What You Need To Know About Hair Extensions And Sunscreen

You have literally done everything that your stylist told you to do, but somehow when you look in the mirror you notice a tinge of peach on your extensions and the more time you spend in the sun the peachier it gets. 

THE CULPRIT - SUNSCREEN

Yup, believe it or not it's the sunscreen.

Most sunscreens contain the following two ingredients;

• Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) - is an oil-soluble ingredient used in sunscreen to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays.
• Octocrylene – This ingredient is added as a stabiliser due to Avobenzone degrading in light.

When coming into contact with extensions and exposed to UV light these ingredients create a chemical reaction which causes the extensions to become discoloured. The cells in the extensions are broken down and when the hair is rinsed in water, the electron particles from minerals in the water (Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Calcium, and Silica) attach to the hair cells creating a reaction that turns the hair extensions this unsightly peach colour. 

HOW TO AVOID EXTENSION DISCOLOURATION FROM SUNSCREEN

• Use a mineral based sunscreen that does not contain Avobenzone or Octocrylene.
• Wash your hands after applying sunscreen and before touching your hair.
• Put your hair extensions into a high ponytail or braided bun while you are wearing sunscreen, to avoid your hair coming into contact with the sunscreen. 

CAN IT BE FIXED? 

It is better to avoid these chemical sunscreens but accidents do happen and we have a solution.

Read Instructions here on HOW TO FIX DISCOLOURED HAIR EXTENSIONS.