Sun, Swim & Extensions: Your Summer Hair Guide

Summer is made for sunshine, beach days, and time outside, but for hair extensions, it’s also when the most damage can happen.

Between sun exposure, chlorine, salt water, and even sunscreen, your extensions need a little extra care to stay soft, smooth, and beautiful.

The good news? With a few simple habits (and the right products), you can enjoy your summer and keep your hair looking its best.

The #1 Thing That Can Damage Your Extensions

Sunscreen + Extensions

This is the one most people don’t see coming.

Many traditional sunscreens contain an ingredient called Avobenzone, which can react with extension hair and cause pink, peach, or orange discoloration, especially in lighter tones.

This often happens from:

• Sunscreen on your neck or shoulders
• Spray sunscreen onto the hair
• Reapplying throughout the day

What to do instead:

• Choose a mineral sunscreen (look for zinc oxide)
• Apply sunscreen before styling your hair
• Keep your hair up and away when applying

A small change here can make a huge difference in preserving your color.

Sun Exposure = Dryness + Fading

Extensions don’t receive the same natural oils from your scalp as your natural hair does, which makes them more vulnerable to dryness, especially in the sun.

Over time, UV exposure can:

• Fade your color
• Dry out the hair
• Leave extensions feeling brittle

How to protect your hair:

• Wear a hat when possible
• Use a UV/heat protectant
• Add daily hydration with leave-in conditioners or oils

Pool & Ocean Care

Chlorine and salt water can strip moisture and tone from your extensions, leaving them dry and tangled if not properly cared for.

Before swimming:

• Wet your hair with clean water first
• Apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends
• Braid your hair or put it in a loose bun

After swimming:

• Rinse immediately
• Wash and condition as soon as possible
• Gently detangle from ends to roots

Heat + Humidity

Summer styling can be tricky; humidity adds frizz, and heat styling can lead to dryness.

Keep it balanced:

• Lower the temperature on hot tools
• Always use a thermal protectant
• Avoid excessive daily heat styling
• Lean into softer, more natural styles when you can

Your Daily Summer Routine

A few small habits go a long way:

• Brush your hair 2-3 times daily
• Always brush before getting your hair wet
• Keep ends hydrated with oil or leave-in conditioner
• Avoid tight styles that create tension
• Watch for sunscreen, sweat, and friction (purse straps, clothing, etc.)

Your Summer Hair Essentials

If you’re traveling, a simple routine makes all the difference.

We recommend keeping:

• A sulfate-free shampoo + conditioner
• Leave-in conditioner or detangler
• A lightweight hair oil
• Your extension brush
• A silk scrunchie or braid for sleep

Bloom Favorites for Summer Hair

A few of our go-to Davines favorites to keep your extensions healthy all season:

💧 Davines OI All In One Milk

Lightweight leave-in that hydrates, detangles, and protects from heat, perfect for everyday use.

🌿 Davines SU Hair Milk

Designed specifically for sun exposure, this protects hair from UV damage while keeping it soft and manageable.

✨ Davines OI Oil

Adds shine, reduces frizz, and keeps ends hydrated without feeling heavy.

💛 Davines Momo Shampoo + Conditioner

Ideal for restoring moisture after exposure to sun, salt, or chlorine.

A Note on Maintenance

Summer can be a little harder on extensions, so staying on top of maintenance is key.

• Schedule move-ups every 6-8 weeks
• Consider a gloss or tone refresh if your color shifts
• Keep up with at-home care to extend the life of your hair

Your Best Hair, All Summer Long

Great hair in the summer isn’t about avoiding the fun; it’s about being prepared for it.

With the right care, your extensions can stay soft, seamless, and beautiful no matter where the season takes you.

If you’re not sure what products or routine is best for your hair, just ask at your next appointment, and we’ll build something that works for you.