Hello, beautiful!
Summer in Duluth is a vibe, isn’t it? Long days at the beach, camping trips — all the moments that make these warm months so magical. But if you’re rocking extensions this season, there’s one little summer PSA I need you to tuck in your beach bag: not all sunscreens play nice with your hair.

Here’s the scoop:

The Ingredient That Can Wreck Your Extensions

Many popular sunscreens contain an ingredient called Avobenzone. It’s great for blocking UV rays, but terrible for your extensions. If Avobenzone comes into contact with your hair, it can react and turn your beautiful extensions a funky salmon or orangey-coral color. And no — it’s not a sun-kissed vibe. It’s more of a “this hair has to be replaced” vibe. Once that stain sets in, there’s no treatment that can fix it.

Brunettes, Don’t Sleep On This

I know it’s tempting to think darker hair is safe — but if you have any highlights, dimension, or lighter pieces blended into your extensions, you’re still at risk. Those light pieces are magnets for that weird coral hue!

But I Don’t Get Sunscreen in My Hair… Right?

This is where I see so many guests get tripped up. You might think, “I’m careful! I don’t put sunscreen near my hairline.”But sunscreen can still sneak up on you. If you apply sunscreen with Avobenzone on your back or shoulders and later let your hair down, the underside of your extensions will rub right against it — even hours later. That’s all it takes for that funky tint to show up.

So always keep that in mind when you’re applying SPF — think about where your hair will fall, and when in doubt, stick with mineral sunscreens.

The Safe Bet? Stick to Zinc Oxide

The good news: you don’t have to skip sunscreen altogether (please don’t!). Just switch to a mineral sunscreen that uses zinc oxide instead of Avobenzone. Zinc oxide is gentle, natural, and does the job without harming your hair.

Pro tip: When you apply sunscreen, avoid rubbing it right into your hairline, shoulders, or back where your hair might touch — and wash your hands before running your fingers through your hair. It’s a tiny habit that saves you a whole lot of heartbreak (and hair!).

Jessica’s Safe Sunscreen Picks

Want to make it easy? Here are a few extension-safe options you can find right at Target:

• Coppertone 100% Mineral
• Bare Essentials 100% Mineral Kids
• Sun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
• Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50
• Bare Republic Coco Mango Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (be careful not to grab their clear formula — that one does contain Avobenzone!)
• Bare Republic SPF 50 Sheer Zinc Oxide
• Bare Republic Vanilla Coco Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Native Unscented Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

I love these because they’re gentle, affordable, and easy to find — no excuses not to protect your crown and your skin!

A Little Summer Love For Your Hair

Around here, we believe hair is a health choice — and protecting your extensions is part of that. So here’s your ultimate summer splash-day plan:

🌊 Heading to the lake or pool?
Always secure your hair in braids — they help prevent tangling and matting while you swim. And don’t forget your leave-in conditioner at home — pack it in your beach bag! I love the Original Mineral Know Knott because it’s lightweight and extension-safe. Spritz it in after swimming and brush through gently to keep your hair soft and smooth.

🌴 Swimming in chlorine or the ocean?
Pre-wet your hair with fresh water and saturate it with your regular conditioner or a hair mask before you braid it up. Hair acts like a sponge — the first thing it absorbs is what sticks. This keeps harsh chlorine or salt from soaking in first (especially important for my blondes — no surprise green hair, please!).

When you get out, rinse your hair thoroughly and wash it as soon as you can to remove any leftover minerals. But don’t stress if you can’t wash immediately — just shampoo at your earliest convenience and your extensions will thank you.

Go soak up the sun, enjoy every lake day and bonfire, and know that your hair is living its best life right along with you.

Got questions about summer extension care or the best products for your hair? Come chat with me anytime or comment below — I’m always here to help you keep that crown looking fresh.

With My Whole Heart-