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.
Summer is a magical time of year; that anticipated season of longer days, brighter sun and people saying, “I do’s!” In Canada, almost 70% of weddings take place in the Summer months between June and September, so today, the Summer solstice, marks not only the start of Summer, it also marks the start of wedding season! No wedding dress is complete without the right hair to finish the look! As with all other trends, wedding hairstyles change with each passing year. (Just take a look at your mom's wedding photos!) What are the big trend in tresses for the 2019 wedding season? HERE ARE OUR PREDICTIONS... Royally-Inspired, No-Care Hair In general, wedding hairstyles trends will move further away from fixed curls and a heavily sprayed look, to styles that are more natural and a bit undone. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may have just celebrated their first anniversary, but a year later the Duchess of Sussex’s bridal style continues to influence and inspire trends. Taking cues from her look, low maintenance hairstyles are in; styles that are fit for royalty, but not in a conservative and super polished way. In 2019, royal no longer means traditional. Royal feels effortless, and classically chic. Messy but in a controlled way. A relaxed and effortless look is perfect for a Summer wedding. Windswept locks, loose waves, face-framing tendrils, a classic pony; there are plenty of ways to tap into Summer’s relaxed spirt and embrace no-care hair. Royally-Inspired Effortless Updos and Classic, Chic Buns We will be seeing a lot more of the Royal Bride’s simple styling approach in 2019. The effortless updo associated with the Duchess of Sussex is perfectly undone hair; a low bun with centre part and soft tendrils framing the face. The spectrum of effortless updos is wide ranging however, and appeals to a variety of bridal looks. Adding a bit of texture can make this look feel more relaxed or romantic without a lot of fuss. For a little more polish or sophistication, a clean bun with minimal volume is not overly finicky and allows the dress to shine. A loose chignon finished with an eye-catching accessory can elevate the effortless look to something remarkable. Think tiaras (we just can’t get away from all things royal!), headbands and bows. Effortless updos and Classic Tousled, Soft Waves Seen on the runways at Bridal Fashion week, this romantic style will definitely be seen walking down the aisle. As brides opt for more effortless looks, soft waves that don’t look like the bride spent hours getting ready will be huge in 2019. An added bonus with this style: the softness photographs beautifully. For 2019 brides looking to replicate this 'do', we recommend that curls are left to set throughout the morning for a style that lasts the whole day. If the hair doesn’t hold curls well, you might consider adding hair extensions to give more volume and create a better hold. With this simple and effortless look, you can have a lot of fun with accessories. Add a unique touch, give hair more dimension and like the soft waves, they photograph beautifully! Tusled, Soft Waves Ponytails Ponytails and Summer are a perfect pair. The beauty of a ponytail is it keeps the hair off your face in a sophisticated, yet simple and effortless way… and you can dance the night away without worrying about your hair! From high and messy to polished and low at the nape of the neck; there are countless variations of this popular style to suit each individual preference. Plus, a ponytail can elongate the silhouette and frame a range of wedding gowns beautifully. If a bride’s hair isn’t quite where it needs to be, by simply adding in strategic extensions, you can add the length and fullness needed to achieve the preferred look. Ponytails The Ultimate 2019 Bridal Trend: Be Yourself The trending styles for 2019 are easy, loose and less traditional. They embrace a kind of messy-hair-don’t-care look that is effortlessly chic and low-maintenance, and they hold up beautifully in humid weather. But when it comes to deciding on a 'do’, a bride should reflect on how they typically style their hair on both a daily basis and for special occasions. If you never opt for hair up, chances are you will not feel like herself in an updo. If you find yourself consistently throwing your hair into a ponytail, choose a look that keeps hair off your face. A style that feels like you is key. LEARN HOW GREAT LENGTHS CAN ENHANCE YOUR HAIR FOR THE BIG DAY. GREAT LENGTHS – HAIR LIKE YOU.