Summer can be a little harsher on hair extensions. Heat, humidity, sun exposure, sweat, salt water and chlorine all team up to zap moisture from your hair. And because extensions don’t get natural oils from the scalp, it’s vital to be on top of your hydration routine during summer to ensure they are kept soft, shining and manageable for as long as possible.
A good hydration routine can prevent your extensions from drying out and help them last longer through the hottest time of the year.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about the best hydration routine you can follow to keep your extensions looking and feeling fresh during summer.
Why Is a Hydration Routine During Summer So Important
A proper hydration routine during summer can help fight off seasonal damage, which is one of the biggest causes of damage to hair extensions. Too much sun exposure can actually damage the cuticle, and swimming or washing your hair too much can actually dehydrate it by stripping away natural moisture in the hair.
Without consistent hydration, your hair extensions can:
- Feel stiff and dry
- Tangle easier
- Lose their shine
- Break or shed prematurely
This is why a hydration routine is important during summer or other hotter months, and why you may need to change it up to your usual routine slightly.
Step 1: Gently Cleanse your Hair
The best way to start your hydration routines is with a nice wash. It’s important to understand how to do this correctly, as over washing or using harsh shampoos can strip your extensions of the moisture.
Some MHE cleansing tips are:
- Wash your hair extensions about 1-2 times a week
- Use a sulfate free, hydrating shampoo
- Let shampoo run through the lengths of your hair, instead of massaging it.
- Avoid twisting or scrubbing your extensions
This keeps moisture in while allowing your hair to stay fresh and clean.
Step 2: Condition with Every Wash
Conditioner is the foundation of every great hydration routine. It keeps your extensions soft, and brings them back to life by combating the loss of moisture caused by heat and sun.
When you condition your hair:
- Apply from mid lengths to ends
- Avoid interaction with bonds, tapes, or wefts connections - only apply to your actual hair or extensions.
- Use a rich, moisture focused conditioner
- Apply for at least 3-5 minutes
Step 3: Weekly Deep Conditioning Is a Must in Summer
A deep conditioning helps boost the moisture levels in your extensions by putting the missing moisture back where it belongs.
For deep conditioning:
- You can apply a hydrating mask every week.
- Apply it to clean, damp hair
- Gently comb through with a wide-toothed comb.
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
This helps maintain the extensions' silkiness, smoothness and durability.
Step 4: Leave in Products to Give your Hair a Boost
Leave in conditioners are a necessity for sealing in your daily moisture. They help lock moisture in and can protect your hair all day long without too much extra maintenance.
Choose leave in products that:
- Are lightweight and non greasy
- Contain nourishing oils
- Offer UV or heat protection
Step 5: Protect Hair From Sun, Salt, and Chlorine
Saltwater, chlorine and UV can reverse your hydration efforts by stripping away the moisture you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Making sure you’re applying the right protection before swimming or bathing in the sun is crucial in avoiding this.
Protective habits include:
- Rinsing hair before swimming
- Putting leave in conditioner on before going into the water
- Braiding hair loosely when swimming
- Rinsing immediately after
- A hat in the direct sunlight
By following these simple steps, it’s possible to keep the moisture in and dryness out.
Step 6: Reduce Heat Styling During Summer
Even the finest hydrating routine can be sabotaged by heat styling. Given that extensions are already susceptible to the heat while outdoors, extra temperatures would only result in potentially more damage.
MHE smart styling tips:
- Air dry whenever possible
- Always use a heat protectant
- Keep heating tools below 180°C
- Limit styling to special occasions
Step 7: Night Care
Hydration of your extensions is heavily influenced with nighttime care. Extensions can dry out from the air and friction while you sleep so looking after them properly while sleeping is crucial.
Night routine tips:
- Gently brush your extensions before bed
- Loosely braid your hair or use silk scrunchie
- Sleep with a silk/satin pillowcase
This helps lock in moisture overnight and helps prevent tangling or other damage.
Step 8: Gentle Detangling
Tangles in your hair can happen from friction, and friction can cause moisture loss. A little bit of gentle brushing helps tame your extensions and keeps your hair feeling smooth.
Best detangling practices:
- Use an extension safe brush
- Start from the tops and gently work your way up to the ends
- Brush your hair daily (and from the ends, not the roots)
- Don't brush wet hair
By following these steps, you give your extensions the best hydration routine possible, giving you a fuller, fresher look all year round.
If you’re entering some hotter weather and are worried about your extensions, be sure to follow this hydration routine, and ensure your extensions are great quality to ensure maximum moisture retention.
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