Friday, 29th March 2024
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How To Protect Your Hair

Sun, sweat, salt water and chlorine can damage a naturally silky hair and those with hair extensions. Too much heat can turn those extra waves into a tangled disaster, and this is something we certainly have to avoid. The hair made of extensions can be treated just like your regular hair. It's the bonds or…

Sun, sweat, salt water and chlorine can damage a naturally silky hair and those with hair extensions. Too much heat can turn those extra waves into a tangled disaster, and this is something we certainly have to avoid.

The hair made of extensions can be treated just like your regular hair. It’s the bonds or tape that is fragile and requires extra care, as each one faces different challenge during heat.

Bonded extensions — the biggest threat is water. The bonds are most fragile when wet. It’s okay to go swimming, of course, but don’t allow extensions to soak in water for too long, and dry them as soon as you get out of the pool.

  • Care — Rough-drying the bonded areas every time they get wet to help extensions last longer. You can let the rest of the hair air-dry. As for styling your bonded extensions, keep hair braided, or in a low bun, while swimming to help avoid tangles, but not in a ponytail, as this only adds extra tension on the keratin bonds.

Tape-in extensions— it’s actually your sun- and skin-care products that pose the biggest threat here. Any kind of lotion on the face, like sunscreen, tends to get in the hairline and can cause the tape in the corners to come loose.

tape-in

  • Care — Wash or rinse your hands after applying lotions to avoid depositing any residue from your products on your hair, which may cause the tape to slip.

Also, avoid using conditioner at the roots. Keep the applied conditioner one to two inches away from the tape to avoid adding any additional moisture to the tape that may cause them to loosen or slip.

Most importantly, be gentle while washing. Try not to rub, scrub, or bunch hair as that can rough up bonds, too. And stick to just two or three shampoos a week—even once a week if you can get away with it.

Brush your hair every day when you have hair extensions, especially, during heat. Just make sure you are using a special extension-friendly brush in the vicinity of the bonds or tape. The teeth on other brushes will yank at the extensions. However, you can use a regular brush to untangle the ends.

 

Brushes – Extension brushes typically have looped bristles that are specifically designed to glide through hair. Hold the bond or tape while brushing to avoid excess tugging at the root.

Products – When it comes to product picks, leave-in conditioners will help keep your extensions from getting tangled and dried out. The key is to be mindful of your roots and keep product away from the tape or bond, detanglers (also targeted towards the lengths and ends of your hair) are a lifesaver, as extensions tend to tangle more easily than natural hair.

 

Hair care dos & don’ts during heat

Dos       

Remember that your hair needs protection from the sun too — cover up with a hat or headscarf, or use a serum with SPF while out in the sun.

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Let your hair dry naturally – with all the heat, there’s no need for the hairdryer, give your hair a break!

Lay off the heated styling tools – try braiding damp hair in a pretty plait, when you take it out you’ll be left with soft tousled waves.

Ask your hairdresser for a few sun kissed highlights around your face. These frame your features and brighten up your hair for the season!

Don’ts

Don’t forget to do regular deep conditioning treatments throughout the period to keep your hair soft and shiny.

Don’t use products, which claim to lighten your hair in the sun – these are dangerous and can cause serious damage to your hair.

Don’t spend too long soaking your hair in the pool if you’re blonde, your hair may get a green tinge thanks to the chlorine!

Just like your natural hair, extensions should be handled gently, no matter the season. Make sure you’re using sulphate-free products, brushing regularly, and going to your stylist for treatments on an as-needed basis.

Photo Credit: Olympus Digital. Best Hair Buy.

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