Hair Extensions Changing Color?

It’s officially Summer, so you know what that means… Beaches, pools, and fun in the sun! Unfortunately for some, you might experience your hair extensions changing color. Don’t freak out just yet! We’re about to tell you why this might be happening, and how to fix it.

This problem is more common than you may think, and most of the causes are avoidable, or reversible. The 4 primary suspects are hard water, chlorine, saltwater, and sun exposure.

HARD WATER

First off, if you’re experiencing color changes and you haven’t been hanging outdoors, chances are you may be showering in hard water (water that contains high mineral content). Believe it or not, around 85% of the water in the U.S. is classified as “hard” to some degree.

Aside from changing the color of your natural hair and extensions, hard water can also leave your hair dry, tangled, weak and faded.

Thankfully, there are ways to repair and prevent further damage. One effective, yet expensive solution is installing a water softener in your home. These will completely remove calcium, magnesium and other metals from hard water- making it soft. Another cheaper alternative to that is a shower filter, which removes many of the chemicals found in hard water. When it comes to repairing hair from exposure to hard water, you’ll need to begin by removing the mineral buildup your hair has probably acquired over time. A good start is using our Shampoo, which contains no sulfates, parabens, or proteins. It’s guaranteed to cleanse your hair thoroughly while still being gentle on your hair and extensions. After washing your hair, remember to moisturize and seal the cuticles with our Leave-In Conditioner.

CHLORINE

It’s no surprise that chlorine isn’t good for your hair; most of us have heard the stories. This is especially true for extensions because extensions are typically more porous than natural hair meaning they absorb more easily. This is why extra precautions must be taken to keep your extensions from not only changing color but also becoming dry and brittle. Protecting your hair comes before even entering in chlorinated water. Be sure to soak your hair thoroughly with clean water. Then apply our Conditioner or spray some of a Leave-In Conditioner onto your hair (focusing on the ends). This will give the hair extensions a barrier of protection by preventing them from soaking up as much chlorine. Finally, put your hair in a ponytail or loose braid, and now you’re ready to swim! The maintenance doesn’t end there though; the most important part is after you’re out of the water. Immediately wash your hair thoroughly with Aqua Hair Extensions Shampoo and Conditioner. The longer the chlorine stays in the hair, the dryer it’ll get, and the more likely it’ll be for the extensions to change color.

SALTWATER

Before going in the water, soak your hair thoroughly with clean water. Then apply our Conditioner or spray some of our Leave-In Conditioner onto your hair. Focus on the ends for the most protection. Then put your hair in a ponytail or loose braid, and enjoy!

Don’t forget to wash your hair thoroughly with Aqua Hair Extensions Shampoo and Conditioner as soon as you get out of the water.

Much like chlorine, saltwater has a tendency to strip hair of its’ moisture, natural oils and pigments so the same precautions should be taken. Though the sea can be more aggressive on the hair, so in addition, one should also apply a Leave-In Conditioner after getting out of saltwater. This should restore most of the healthy oils that the sea will absorb.

SUN EXPOSURE

Much like how the sun can damage skin, it can also do some damage to hair. It can strip the pigments from your extensions- exposing the original undertones, cause dryness, fizziness, and tangling. Just like skin, hair also needs some protection and TLC during the hot summer months. One method is to keep your hairs’ exposure to the sun to a minimum by wearing a hat or scarf (who said you could only use scarves in the winter?). If you don’t want to cover up those luscious locks, you can always use a Leave-In Conditioner, with UV Protection.

COLOR CORRECTING EXTENSIONS

Blondes are more likely to experience this irregularity; that being said, there are plenty of products on the market to combat brassiness. A silver or purple shampoo should be every blondes’ best friend! As soon as you notice the color lifting from your hair, wash your hair with one of these and your hair should be back to its’ ashy, platinum or icy shade in no time!

When experiencing more severe color changes (orange, pink or green), or if the brassy yellow simply refuses to leave, then seeking professional help is highly recommended.