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Hair Extensions
Sleeping, Sun & Swimming with Weft Extensions
By Katie CheathamJuly 20265 min readLouisville, KY
Hair extension care doesn't stop at the wash. The way you sleep, the sunscreen you wear and what you do before the pool will determine whether your wefts look brand new at the four-week mark or rough. Here's the routine I send every guest home with.
Sleeping
- A silk pillowcase keeps the cuticle smooth and protects the integrity of the extensions overnight.
- Brush gently before bed, then loosely braid your hair or pull it into a low ponytail.
- Never go to bed with wet hair — it mats close to the scalp and at the weft. If it happens, call your stylist; a brush won't always save it.
Sun & sunscreen
- Avoid chemical sunscreens — avobenzone in particular discolors hair and is famous for turning blonde extensions pink, which often cannot be undone.
- Use mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) on face and body.
- Cover your hair (hat, scarf, silk wrap) when you're in direct Kentucky sun for long stretches.
Swimming
- Before you get in the water, brush your extensions and saturate them with fresh tap water — hair already full of clean water absorbs less chlorine or salt.
- Work a small amount of leave-in conditioner through the ends.
- Tie hair into a loose braid or low ponytail.
- Shampoo and detangle immediately afterward — don't let pool or ocean water sit and dry into the hair.
Written by Katie Cheatham, weft (sewn-in) hair extension specialist at Salon Rogue in Louisville, KY. Learn more about Katie or explore the extension & color services.
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