Summer: the season we all look forward to. Beach days, vacations, and sunshine… what’s not to love? One downside: the fun of summer can be hard on hair, with or without extensions. Salt water, sweat, swimming and sunbathing can turn your extension-enhanced beach waves into a faded, frizzy and tangled disaster. It’s very important to prioritize caring for your extensions as you enjoy the summer months. Extension hair can be treated just like your natural hair, and just like your natural hair, extensions should be handled gently, no matter the season. Be sure to use sulfate-free products and go to your stylist for extension checkups as scheduled. What does require a little extra care is your extension bonds or tapes, each of which present different challenges during the summer. BONDED EXTENSIONS ARE MOST FRAGILE WHEN WET. THIS DOESN’T RULE OUT SWIMMING HOWEVER! Go ahead and go for that dip, but don’t allow your extensions to soak for too long. Before diving in to salt or chlorinated water, soak your hair with fresh water. If hair has already absorbed fresh water, the chlorine or salt will not absorb as deeply, and your hair will receive less damage. For extra protection, applying conditioner is also recommended. Wearing your hair in a low bun, in a braid or under a swimming cap is a must, to ensure tangle-free results. As soon as you get out of the water apply a leave-in conditioning product to your hair, while being mindful of the roots and keeping the product away from the bonds or tapes. After, be sure to dry the bonds or tapes immediately; the rest of your hair can be left to air-dry. WHEN IT COMES TO TAPE-IN EXTENSIONS, YOUR SUN AND SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS CAN POSE A THREAT. Any kind of lotion on the face, like sunscreen, can get in the hairline and interfere with the tapes, causing them to loosen. TIP: Always wash or rinse your hands after applying lotions to avoid getting any residue from your products in your hair, and be sure to let any lotion on your face thoroughly absorb into your skin before heading out into the sunshine or diving into the pool. BRUSHING OFTEN, USING AN EXTENSION-FRIENDLY BRUSH IN THE VICINITY OF THE BONDS OR TAPE, WILL HELP AVOID TANGLES WHILE OUTSIDE. Extension brushes have looped bristles that are specifically designed to glide through hair, where the teeth on regular brushes can yank at extensions. You can use a regular brush to untangle the ends but be sure to hold the bond or tapeline while brushing to avoid excess tugging at the root. EMBRACE THE NATURAL, LOW-MAINTENANCE LOOK AND GIVE HEAT AND STYLING TOOLS A REST; THE HEAT OF SUMMER IS TAXING ENOUGH ON YOUR LOCKS. Add a sun hat to your wardrobe as well. Like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun’s UV rays. Wearing a hat can help to protect your hair and prevent added dryness. BECAUSE EXTENSIONS DON’T RECEIVE THE NATURAL OILS FROM YOUR SCALP TO KEEP THEM MOISTURIZED, IT’S IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER, TO ONLY WASH YOUR HAIR WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Two to three shampoos a week is more than enough. Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo and only wash the roots. You don’t need to worry about lathering the ends, the water and shampoo that runs over them is enough. Be sure to invest in quality hydrating shampoos, conditioning products and serums to make your summer haircare that much easier. Additional monthly, or weekly conditioning treatments may be necessary to inject some much-needed moisture back into the hair. FOLLOW THESE TIPS AND KEEP YOUR EXTENSIONS HEALTHY AND FABULOUS THIS SUMMER! Great Lengths offers a full line of products made especially for extensions to help counter the negative effects of sun, sweat and water. Great Lengths Daily Moisture shampoo, Anti-Tap Water, Deep Conditioning Mask and more are available through a Great Lengths Certified stylist near you.
When it comes to taking care of your Great Lengths extensions, the right products are key to keeping them in tip-top condition and looking the best they can. Cue BIO A+O.E A premium aftercare range that is 100% organic and vegan certified. All ingredients are strictly certified according to the guidelines of organic cosmetics, for products that are fully sustainable. In the world of beauty where too many products place burden on both the consumer and the environment, the BIO A+O.E. line is revolutionary. Harnessing the power of botanicals and active plant ingredients, BIO A+O.E. offers five specialty treatments formulated to give both natural hair and extensions outstanding strength and vitality. Each treatment has been designed to treat a variety of common hair problems, while working to cleanse hair of toxins and chemicals. From thin hair that needs volumizing, damaged hair that needs repairing, to frizzy hair that needs taming – whatever the hair dilemma, BIO A+O.E has a solution, giving hair a fresh start and a much-needed detox. The collection of products includes cleansing shampoos, enriching conditioners, protective serums and nourishing styling masks. Each works to detoxify hair from chemicals and help return it to its natural condition, regaining shine, silkiness and strength. The five BIO A+O.E. products are: 01 BIO A+O.E. VOLUMIZING TREATMENT – TO THICKEN AND STRENGTHEN HAIR This treatment gently cleanses while adding moisture for hair that is strengthened, looks fuller and feels completely rejuvenated. 02 BIO A+O.E. RESTRUCTURING TREATMENT – TO RESTRUCTURE AND REINVIGORATE DAMAGED HAIR Restore your hair to its normal pH balance and add shine. 03 BIO A+O.E. REINFORCING TREATMENT – TO HELP HAIR BECOME STRONGER Say no to fragile hair once and for all with the 03 Reinforcing treatment collection. Start with the shampoo, follow up with conditioner and finish with the 03 Reinforcing Water. 07 BIO A+O.E. FRIZZ CONTROL TREATMENT – TO MOISTURISE AND REVITALISE HAIR AND REDUCE FRIZZ Humidity won’t stand a chance! 09 BIO A+O.E. SEBUM CONTROL TREATMENT – TO REDUCE THE PRODUCTION OF UNWANTED OILS This treatment helps removes excess oil, leaving hair and scalp balanced and beautiful. For more information or to order products from the BIO A+O.E. line, contact our Sales Consultants.