Jetting off on holiday is the perfect excuse to show off your beautiful, voluminous hair. However, sun, sea, sand, and swimming pools can quickly turn your luxury human hair extensions from glossy to tangled if you aren’t prepared.
Both chlorine and saltwater are highly dehydrating. Because human hair extensions don’t get a constant supply of natural oils from your scalp, they absorb these harsh elements like a sponge. At Authentic Locks in Leeds, we want you to enjoy your holiday without sacrificing your hair health. Here is our expert guide to keeping your extensions flawless while abroad.
The Pre-Swim Trick That Saves Your Hair
The absolute best way to protect your extensions from chlorine and saltwater is a simple trick called “pre-saturation.”
Before you step into the pool or the sea, drench your hair completely under a clean shower or tap. Once the hair is fully saturated with fresh water, it acts like a full sponge—it cannot absorb any more liquid, meaning the pool chemicals or salt cannot penetrate the hair shaft.
Top Tip: After wetting your hair, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner or a protective hair oil to the mid-lengths and ends before tying it up. This creates an invisible barrier against the elements.
The Problem with “Pink” or “Orange” Extensions
If you have blonde or light-coloured luxury hair extensions, you need to be especially careful with pool water. A chemical reaction between the minerals in the water (like copper) and sunscreen can actually cause your extensions to discolour, sometimes turning a peach, orange, or pink tint.
To prevent this:
Keep it Up: Wear your hair in a high bun or top knot while swimming to keep it completely out of the water.
Watch the Sunscreen: Avoid sunscreens containing Avobenzone or Octocrylene, as these are the main culprits behind extension discolouration. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying sunscreen before touching your hair.
Post-Beach Care
Never leave pool water or saltwater to dry into your hair. As soon as you get out of the water, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water.
When you get back to your hotel, wash your hair using a professional, sulfate-free hydrating shampoo and follow with an intensive conditioning mask. If you have hair extensions for thinning hair, ensure you dry the bonds or tapes completely with a hairdryer on a cool-to-medium setting; leaving attachments damp in hot weather can cause them to slip.
Conclusion: Effortless Holiday Glamour
You don’t have to skip the pool to keep your extensions looking stunning. With a little bit of planning and the right aftercare, you can maintain the texture and longevity of the best hair extensions for fine hair throughout your entire holiday.
