it is very important that you schedule in for a maintenance appointment with your technician. She/He will be able to check through your bonds to make sure they are looking lovely and healthy, replace any hair that needs changing, and give your hair a good trim to remove any ends which may be looking tired.
Knowledge is the key to success
By following all of the advice above your trip away should not have an impact on your hair extensions, and should ensure your hair stays feeling silky smooth and soft to touch. The key to keeping your hair extensions beautiful is knowledge, and in understanding what could cause damage to your hair extensions it becomes easily preventable. If you are planning a trip away and are looking for some additional advice on your hair extensions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, we are happy to help.