What You Need To Know About Hair Extensions And Sunscreen

Despite diligently following your stylist's advice, you might find yourself staring in disbelief at a peachy tint in your hair extensions, which only seems to intensify under the sun.

The Root Cause: Sunscreen

Surprisingly, the villain behind this discoloration is often the sunscreen you use. Key ingredients in many sunscreens, such as Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane and Octocrylene, are protective against UV rays but problematic for hair extensions. Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane filters out harmful UV rays, while Octocrylene absorbs UVB radiation, which is linked to tanning, sunburn, and skin cancer risks.

The trouble starts when these chemicals contact your hair extensions and are then exposed to UV light, triggering a chemical reaction that breaks down the hair cells and leads to the unwanted peach hue. This issue is exacerbated by rinsing the hair in hard water, which causes minerals like Copper, Iron, and Magnesium to cling to the hair, intensifying the discoloration.

Preventing Sunscreen-Related Discoloration of Hair Extensions

To keep your extensions pristine:

• Opt for mineral-based sunscreens that are free from Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane and Octocrylene.
• Always wash your hands after applying sunscreen and before touching your hair to avoid transferring residues.
• When using sunscreen, consider styling your hair in a high ponytail or a braided bun to minimize contact between your extensions and the sunscreen.

Can Discolored Extensions Be Restored?

While prevention is key, if your extensions have already discolored, not all is lost. There are effective methods to correct this issue.

Follow the provided instructions on How to Fix Discolored Hair Extensions to potentially reverse the damage and restore your extensions to their original beauty.