Guide to Summer Care for Hair Extensions in VA Beach
How to enjoy the outdoors - even go swimming - without damaging your hair extensions.
Summer care for hair extensions is easy with a little planning! If this is your first Summer wearing hair extensions, don't worry. You don't have to pass on outdoor activities just because you're worried about protecting your hair. You can still enjoy the beach, and even water sports, with some preparation. Here are my tips for a summer day.
-Caitlin
There's no need to hide indoors! With a little preparation, you'll be ready for sun, sand and sea! I'm not just a certified hair extensions stylist, I am a believer! I wear hair extensions year round so I have my beauty routine down to a science. In fact, I've got a bag stashed in my car so that I'm always ready.
"Can I swim with hair extensions?"
Summer weather is here in Virginia Beach, so that's the big question from my clients, especially if they just got a new set of extensions. Yes, you can swim with hair extensions—but a little extra care goes a long way in keeping them looking their best. Depending on the type of extensions you’re wearing, swimming is generally safe as long as you take precautions. And it also depends on what you mean by swimming and how often! For some people swimming means lounging on the beach or poolside and going in the water up to their waist. For others, it means diving right in and getting their head completely wet. So let's break it down.
| Extension Type | Floating/ Waiding (Waist-Deep) | Swimming (Head Under Water) | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tape-Ins | ✅ Safe. Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ⚠️ Frequent soaking can weaken bonds. | I suggest using a swim cap or make sure you dry thoroughly soon after getting out of the water. |
| Sew-Ins / Wefts | ✅ Safe. Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ✅ Can handle full submersion | Wet hair first, add a leave -in conditioner, and braid to prevent tangling. Rinse and condition immediately after. |
| Keratin Bonds | ✅ Safe. Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ✅ Can handle full submersion, but use caution if you're down to the final 2-3 weeks before removal of your set. | Wet hair first, add a leave -in conditioner, and braid to prevent tangling. Rinse and condition immediately after. |
| Clip-Ins | ✅ Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ❌ Remove before swimming | Wear a cute hat or scarf instead. |
| Halos | ✅ Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ❌ Remove before swimming | Wear a cute hat or scarf instead. |
| Toppers | ✅ Wear hair up and off your shoulders. | ❌ Remove before swimming | Go with a hat that gives extra coverage to protect your scalp from the sun. |
Thinking About a Low-Maintenance Summer?
If you plan to be super active this summer—constantly on the beach, in and out of the pool, or chasing kids around in the water—you might want to consider removing your semi-permanent hair extensions for the season. This helps avoid unnecessary stress on both your natural hair and the extensions. You can always switch to clip-ins or a halo for a quick volume or length boost when you want to glam up for a special occasion. Then, once summer winds down, you can come back in for a fresh installation.
Pack a "Beauty on the Beach" Bag
Here's what I ALWAYS carry with me.
- Spray Bottle with CLEAN water. No salt or chlorine.
- Spray Conditioner
- Brush or Detangling Comb
- Hair Ties
Here's my routine before the beach:
The better I care for my hair extensions, the more I protect my hair from breakage, the longer they last. The idea is to keep your hair free of tangles, prevent hair from getting fried in the sun, and keep it moisturized. A conditioner not only makes for an easier comb out to avoid breakage, the UV protection safeguards your color.
- Braid your hair. One braid, multiple braids, whatever will secure the length of your hair and keep it from blowing in the wind because that can cause the hair to tangle.
- Dampen. Use the spray bottle with plain water to spritz your braided hair to get it nice and damp. Starting with damp hair is key to absorbing the leave-in conditioner. (Ever trying soaking up a spill with a hard, dry sponge?)
- Condition. Apply a leave in conditioner to your damp hair. Spray conditioner is best for an even distribution. Look for one with UV sun protection. Here are two products that I use:
Color Proof Essential Leave In Conditioner. Keeping your extensions tangle free is a MUST. Make it easy with this leave-in conditioner from ColorProof, which detangles, protects, and adds softness and shine.
Current Leave In Conditioner - contains botanical SeaPlex, which has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, great for hair extensions if you air dry your hair. Smells like the ocean and it's super affordable. Learn more about Current here.
Color Proof Smooth Drops. Safe for hair extensions, this sulfate-free, nourishing formula designed to moisturize, calm and smooth unruly, frizzy strands.
Swim, walk on the beach, kayak...carry on with your day. Reapply your conditioner just as you would reapply your sunscreen throughout the day.
Tip for my blonde hair friends: be careful when applying other summer products like spray on sunscreen or bronzing spray. A chemical reaction can cause your blonde hair extensions to stain! Yikes! If you apply these types of products, avoid contact with your extensions when spraying. If a friend is applying hers, don't stand downwind! Prevent hair from making contact with your skin after you've applied. Keep your hair off your shoulders. Wear it up in a cute messy bun.
Here's my routine at the end of the day:
- Unbraid hair and loosely detangle with your fingers
- Let your head breathe
- Shampoo hair with a detox shampoo to remove any product buildup
What's in the Bottle?
Learn how to use a few simple products to prevent excess wear and tear on your hair extensions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHSxjc7srf8
Hair turned coral despite your best efforts?
Don't stress. There is an in-salon treatment by HairTalk to remedy product, hard water and chlorine staining. Ask about Revive Demineralizing Remedy. There is also Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Hair Remedy which does the same.
Read more tips for hair extensions care.