HOW TO: Managing Hair Extensions During the Summer Months

Bianca Arussi, Co-Owner of J'Adore Salon in Beverly Hills and Certified Great Lengths Extension Expert offers tips she passes along to her extension clients on how to care for their extensions during the heat and humidity of summer.

 -Summer is a 'wash-and-go' season when we trade in our blowouts for beachy waves.  Are ladies with extensions able to let their hair air-dry, or is that an extensions no-no?

*You can let them air dry on the ends. Keratin acts just like hair does, it swells when wet. If you air dry they can slip off. You can dry close to the root and let the rest air. Never set blow dryer to high heat or put direct heat on actual bond.

 -If not, how can girls with extensions create effortless-looking waves without spending too much time styling?

*Extensions can have natural wave to them!

 -Does the sun, heat & humidity or sweat affect extensions?

*A LOT of sweat where the head is always wet, will effect it. The rest is fine, including chlorine and salt water.

 -Will swimming too often ruin them?   Is it best to keep hair up or down? Should you brush the hair as soon as you get out of the water?

*It is better to not put up. It only adds more stress on hair. Especially when the hair is wet, which means the keratin is wet. It is suggested to brush later with an extensions brush.

 -What products/techniques do you recommend to protect extensions during the summer months (from sun, heat & humidity, sweat, salt water, chlorine, etc.)

*No specific products are necessary. Take care of the extensions as you would your own hair.

 -What are the top products/mistakes to avoid with extensions during summer (or anytime)?

*Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner all year round.

 -How do you properly brush extensions, and how often should you do it?

*Always use an extensions brush. The teeth on other brushes will yank them out. However, you can use a regular brush to untangle the ends.

 -What's the best shampoo/conditioner to use in the summer if you have extensions?  How often should you be shampooing/conditioning?

*Anything sulfate free. Every 3-4 days is good for shampooing and conditioning- Even once a week if you can get away with it!

 -What products/treatments should we use to keep extensions from looking dry and brittle during the summer months?

*You can certainly use a serum or an argan oil, just be sure not to apply to the root. If hair is getting tangly visit a salon for treatment. Blonde extensions need more frequent treatments as they go through more processes to achieve their color, and tend to get dry more often.