Hair extensions have been hugely popular for years, not only help women achieve that extra boost of confidence, but to also assist with hair loss, hair thinning, and overall hair enhancement. Since COVID19, many women have been experiencing hair loss, otherwise known as the medical term, “Telogen Effluvium”. Telogen Effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock, or a traumatic event. The stress from these events pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting phase. Within a few months, those hairs can fall out. In many cases, no treatment is needed, and the hair often grows back when the stress goes away.
Our Social Media + Partnerships Manager, Molly, is one of those women who has been affected by Telogen Effluvium post Covid19 infection. She began looking into hair extensions as a way to help gain back her confidence and assist in the overall appearance of her hair. An interesting tidbit that Molly learned while on the hunt for hair extensions, is the importance of using a mineral-based sunscreen while having extensions!
Molly sat down with two hairstylists at Taylored Hair, Casey Martikainen + Emily Taylor to get the full scoop on the correlation of hair extensions and mineral-based sunscreens. Read more to find out the science behind it all:
Q: WHO ARE YOU, WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS + EXPERIENCE?
Hairstylists: Casey Martikainen & Emily Taylor Casey is Hair by Casey with 16 years behind the chair. Emily is Taylored Hair with 8 years behind the chair. Together we are Rise Extensions.
Q: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE A MINERAL SUNSCREEN WHEN YOU HAVE EXTENSIONS?
-It is so important to use a mineral-based sunscreen when wearing extensions! Non-mineral-based sunscreen or sunscreen products containing avobenzine can cause blonde or light hair extensions to change color.
Q: HOW DOES SUNSCREEN AFFECT HAIR EXTENSIONS?
-Hair is porous and easily absorbs whatever is put on it, especially when the hair is dry. Extensions are an investment and when cared for properly, they can last six months to a year. Laying poolside with your gorgeous long hair can be done without worrying about ruining the hair, as long as you are using safe products!
Q: WHAT’S IN SUNSCREEN THAT CAUSES THE HAIR TO DISCOLOR?
Avobenzine (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) is an oil soluble ingredient that creates a chemical reaction with the extensions, turning them a pinky peach or even orange color.
Q: WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU TELL YOUR EXTENSION CLIENTS WHEN THEY ARE BEACH-BOUND?
1. Use mineral-based sunscreen.
2. Tie your hair high on your head to avoid the ocean or pool water. If you plan on getting your extensions wet, wet your hair first and use a good leave in conditioner. Our favorite is R + Co Sun Catcher! Wash your hair immediately after.
3. Use a good UV protectant spray to protect from sun exposure.
Q: WHAT CAN PEOPLE WITH EXTENSIONS DO TO ENSURE THEIR SUNSCREEN WON’T AFFECT THE COLOR OR TEXTURE OF THE EXTENSIONS?
The best way to protect your hair from sunscreen is to tie it up in a top knot on your head before applying. Start with a mineral-based cream sunscreen and use your hands to apply. A cream base will help so there’s no overspray from an aerosol can. Put it this way, taking your extensions to the beach or pool is like taking your Gucci bag to the playground with your kids. You can do it, but if you’re not careful it’ll get ruined.
RISE Extensions are a hand tied method, with a completely hidden row. Our main focus when creating this method was to protect the integrity of both the scalp and the hair. Giving women seamless extensions that can easily be thrown up in a top knot and look completely natural. We created our brand to teach other stylists a different way to work behind the chair. We want to make hand tied extensions something offered in every single salon, giving women access to feeling confident and beautiful and allowing stylists to grow their career in a way they never thought possible.
Check out our website for more information on how you can take our class! Riseextensions.com Purchase tickets on eventbrite.
At MDSolarSciences, we pride ourselves on having the highest grade, mineral-based formulas. SHOP MINERAL SPF.
