Ah, summer. The season of golden hour selfies, beach holidays, alfresco brunches—and let’s be honest—serious hair challenges. Between the blazing sun, salty seawater, and sticky, sweaty days, your hair extensions can take a proper beating. If you’ve invested in beautiful extensions, whether at home or through a Hair Extension Salon London clients swear by, you’ll want to keep them looking fresh and fabulous all season long. Whether you’re rocking tape-ins, micro-rings, clip-ins or keratin bonds, summer brings a unique set of stressors that can wreak havoc on your lengths if you’re not careful. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to summer hair extension care.
Let’s dive into all the tips and tricks you need to protect your extensions from sun, sea, and sweat while still living your best hot girl summer.
Why Summer Can Be Tough on Hair Extensions
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth understanding why summer can be so rough on your hair extensions in the first place. Unlike your natural hair, extensions don’t have a natural oil supply to keep them nourished and protected, which means they’re more vulnerable to damage from:
- UV exposure: Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from too much sun. UV rays break down the protein structure in the hair, causing dryness, fading, and brittleness.
- Saltwater: A dip in the sea may feel lush, but the salt can strip your extensions of moisture and leave them tangled and dry.
- Chlorine: Pool days are fun until your blonde extensions start turning green. Chlorine can seriously damage both colour and texture.
- Sweat and oil build-up: Hot days = more sweat. And if it builds up around your roots or extension bonds, it can weaken them and make your hair feel heavy or greasy.
- Humidity: Cue the frizz. Humid weather can lift the cuticle layer and make your extensions feel rough or unruly.
Now that we know the enemy, let’s get into how to fight back.
1. Start with a Summer Hair Extension Care Check-In
Before you jet off on holiday or fill up your calendar with festivals and BBQs, book an appointment with your hair extension technician. Why? Because healthy extensions start with a proper install—especially if they’ve come from a reputable hair extension supplier you trust.
Ask your stylist to:
- Check for any loose bonds, rings or wefts
- Trim the ends to prevent split ends
- Recommend a suitable summer-friendly care routine or products
A fresh install or quick tidy-up ensures your hair is in top condition to handle what summer throws your way.
2. Use a UV-Protective Spray or Leave-In Conditioner
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs sun protection. Spritzing a UV-protective spray or applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner with SPF can make all the difference in preventing your hair extensions from drying out or losing colour.
Look for products that offer:
- Heat protection (for sun and styling)
- UV filters
- Moisture retention without weighing the hair down
Top tip: Apply before heading out for the day and reapply after swimming or sweating. Keep a travel-sized version in your beach bag for top-ups.
3. Tie It Up Before Taking a Dip
Saltwater and chlorine don’t play well with extensions. If you’re planning on swimming in the sea or pool, it’s best to avoid submerging your hair completely. But let’s be real—you’re going to get your hair wet at some point.
So, what’s the damage control plan?
- Braid your hair or tie it into a low bun or ponytail to prevent tangling.
- Soak your hair with fresh water before swimming—this reduces how much salt or chlorine it absorbs.
- Use a protective swim cap if you’re feeling brave (or fashion-forward).
Rinse thoroughly afterwards, then apply a hydrating conditioner or treatment.
4. Wash with Care (and the Right Products)
After a sweaty gym sesh or beach day, washing your hair is a must. But don’t go scrubbing your scalp like you’re in a shampoo ad.
Here’s how to wash extensions the summer-safe way:
- Use a sulphate-free, extension-safe shampoo—sulphates can strip the hair of natural oils and dry out extensions.
- Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips; avoid tugging near bonds or roots.
- Focus conditioner and masks on the mid-lengths to ends—keep it away from your roots to avoid loosening extensions.
- Rinse with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water = extra dryness.
And don’t overwash! Two to three times a week is usually enough, unless you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily.
5. Deep Condition Weekly
Summer is prime time for moisture loss. Your extensions can end up feeling straw-like or tangled if you don’t give them some TLC.
Enter: deep conditioning treatments. These are your hair’s best friend during heatwaves and beach holidays.
- Use a hydrating mask or oil treatment once a week.
- Apply generously to the ends and mid-lengths.
- Wrap your hair in a warm towel or shower cap and leave it on for 20–30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and let your hair air dry if possible.
Avoid any product that’s too heavy or oily near the roots—it could affect the hold of your extensions.
6. Avoid Heat Styling When You Can
We get it—summer events often call for glam hair. But adding heat on top of heat (sun + straighteners) can fry your extensions fast. As part of your Summer Hair Extension Care routine, it’s important to be mindful of how you style your hair during the hotter months.
Here’s how to style smart in summer:
- Air dry whenever possible. If you’re in a rush, use a cool shot on your hairdryer.
- Use a heat protectant spray before any styling.
- Embrace heatless hairstyles like beachy braids, slick ponytails, or loose buns.
- If you’re using hot tools, keep the temp below 180°C and never go over the same section multiple times.
7. Brush with Love
Hair extensions need extra gentle handling, especially in summer when they’re more prone to tangling.
Invest in:
- A loop brush or a wide-tooth comb
- A soft bristle paddle brush for daily use
Start brushing from the ends and work your way up. Hold your hair at the roots to avoid pulling on the extensions. Brush at least twice a day to keep things smooth and knot-free.
Bonus tip: Before bed, gently detangle and pop your hair into a loose braid or ponytail to prevent friction while you sleep.
8. Sleep on Silk
Speaking of bedtime, switching to a silk or satin pillowcase is a total game-changer for summer hair extension care.
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to matting, frizz, and breakage—especially when you’re tossing and turning in a hot room. Silk helps reduce that friction and keeps your hair smoother for longer.
You can even wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet to level up your overnight protection.
9. Keep Dry Shampoo on Hand
Sweaty roots and hair extensions don’t mix. A build-up of oil and sweat can weaken the bonds, make your hair feel heavy, and trigger itching or scalp irritation.
Dry shampoo is your bestie during summer It:
- Absorbs sweat and oil
- Adds volume at the roots
- Refreshes your hair between washes
Just make sure to use one that’s lightweight and extension-safe. Don’t go overboard—too much product can cause buildup and dullness.
10. Book a Mid-Summer Maintenance Appointment
Even with the best summer hair extension care routine, your extensions will need a bit of professional love halfway through the season. Booking in for Hair Extension Services in Finchley can help you stay on top of your look while keeping your lengths in top condition.
A maintenance appointment can help:
- Re-position or reapply extensions that have grown out
- Remove any build-up near the bonds
- Trim off dry or split ends
- Refresh your overall style or colour
It’s also the perfect opportunity to get personalised advice from your stylist, especially if you’ve just come back from holiday or had extra sun exposure.
Keep Your Extensions Looking Lush All Summer Long
Summer doesn’t have to be the downfall of your gorgeous lengths. With the right summer hair extension care routine, you can soak up the sun, swim in the sea, and dance your way through festivals without sacrificing your hair’s health.
To recap:
- Protect your hair from sun, salt, and chlorine
- Moisturise, nourish and condition regularly
- Handle your extensions gently and style smart
- Stay on top of maintenance and brush daily
Your extensions deserve as much care as your natural hair—if not more. So don’t let the sun, sea and sweat stand in your way. With these tips, you’ll be turning heads all summer long for all the right reasons.
Need products or a maintenance appointment? Reach out to your trusted stylist or hair extension supplier for summer-safe options designed to keep your lengths looking flawless, no matter the forecast.
Now go forth, enjoy the sunshine—and let your hair do the talking.
FAQ
Can I swim with hair extensions in?
Yes, but it’s best to take precautions. Before swimming, tie your hair into a loose braid or bun to prevent tangling. Rinse your hair with fresh water beforehand to minimise chlorine or salt absorption, and always rinse thoroughly afterwards. If you swim regularly, consider wearing a swim cap or using a leave-in conditioner as a barrier.
How do I protect my hair extensions from the sun?
The sun can dry out and fade your extensions. Use a UV-protective spray or a leave-in conditioner with SPF to shield your lengths. Wearing a hat or scarf can also help reduce direct sun exposure during peak hours.
How often should I wash my extensions in summer?
Two to three times per week is usually enough. However, if you’ve been sweating heavily, at the beach, or in a pool, wash your hair as soon as possible to remove salt, chlorine, and sweat build-up.
Can I use dry shampoo on my extensions?
Absolutely! Dry shampoo is great for refreshing sweaty roots between washes. Just make sure it’s lightweight and safe for use on extensions. Avoid applying it too close to the bonds or tapes.
Should I book an extra salon visit in summer?
Yes, a mid-summer maintenance appointment is a smart idea. Your stylist can check for loose bonds, remove any build-up, give your extensions a trim, and advise on aftercare based on your summer activities.