Summer in Australia is all about sun, pool hangs, long beach days and sunscreen… but it’s also the season where your hair extensions need the MOST love and attention.
Every year we see the same issues:
✔ sunscreen turning blonde extensions pink
✔ hair feeling dry or brittle from saltwater
✔ chlorine damage
✔ protein overload from the wrong products being used
The good news? With a little summer routine and the right products, you can keep your SH Extensions looking beautiful from beach days to nights out.
Here’s your full guide to avoiding the most common summer mistakes (and exactly what to do instead).
1. Sunscreen & Extensions:
Why your hair can turn pink
This is the biggest summer surprise for blondes, and the one that catches people off guard.
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that react with blonde extensions, causing instant pink or peach staining. It’s a chemical reaction and it can be super frustrating (and expensive) if you don't know how to avoid it.
- Don't apply chemical sunscreen → then touch your hair
- Don't run sunscreen-loaded fingers through your extensions
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Don't use spray sunscreen near your hairline
- Choose mineral SPF (zinc-based), it’s extension-safe
- Apply sunscreen after tying your hair back
- Wash your hands before touching your hair
- Be mindful at the beach or pool when reapplying
Pro tip: If you love chemical sunscreen for your body, keep a mini towel beside you for application to avoid transferring product to your hair.
2. Swimming with Extensions: Saltwater and Chlorine Care
Summer often means way more swimming (yay!), but both saltwater and chlorine can be extremely drying on extensions. They pull moisture from the hair, which can lead to tangling, matting, and a brittle feel.
This doesn’t mean you can’t swim, it just means you need a prep and aftercare routine.
- Don't dive in with dry extensions
- Don't leave salt or chlorine in your hair for hours
- Don't Roughly brush wet extensions
Before swimming:
- Wet your hair with fresh water
- Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner (We love Deep Muk Ultra Soft Leave In Conditioner)
- Braid or tie your hair into a low pony
After swimming:
- Rinse your hair with clean water ASAP
- Add moisture back into the mid-lengths and ends
- Gently detangle with a detangling brush or wide tooth comb
3. Sweat, Heat & Tape Slippage
Summer heat and sweaty workouts can impact your adhesive bonds, especially tapes. Excess moisture around the scalp can weaken the stick, leading to slipping or shorter hold times.
- Don't wear your hair down for high-intensity exercise
- Don't apply oils, heavy serums or SPF near the roots
-
Don't leave sweat to sit in the hair after workouts
- Tie hair back into a low ponytail or braid
- Use lightweight, extension-safe styling products
- Blow-dry your roots after sweating
- Book maintenance appointments on time during warmer months
Pro tip: If you’re someone who sweats a lot at night, sleeping with a loose braid can help reduce tangling and keep roots in better shape.
4. Avoiding Summer Dryness: Hydration Routine
Between heat, UV exposure and outdoor living, extensions can lose moisture faster in summer. This is where your weekly routine matters.
- Don't overwash your extensions
- Don't use protein or keratin products (these dry extensions out and can make them brittle)
-
Don't skip conditioning treatments during summer
- Wash 1–2 times per week with extension-safe shampoo (We use MUK)
- Use a hydrating conditioner or mask regularly
- Apply a leave-in every time your hair feels a little thirsty
REMINDER:
Protein and keratin-based products are not extension-friendly.
Always check your ingredients, hydration is the key to soft, long-lasting extensions.
5. Summer Brushing Routine
Brushing the wrong way can cause shedding or tension, especially when extensions are dry from sun and saltwater.
- Don't brush from the roots down
- Don't brush your hair when it’s dripping wet
- Don't use harsh brushes
- Use a soft, extension-safe brush (We love tangle teasers)
- Brush daily from ends → mid → roots
- Support the hair with your hand to reduce tension
6. Sleeping with Extensions in Summer
Warm nights can encourage sweating, which can cause tangling or dryness if your hair isn’t properly prepped.
- Sleep with your hair in a loose braid or low pony
- Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
7. Your Summer Extensions Checklist
A quick recap you can save:
- Mineral sunscreen only
- Fresh water + leave-in before swimming
- Rinse after every ocean or pool dip
- Avoid oils and heavy products at the roots
- Blow-dry roots after sweating
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
- No protein or keratin-based products
- Gentle brushing (ends → roots)
- Loose braids or low pony tail for exercise and sleep
Follow these simple routines and your SH Extensions will stay looking glossy, soft and beautiful all summer long.
8. Our 6 go-to Summer Extension Care Products
Here are our must-haves for keeping your extensions nourished in the warmer months:
1. Deep Muk Ultra Soft Leave-In Conditioner
Use it before swimming, after swimming, and anytime your hair needs a moisture boost. It helps maintain softness, reduces tangling, and keeps mid-lengths and ends feeling nourished.
2. Deep Muk Ultra Soft Shampoo
Perfect for extensions, this shampoo cleanses while keeping hydration intact.
3. Deep Muk Ultra Soft Conditioner
Follow with this conditioner to restore moisture, promote softness, and keep extensions manageable.
4. Deep Muk 1-Minute Ultra Soft Treatment
Use this once a week (or after a big swim day) for a deep moisture boost. It restores softness, reduces dryness, and helps prevent summer frizz.
5. Hot Muk Smoothing Serum
Apply a small amount through mid-lengths and ends to seal moisture and enhance smoothness. Ideal before heat styling to keep extensions glossy.
This protects extensions from heat styling, sun exposure and environmental stress, essential for summer styling and beach days.
Your extensions don’t need complicated routines, just the right habits and the right products. Take care of them now, and they’ll stay soft, glossy and gorgeous long after summer ends.
