Between sun exposure, pool chemicals, saltwater, and heat, the season brings extra challenges for keeping your hand-tied hair extensions healthy and looking amazing. If you want to enjoy beach days and pool parties while taking care of your hair, here’s your guide for caring for hand-tied extensions all summer long.
Protect Your Hair from UV Rays
Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun. UV rays can dry out extensions, fade color, and weaken the integrity of the wefts. Before spending time outdoors, apply a UV-protectant hair mist like amika’s the shield anti-humidity spray. If you’re going to be out for long periods, wear a hat or scarf. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair!
Dampen Hair Before Swimming
Pool chlorine and saltwater are not friends to hair extensions. They strip moisture, weaken bonds, and can leave your hair feeling brittle. If you plan on swimming, soak your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner before getting in. This helps create a barrier that limits the absorption of harmful chemicals. Even better, braid your hair and wear a swim cap if you’re swimming frequently.
Wash Gently, But Consistently
With sweat, sunscreen, and being outdoors, summer may mean more frequent washing but be careful not to overdo it. Wash your hair with sulfate-free, extension-safe shampoo and always follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Focus shampoo on your scalp and conditioner on your mid-lengths to ends. Be extra gentle around the wefts, no aggressive scrubbing!
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb
Extensions are more prone to tangling in the heat, especially after swimming or being outdoors. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to detangle from the ends up, holding the wefts with one hand to reduce tension. Avoid brushing your hair when it’s wet and tangled, be sure to wait until it’s damp and detangle slowly. Use the wizard detangling primer from amika to help with the tangles!
Minimize Heat Styling
Your extensions are more vulnerable to heat damage than your natural hair. When you do use hot tools, always apply a heat protectant first. Loose braids, buns, or ponytails are great low-heat styles that also keep you cool in summer heat and humidity.
Stay on Top of Maintenance Appointments
Hand-tied extensions require regular upkeep, typically every 6–10 weeks. Summer humidity, extra sweat, and sunscreen buildup can affect the longevity of your install, so don’t skip those salon visits. Your stylist can check your wefts, refresh your color, and give you a deep-conditioning treatment to keep everything looking perfect!
Stay hydrated, both for your body and your hair. Drinking plenty of water and using nourishing hair oils or masks weekly will help your extensions stay silky and strong all summer long!
Call or text 608-271-2771 or book online to schedule your appointment today!
