Best sunscreen for hair extensions this summer

How do I protect my extensions in the sun? This is a common question among those who have invested in hair extensions. Whether you have tape-ins, clip-ins, or sew-ins, your extensions require proper care to maintain their quality and appearance. Exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause damage, fading, and dryness, making it crucial to protect them with sunscreen. 

But what sunscreen can you use with hair extensions? And how do you protect extensions at the beach? In this article, Jen Hair will answer these questions and provide you with a list of the best sunscreen for hair extensions. So, if you’re looking to keep your extensions looking their best this summer, keep reading.

The 5 best sunscreen for hair extensions

   1. Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray

The Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray is a lightweight spray that offers many features of the best sunscreen for hair extensions. First, it provides UV protection and hydration to hair extensions. This spray also contains coconut oil, banana pulp, and quinoa protein to nourish and strengthen hair, as well as UV filters to protect against sun damage. love the delicious scent and how it detangles hair without weighing it down, and many people love that it helps prevent damage and color fading. 

Pros:

• Lightweight spray that provides UV protection and hydration to hair extensions
• Contains coconut oil, banana pulp, and quinoa protein to nourish and strengthen hair
• Detangles hair without weighing it down
• Helps prevent damage and color fading

Cons:

• Can make hair feel sticky or crunchy for some users

   2. COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist

The COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist is a water-resistant formula that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 30. It is made with organic ingredients and is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This mist is lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue, making it perfect for hair extensions. It also nourishes and protects the scalp, preventing sunburn and irritation. All of these features contribute to its reputation as the best sunscreen for hair extensions.

Pros:

• Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Water-resistant formula
• Made with organic ingredients
• Lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue
• Nourishes and protects the scalp

Cons:

• May difficult to apply evenly

   3. Truss Deluxe Prime Summer Hair Treatment

The Truss Deluxe Prime Summer Hair Treatment is a leave-in treatment that provides UV protection and nourishment to hair extensions. It contains a blend of keratin, collagen, and vitamins to strengthen and repair hair, as well as UV filters to protect against sun damage. Customers rave about how it leaves hair soft, shiny, and frizz-free. Furthermore, many people said that it also helps prevent damage and color fading. 

Pros:

• Provides UV protection and nourishment to hair extensions
• Contains keratin, collagen, and vitamins to strengthen and repair hair
• Leaves hair soft, shiny, and frizz-free
• Helps prevent damage and color fading

Cons:

• None

   4. Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray

Those who want to shield their hair extensions from the sun’s rays should reach for the Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray. This spray shields against UV rays and protects hair from thermal styling equipment and color loss. Aloe vera and a combination of nourishing ingredients like sunflower extract, panthenol, and hydrolyzed wheat protein give your hair the care and strength it needs. We recommend it as the best sunscreen for hair extensions because it is to apply and doesn’t leave any residue or build-up, and helps extend the life of their hair color. 

Pros:

• Provides UV protection for hair extensions
• Helps prevent color fading and damage from heat styling tools
• Includes aloe vera to soothe and hydrate
• Easy to apply without leaving any residue or build-up

Cons: 

• None

   5. Aveda Brilliant Damage Control UV Damaged

The Aveda Brilliant Damage Control UV Damaged is a lightweight spray that offers UV protection and helps prevent damage to hair from environmental stressors. It contains a blend of antioxidant-rich plant extracts, including green tea and chamomile, as well as quinoa protein to strengthen and repair hair. Many people love the refreshing herbal scent and how it leaves their hair feeling soft and manageable without weighing it down. The product also helps protect their hair color and prevent split ends and breakage, which makes it the best sunscreen for hair extensions.

Pros: 

• Offers UV protection to hair from environmental stressors
• Contains a blend of antioxidant-rich plant extracts and quinoa protein to strengthen and repair hair
• Leaves hair feeling soft and manageable
• Helps protect hair color and prevent split ends and breakage

Cons: 

• May feel heavy and greasy for users with fine hair
• Spray nozzle can clog or malfunction 

How to choose the best sunscreen for hair extensions?

Choosing the best sunscreen for hair extensions can be tricky, but it’s an important step to ensure that they remain healthy and vibrant. Here are some factors to consider when selecting sunscreen for your hair extensions:

• Formulation: Look for a sunscreen that is lightweight and non-greasy to avoid weighing down your hair or causing product buildup.
• SPF level: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your hair extensions from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Ingredients: Opt for a sunscreen that is free of harsh chemicals and contains natural ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins to nourish and protect your hair.
• Water-resistant: If you plan on swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen to ensure that it stays in place and provides continuous protection.
• Brand reputation: Do your research and choose a trusted brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality hair care products.

By considering these factors, you can select the best sunscreen for your hair extensions and keep them looking healthy and beautiful all summer long.

How to use sunscreen for your hair extensions?

The best sunscreen for hair extensions will bring the optimal outcome only when it is applied the right way. Here is our step-by-step guide you can follow:

• Step 1: Divide your hair into sections to ensure that you cover all areas evenly. You can use hair clips or ties to secure each section in place.
• Step 2: Apply a small amount of sunscreen to your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp. Be sure to work the sunscreen through the hair extensions, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends.
• Step 3: Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Step 4: After spending time in the sun, rinse your hair extensions thoroughly with cool water to remove any sunscreen residue and prevent build-up.
• Step 5: Use a hydrating conditioner to help replenish any moisture that may have been lost due to exposure to the sun.

Following these simple steps, you can ensure that your hair extensions are protected from the sun’s harmful rays, and you can enjoy a summer full of healthy, beautiful hair.

FAQs

   1. Can sunscreen ruin hair extensions?

While sunscreen usually poses little threat to hair extensions, improper application can lead to a number of problems.  Sunscreen contains ingredients that can cause build-up on the hair, making it look dull and lifeless. This build-up can also make it difficult to style the hair extensions. In addition, if sunscreen gets onto the bonds or clips of the extensions, it can cause them to become slippery and lose their grip, leading to the extensions falling out. 

   2. What to avoid in sunscreen for extensions?

When selecting the best sunscreen for hair extensions, remember to avoid certain ingredients that can cause build-up or damage to the extensions. Here are some things to look out for and avoid in sunscreen:

• Oxybenzone and octinoxate: These ingredients can cause build-up on the hair and scalp, leading to dull, lifeless-looking hair.
• Alcohol: High amounts of alcohol can dry out and damage the extensions, causing them to become brittle and break.
• Silicones: These can also cause build-up on the hair, making it look dull and difficult to style.
• Fragrances: Strong fragrances can irritate the scalp and cause allergic reactions, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the extensions.

Final thoughts

Protecting your hair extensions from the damaging effects of the sun is crucial to maintaining their health and beauty. Our top picks of the best sunscreen for hair extensions are all you may need for summer. Remember to apply sunscreen before heading out in the sun and reapply every few hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. With the proper care and protection, your hair extensions can look and feel their best all summer.