You’ve got your cute beach bag packed, your sunnies on, and your SPF at the ready. But did you know that not all sunscreen is safe for your hair—especially if you wear extensions?
We’re all about sun protection (trust us, we love a glow … just not the kind that leads to sun damage). But traditional sunscreens won’t keep your extensions safe and can cause some unexpected issues to show up in your strands. If you’ve ever noticed your extensions turning pink or orange, or if something just seems off during the summer, your sunscreen might be the culprit.
Let’s break it down. Here are five sneaky ways conventional sunscreen can mess with your hair extensions—and what you should reach for instead to keep your hair safe this summer.
1. Avobenzone + Extensions = Brassy Nightmare
Many chemical sunscreens contain avobenzone, a popular UV filter. While it’s great for your skin, it’s a known offender when it comes to hair discoloration, especially for light or blonde extensions. When avobenzone oxidizes in the sun (which is exactly what it’s designed to do), it can cause extensions to turn pink, orange, or even a dull green. Yikes.
Garnish game changer: Always read your ingredient list. If avobenzone is listed, it’s a no-go for your hair.
2. Slick SPF Can Lead to Greasy Strands
Those spray-on sunscreens are super convenient and, let’s be honest, it’s kinda fun to really get into it and act like you’re starring in a sunscreen commercial. But they’re full of silicones and oils that can coat your hair (especially near the hairline) making it look greasy and limp. Worse, those oils can disrupt the bonds in some extension methods, shortening their lifespan and loosening their grip.
Garnish game changer: Apply sunscreen before styling your hair or putting on your extensions. Let it fully absorb before your hair comes into contact with your skin.
3. Fragrance + Heat = Definitely Not Safe for Hair Extensions
You know that “sunscreen smell”? It’s a real thing! Many non-mineral sunscreens aren’t safe for hair extensions because they contain artificial fragrances. When exposed to the heat of the sun (or your curling wand), these can become volatile and damage your hair shaft—especially delicate extension fibers. If you’ve ever felt like your hair was “frying” in the sun, this could be why.
Garnish game changer: Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented mineral sunscreens to minimize this risk.
4. Build-Up Can Be a Beast
Sunscreen can feel like a tacky layer sitting on top of your skin. Believe it or not, your hair feels that grossness, too. Conventional sunscreens are notoriously hard to wash out of hair; they leave behind residue that can cling to your scalp and strands, dulling your shine and making your extensions feel heavy or sticky. This buildup can also block your scalp’s natural detox process, which is essential for healthy growth.
Garnish game changer: Clean beauty = clean hair! Use a clarifying, extension-safe shampoo weekly during the summer to gently remove product buildup without drying out your hair or loosening your bonds.
5. Not All “Mineral” Sunscreens Are Equal
By now, you might have guessed that we’re about to insist you use mineral sunscreen. You got us. BUT, here’s the plot twist: Even some mineral sunscreens can contain sneaky ingredients that aren’t extension-friendly. Always look for a sunscreen that’s specifically labeled “extension-safe” or “hair-safe.”
Garnish game changer: For bonus points, find an option that’s also reef-safe and cruelty-free (because Garnish babes care about their planet, too).
So … What Should You Use?
At Garnish, we’ve tested a lot of products to protect our guests’ investments. Our go-to picks for summer are mineral-based, non-greasy, and extension-approved. One example: Supergoop! You’ll thank us later.
Want more recs? Just ask your stylist during your next visit! We’d love to match you with something that keeps your skin protected and your hair gorgeous.
Final Word? Your SPF Should Never Compromise Your Shine.
Your extensions are an investment in your confidence, and protecting them shouldn’t mean sacrificing style or safety. By being a little more mindful of what’s in your sunscreen, you’ll keep your color vibrant, your texture soft, and your summer vibes totally stress-free.
Ready to level up your summer hair care game? Book your refresh or consult now—before the heat hits full swing.
