Why Sunscreen Matters for Extensions
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Spring break is basically sunshine, poolside lounging, salty air, and endless photos — which is amazing for your mood, but not always amazing for your hair extensions.
If you’re investing in extensions, protecting them from UV exposure is just as important as protecting your skin. The wrong sunscreen can dull your color, dry out your hair, and even cause discoloration. Let’s talk about what to pack so your extensions survive spring break looking just as good as day one.
Most people think about sunscreen purely for skin protection, but UV rays are incredibly harsh on hair — especially extensions.
Sun exposure can lead to:
• Fading and brassiness• Dryness and brittleness• Texture changes• Unwanted discoloration
And here’s the sneaky culprit most people don’t realize…
Certain sunscreen ingredients can actually stain extensions.
Ingredients That Can Damage Extensions
When shopping for sunscreen, flip the bottle around. This part matters.
Try to avoid sunscreens containing:
Avobenzone: This ingredient is notorious for reacting with minerals in water and causing extensions (especially lighter tones) to turn pink or peach.
Octocrylene: Can contribute to dryness and buildup.
Heavy oils: Can weigh down extensions and make them look greasy.
If you’ve ever seen blonde extensions mysteriously turn slightly pink on vacation… avobenzone is usually the villain.
What to Look For Instead
Your safest bets:
✔ Mineral Sunscreens (Your Best Friend)
Mineral formulas sit on top of the skin instead of absorbing in, which means less transfer to your hair.
Look for:
• Zinc Oxide• Titanium Dioxide
These are extension-safe and won’t trigger weird color changes.
Best Types of Sunscreen for Extension Wearers
Mineral Lotion Sunscreen
✔ Most reliable
✔ Minimal staining risk
✔ Great for everyday wear
Ideal if you’re spending long hours in the sun.
Mineral Stick Sunscreen
✔ Precision application
✔ Less mess
✔ Perfect for face & shoulders
Bonus: sticks reduce accidental transfer into your hair.
Mineral Spray Sunscreen (Use Carefully)
✔ Convenient
✔ Lightweight
BUT — sprays travel everywhere.
If using:
Spray away from your hair
Shield extensions with your hand or towel
Apply before styling your hair
Pro Tips to Protect Extensions on Vacation
Even with the perfect sunscreen, habits matter.
Apply sunscreen BEFORE touching your hairSeems obvious, but easy to forget.
Tie hair back during applicationLow pony, braid, clip — anything helps.
Avoid rubbing sunscreen into hairlineThat’s prime transfer territory.
Rinse after pool & ocean timeSalt + chlorine + sun = dryness cocktail.
Pack leave-in conditionerHydration is your secret weapon.
Extensions + Sunshine = Still a Perfect Match
You absolutely do not have to baby your extensions on vacation — you just have to be strategic.
Choose mineral sunscreen, avoid staining ingredients, and keep moisture levels up.
That’s it.
Sunshine, beach waves, flawless hair — all coexist peacefully.