If your extensions suddenly start feeling dry, tangled, frizzy, or matted during the summer months, you’re definitely not alone. Heat, chlorine, sunscreen, UV rays, sweat, hard water, and humidity can all impact the quality and longevity of your extensions faster than you may realize.

The good news? With the right care routine, your extensions can stay soft, shiny, and beautiful all summer long.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is guests going into pools or lakes with dry extension hair. Hair extensions are extremely absorbent, meaning they soak up whatever they come into contact with — including chlorine, salt water, lake water, and minerals.

Before swimming, we always recommend wetting your hair with clean water first and applying a leave-in conditioner, like Redken One United or hair oil throughout the mid-lengths and ends. This helps create a barrier and prevents the extensions from absorbing as much harsh water.

Braiding your hair before swimming is also a game changer. Loose braids help prevent tangling, matting, and friction, especially with longer extension hair.

Another huge summer issue? Sunscreen.

Many spray sunscreens contain ingredients that can discolor extension hair, especially lighter blondes. We often see blondes develop a peachy, pink, or orange tint from sunscreen buildup during the summer months. To help avoid this, be mindful when spraying sunscreen around your hairline and extensions, and try using lotions near the scalp and neck area instead of aerosol sprays whenever possible.

Heat and UV exposure are another major factor. Just like your skin, your hair can become dehydrated from too much sun exposure. Extensions don’t receive natural oils from the scalp the same way your real hair does, so they require extra moisture and protection during the warmer months.

Using professional-quality hydration products, leave-ins, oils, and heat protectants consistently can make a huge difference in maintaining the softness and longevity of your hair.

We also highly recommend incorporating in-salon treatments during the summer months to keep extensions healthy and refreshed. Treatments like Kérastase Fusio Dose, Première, and Malibu Treatments can help remove buildup, restore moisture, improve shine, and keep both your natural hair and extensions feeling healthier.

One of the biggest signs your extensions need professional attention is when they suddenly start feeling extra dry, heavy, tangled, or difficult to brush. Often, this is caused by buildup from hard water, chlorine, sweat, or products sitting on the hair.

And finally, never sleep with wet extensions.

Going to bed with damp extension hair is one of the fastest ways to create tangling and matting near the wefts or bonds. Make sure your hair is fully dry before sleeping, and loosely braid it or put it into a low ponytail at night to help protect it.

If your extensions need a summer refresh, ask your stylist about custom home care recommendations or an in-salon treatment at your next appointment to keep your hair soft, shiny, and beautiful all season long!