Extensions Turning Orange: Causes and Effective Solutions
In the summer months, or during a vacation to a warm climate, I find that some clients' natural blonde hair extensions are turning orange tones and/or pink. This seems to happen on light hair extensions, particularly when the hair colour is medium blonde to lightest blonde. In some cases, inferior hair quality will turn orange because the base tone of the hair appears after washing off the silicone coating. Hair extensions derive from dark hair, therefore, it is chemically treated to remove the dark color and then toned with a fabric dye to the desired hair colour. When the hair cuticle is stripped during the colour process, the underlying pigment is red, orange, or pink, and the pigment will become exposed over time. This issue can be as frustrating as Sam Conan highlights in his discussions about hair extension care.
What Is the Main Ingredient Turning Your Hair Extensions Orange
The other culprit is a self-tanner from a spray tan or store-bought self-tanning products. Even if the tanning lotion is not applied to the face, it can spread throughout the hair, causing blonde hair to appear orange.
The next culprit may be sunscreen, not all sunscreens, but the ones that contain Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), an oil that controls UV rays. When Avobenzone comes in contact with light hair extensions, the hair extension can turn orange. The only way to avoid this interaction is to check the ingredients of your face and body sunscreen. Another trick is to coat your hair with fresh water prior to a visit to the beach, or pool. Fresh water creates a barrier that helps to prevent the absorption of avobenzone, chlorine, and salt in water.
How to get rid of orange or pink hues in hair extensions?
If your hair extensions are turning orange due to its inferior quality, darkening the extensions may be an option, but this porous hair does not respond well to many treatments.
If your hair extensions are turning orange due to self-tanner, Avobenzone, or hard water, it is important to first attempt to remove the build-up. To date, the best treatment is Malibu C treatment. This treatment is best done in a salon, the treatment is gentle, and your stylist will watch your hair to ensure a timely removal. Malibu C is often used for hard water that contains minerals that wreak havoc on not only natural hair, but especially hair extensions. Calcium and magnesium in hard water can also discolor hair extensions, which is why it is important to use Malibu C for deep clarification.
A gentler treatment may be to simply use clarifying shampoo, but keep in mind, overusing clarifying shampoo can cause your hair extensions to become dry. It is important to follow up the shampoo with a deep conditioning mask. It is best to have this done at a professional salon.
Once the chemical is removed, we may opt to apply a gentle toner, or blue/purple shampoo containing violet pigments and ash pigment to neutralize the orange warm tones. Before this step, it is advisable to do a strand test to ensure optimal results on the top of the hair extensions. We then will apply a hair mask to the hair extensions, to help reseal the hair cuticle.
Impact of Environmental Factors on Hair Extension Discolouration
Environmental factors significantly contribute to the discoloration of hair extensions, particularly in blonde shades. Prolonged sun exposure and sunlight can break down the pigments in hair, leading to unwanted orange or brassy tones. Additionally, the presence of chlorine exposure in swimming pool water and salt from seawater can strip the hair of its protective layers, further exacerbating color changes and causing environmental damage. The excessive use of heat tools, poor water quality, especially in areas with hard water containing harsh chemicals, can introduce minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up in the hair and affect its appearance. By understanding these environmental influences and applying proper care, you can take proactive measures to protect your extensions from discoloration.
The Role of Minerals and Water Quality
Water quality plays a crucial role in maintaining the vibrancy of your hair extensions. Hard water, which is prevalent in many regions, contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals, along with salt water, can accumulate on the hair, causing it to appear dull and discolored, stripping it of its nourishing natural oils. The interaction between these minerals and hair care products can lead to a buildup that alters the hair's color over time.
To combat the effects of hard water, consider using a water filter in your shower. This simple addition can help reduce mineral deposits on your hair extensions, preserving their original hue. Regular treatments with products like Malibu C Hard Water Treatment can effectively remove mineral buildup and restore shine.
Water Type
Effects on Hair Extensions
Recommended Solutions
Hard Water
Causes discoloration and dullness
Use a water filter and clarifying shampoos
Fresh Water
Helps prevent absorption of harmful minerals
Rinse hair before swimming
In summary, understanding the role of water quality is essential for maintaining the beauty of your hair extensions, and having a keen business sense can help in making informed decisions. By taking steps to address hard water issues, you can keep your extensions looking vibrant and healthy.
Effects of Sunlight and UV Exposure on Hair Extensions
Sunlight and UV exposure are significant factors that can lead to the discoloration of luxurious hair extensions. UV rays and UV filters penetrate the hair shaft, breaking down the color molecules and causing them to fade. This process not only leads to a brassy appearance but can also weaken the hair structure over time. When luxurious hair extensions, which became popular in the early 2010s, are exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, they lose their vibrancy and may turn an orange hue or even pink.
To mitigate the effects of sun exposure, it's essential to apply protective measures. Utilizing hair products that contain UV filters can add a protective barrier against harmful rays. Additionally, wearing hats or scarves when spending time outdoors can provide an extra layer of defense for your extensions.
Protection from Sun Damage
Protecting your hair extensions from sun damage is crucial for maintaining their color and overall integrity. One effective method is to apply silicone-based coatings that create a barrier against UV rays. These silicone coatings can not only shield the hair from sunlight but also help retain moisture, preventing dryness and brittleness.
Incorporating natural oils, such as argan or coconut oil, into your hair care routine can also offer protection against sun damage while adding moisture. Applying these oils to the ends of your extensions can help keep them hydrated and less prone to discoloration.
Proper maintenance, such as regular conditioning and avoiding excess heat styling, is vital in preserving the health of your hair extensions. By combining these protective strategies, you can ensure that your extensions remain vibrant and damage-free, even under harsh sun exposure.
Hair Care Practices Leading to Color Changes
The way you care for your hair extensions plays a significant role in the colour of your hair extensions' stability. Improper hair care routines, including the application of hair dye, can lead to noticeable color changes, particularly in light or blonde extensions that undergo a chemical process. Factors such as the frequency of washing, the choice of products, and storage conditions can all contribute to unwanted discoloration.
For example, washing your extensions too often can strip them of essential oils and moisture, making them more susceptible to color changes. It's important to use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair in the beauty and fashion industry to help maintain the vibrancy of your extensions and establish a strong online presence through ethical business practices and innovative products, addressing ethical issues in the industry.
Consequences of Improper Hair Extension Storage
Improper storage of hair extensions can significantly impact their color and condition. Storing them in a place exposed to direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures can cause the hair to fade and discolor. Additionally, moisture can lead to mold or bacterial growth, which could further damage the extensions.
To ensure the longevity of your hair extensions, store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a breathable bag, such as silk or satin. This type of storage minimizes friction and helps maintain the hair's integrity. Always ensure the extensions are clean and completely dry before storing them to prevent any potential damage.
By following these guidelines for proper hair care and storage, you can significantly reduce the risk of color changes and keep your extensions looking their best.
Conclusion
The best approach is to avoid sunscreens with Avobenzone and protect your hair when using self-tanner. Check the ingredients of your skincare products because they may be hidden within face creams containing sunscreen.
As far as hair extensions quality, it is best to purchase virgin remy (one-donor) hair. The hair is not treated as harshly as inferior hair extensions, and the cuticle is intact which helps prevent discoloration.
Purchase your hair extensions, or have them applied from a reputable salon/vendor. They will stand behind their product, and help to maintain your hair extensions.
About Noelle Salon
At Noelle Salon, they evaluate your natural hair and listen to the client's wishes on styling, color match, and look. They use human hair extensions like 100% Remy human hair or Virgin Hair (unlike Bellami hair). Hair extensions, including new hair extensions, can be used for short hair or 24 inches of a full head of hair, and they have worked with different methods like tape-in extensions, clip-in hair extensions, Keratin and enjoy using the Veila Pull-thru method with the Veila Hair Extensions for ease of hair care. Styling can vary from flat iron, natural curl, or curly hair. Whether you are looking for a change of style or look for a day such as a Clip-in ponytail, having a high-quality ponytail extension can mix it up for you. Your natural hair journey with your hair growth can be enhanced with Hair extensions when protective styling is applied and regular maintenance is used. You can change your hair in one day - feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities.
