Sunscreen & Hair Extensions: What You Need to Know

The Problem: Chemical Sunscreens + Blonde Hair Can Be a Bad Combination

If you have blonde, platinum, or light-colored hair extensions, sunscreen is something you should pay attention to.

Certain chemical UV filters can come into contact with the hair and contribute to fading, brassiness, or unwanted discoloration—sometimes even creating dull green or orange tones.

❌ Ingredients to Avoid

When possible, avoid sunscreens containing:

- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Spray sunscreens, which may contain drying alcohols
- Hair oils containing chemical UV filters

What to Use Instead: Go Mineral

Look for mineral sunscreens containing:

- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide

Mineral UV filters work primarily by sitting on the skin and helping reflect UV radiation, making them a preferred option when you're trying to minimize contact between chemical sunscreen ingredients and light-colored extensions.

Always check the current ingredient list, as product formulas can change.

Pro Tips for Protecting Your Extensions

💧 Wash your hands after applying sunscreen before touching your hair.

🧴 Choose hair products carefully. If using a leave-in conditioner or UV-protecting spray, check the ingredients and choose formulas designed for color-treated hair.

🌊 Rinse after swimming. Fresh water helps remove sunscreen, salt and chlorine from your extensions.

👒 Use physical protection. Hats, scarves and shade are simple ways to reduce prolonged sun exposure.

Mineral Sunscreens to Consider

Some mineral sunscreen options you may want to look into include:

- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50+
- EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
- Badger Mineral Sunscreen
- Thinkbaby / Thinksport Sunscreen
- COOLA Mineral Face SPF 30/50, Fragrance-Free
- Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc

Product formulas can change, so always verify the current ingredient list and look specifically for Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide without the chemical UV filters listed above.

One Last Tip

If your blonde extensions become orange, brassy, greenish, or noticeably different in color, don't immediately bleach or recolor them. Talk to your hairstylist or an extension professional first. The right correction depends on what caused the color change and the condition of the hair.

Protect your skin. Protect your extensions. Enjoy the sun!

R HAIR EXTENSIONS
Beautiful hair starts with the right care.