Extensions and a UV Index of 5+: How to Protect Your Hair Color and Keep Your Extensions Healthy in the Sun

You wouldn’t skip a proper skincare nightly routine (if you do, I’ll find you) - so why do we forget our hair on a high UV day????

When the UV index hits 5 or higher, it’s not just your skin that’s at risk for a good burn. Your hair, especially extensions and color-treated strands, can suffer from dryness, fading, and even breakage if you’re not protecting it. Whether you’re hitting the beach, running errands, or lounging poolside, here’s how to keep your hair looking just as radiant as your summer glow.

What does the UV index mean for hair?

The UV index is a measurement of ultraviolet rays on a scale of 1 to 11+, with 5 being the middle of the range. While UV helps aid in natural vitamin D production in the skin, there is a thing as too much! Exposing your hair to a moderate to high UV index without putting on protective haircare is like putting a high-heat tool on hair with 0 product in it. Too much UV exposure to natural hair leads to color and tone fading, brassiness, and dryness. This can be avoided by using a simple haircare routine!

The top risks for extensions in the sun

With extensions, color fading, brassiness, dryness, and brittleness can all be risks for hanging out in the sun without any preventative product use. The UV rays will break down the cuticle on both natural and extension hair. These issues can start to happen once you’ve spent an extended amount of time in direct sunlight, SO making sure to take precautions before your next hiking trip, massive garden overhaul, or sunbathing afternoon will mitigate all of it!

How to protect your hair extensions on high uv days

• Use a UV-protectant spray daily

  • I like to use the Goldie Locks Leave-in Conditioner daily in the summer time as an extra dose of deep conditioning in the morning before I start my day! You can grab yours here: https://shorturl.at/8SJXg

• Wear a hat or scarf

• Keep hair moisturized

  • Every day I will use the Goldie Locks Leave-in and Signature Serum (you can grab yours here: https://shorturl.at/Ma3jF) before I start my day and before I end my day as an easy habit to keep my hair moisturized.

Summer sun is good for the soul, but not always for your strands. With the right habits and a little prep, your extensions can thrive in the sun and keep their color longer! Looking to revive your extensions? Add-on an extension clear gloss at your next hair day!