Lifestyle & Activity CareUpdated 5 hours ago
- Swimming: Chlorine and salt water are harsh on extension hair and on the bonds. Ideally, advise clients to avoid swimming in pools or ocean with their extensions. If they choose to swim, they must take precautions: before swimming, have them wet the hair thoroughly with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner or a light oil to the mid-lengths and ends. Saturating the hair like this fills the hair cuticle so it’s less likely to absorb chlorinated or salty water. It’s even better if they wear a swim cap over the hair for full protection (though not everyone will want to). While swimming, the hair should be in a braid or low bun so it doesn’t tangle. After swimming, they should immediately rinse the hair out very well with fresh water and then shampoo and condition as soon as possible. Leaving pool chemicals or salt in the extensions can lead to extreme dryness or even a greenish tinge on light hair. A gentle clarifying shampoo or a post-swim treatment (like a swimmer’s shampoo or Malibu C treatment) used that day will help remove chlorine/salt residues. Following up with a deep conditioning mask is highly recommended after swimming to rehydrate the extensions.
- Beach & Sun: If the client is at the beach or in strong sun, the hair should be protected and secured similar to swimming. Salt air and sand can cause tangles, so advise a braid or high bun under a hat. Also caution them about sunscreen lotions: avoid oil-based sunscreens or any containing avobenzone on the skin that will be against the hair Avobenzone in many chemical sunscreens can react with extension hair (particularly blonde shades) and turn it an orange or pink color. If sunscreen is used, ensure the hair is kept off the skin until the product fully dries, or use mineral-based sunscreens that are less likely to cause discoloration. Similarly, self-tanners or spray tans can stain extensions an irreversible orange tone, so keep the hair protected or away from any tanning sprays or lotions.
- Gym & Exercise: Advise clients to secure their hair during workouts – a loose braid or a low ponytail will keep the extensions from tangling while they exercise. For high-intensity workouts or activities where they sweat a lot, it’s important to dry the sweat from the scalp/bonds afterward. Salt from sweat can build up at the attachments, so either rinsing the hair or at least using a damp cloth at the roots and then blow-drying the bonds on cool will help. If possible, applying a leave-in conditioner or a product like the Anti-Tap Water spray before a workout can buffer the hair from sweat’s effects. In any case, consistent brushing and keeping the hair pulled back during physical activity will prevent matting (and remind them to redo their bedtime braid if they’ve worked out late in the day and then showered).
- Environmental Factors: Educate clients about other environmental factors that can affect extensions. For example, hard well water can deposit minerals that lead to extension discoloration (brassy or green tones) or dryness – using a shower filter is the best defense. Excessive sun exposure can dry out extensions, so wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant hair spray (if available) when in strong sun can help. In winter, the combination of cold air and indoor heating can dry the hair out as well – again, using leave-in conditioners and oils regularly will combat this. The main message: extensions will last longer when they are shielded from harsh elements (chlorine, salt, UV, wind, extreme heat/cold) as much as possible.