The Effect of Sunscreen on Hair Extensions - Why are my extensions a brassy orange/ pink ?
You must have seen women talking about the mystery of their blonde hair extensions discoloration or changing their color orange/pink or brassy. Or you may have experienced your blonde hair extensions changing color. It's not about hair extensions' quality or about extensions' oldness; it is the effects of sunscreen on hair. But how does the screen affect the hair extensions? What can you do if sunscreen gets in your hair extensions? And is mineral sunscreen a better option? Let's know the answers to all these questions.
How Does Sunscreen Ruin Hair Extensions?
Sunscreen contains two SPF protection ingredients, Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) and Octocrylene, that react to ruin hair extensions.
Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is an oil-based ingredient to absorb the full spectrum of UVA rays. While Octocrylene is used as a stabilizer with Avobenzone when both come in contact with hair extensions, it creates a chemical reaction that causes its discoloration.
Why does sunscreen discolor hair extensions?
Here's the science behind the chemical reaction. It all starts when sunscreen is absorbed in hair and exposed to UV light. There happens a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) process, which causes cells to break down. Then cells seek for electron particles to create a new cell structure. And when hair is rinsed with water, either pool or shower water, electron particles in minerals (Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Calcium, and Silica) attach to hair, causing a chemical reaction that causes discoloration or change color at hair ends or in patches,
This declaration can change the hair extensions' color to orange, pink, peachy, and brassy.
What To Do If You Get Sunscreen in Your Extensions? Damage Repair Guidance
Number one: Using a purple shampoo is an easy and quick idea to remove sunscreen and its color effect from hair. But if you don't wash hair extensions with purple shampoo right after exposing them to water, you will see traces of color in them.
Number two: If discoloration happens to your extensions because of salty water, e.g., from the pool or seawater, apply Malibu Swimmers and Malibu Hard Water.
Number three: this process is better if done by a professional. So, show this to the professional of your hair salon.
- Create a paste of clarifying shampoo and baking soda. Shampoo your extensions with that paste 1 to 3 times, depending on how discolored your hair extension is.
- Apply a color remover and process the extensions according to the instructions on the packaging.
- If still orange, pink, and peachy tones are present, you can use blue or purple shampoo or do another round of color remover.
Any of the processes you do to remove brassiness or discoloration from hair extensions leave hair dry, so don't forget to condition your hair extensions' ends with a moisturizing mask.
How is Mineral Sunscreen a Better Option?
Mineral sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which is approved by the FDA as safe to use on skin and is a tested sunscreen type that does not affect hair extensions or cause discoloration. It physically blocks any adverse effects on skin and hair rather than just filtering out damaging UV rays. So, mineral sunscreen is a better option.