Sunscreen and Extensions- Why are my beautiful new extensions pink?

There's nothing more disappointing than realizing your blonde hair extensions are discoloured.  This is one of the most dreaded calls we get at the salon, and far too often the culprit is sunscreen.  It's disappointing for everyone involved, YOU the client was in love with their new extensions just last week, and for us we are now tasked with removing the discolouration which can be challenging and sometimes next to impossible. 

So let's get to the main culprit- sunscreen.  More specifically 2 ingredients commonly found in MANY sunscreens which are Avobenzone and Octocrylene.  Avoid these at all costs if you have blonde hair, and especially if you have blonde, or highlighted extensions.  These ingredients combined with the keratin in your hair, UV and heat create and orange/pink colour.   We commonly see the worst staining on the underside of the hair where it has been touching the sunscreen on your shoulders and back, but sometimes it can be almost all over.  For some reason- probably the additives and processing associated with creating the extensions- they (extensions) seem to discolour worse than natural hair but I've also seen it on my blondes who don't wear extensions as well.

Don't skip sunscreen altogether, the solution is mineral sunscreens!  Double check the ingredients as sometimes if it's advertised as mineral it doesn't mean its completely free of these, however with checking a few out you will find one that is.  We tested a mineral sunscreen with great results and ZERO discolouration!  
Click the button below to check out the sunscreen we have tested in salon.  

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Link to the sunscreen we tested!