Memorial Day Pool Plans? Here’s How to Protect Your Hair Extensions

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and for many, that means beach trips, long hours in the sun, and plenty of pool parties. But, if you’re donning a set of hair extensions, you may want to think twice before you dive headfirst.

Glitter spoke with celebrity hairstylist and Luxy Hair ambassador Laura Rugetti, who has worked with Victoria Justice, Meghan Trainor, Amaya “Papaya” Espinal, and Peta Murgatroyd, to get the must-know tips for keeping extensions flawless all summer long.

Why Chlorine Is Your Extensions’ Biggest Summer Enemy

A quick dip in the pool may feel harmless, but chlorine can quietly wreak havoc on hair extensions. Since extensions don’t have the natural oils produced by your scalp, chlorine dries out your hair much faster. The result? Tangling, brittleness, dullness, and that stiff, straw-like texture nobody wants by mid-summer. Blonde and lighter-toned extensions can also become brassy or discolored after repeated pool days.

To help keep extensions looking soft and fresh, Rugetti recommends coating the ends of the hair with conditioner and securing it in a braided bun before swimming.

The SPF Mistake That Could Ruin Your Extensions

While SPF is an essential summer staple, the hairstylist tells us certain formulas could also damage hair color. Avobenzone, a UVA-filtering ingredient, and octocrylene can contribute to discoloration in hair extensions. While darker shades may only experience subtle changes, lighter blonde tones are especially vulnerable, with the ingredients potentially causing pink or orange spots throughout the hair.

To avoid damaging your pricey extensions, opt for a roll-on mineral sunscreen. The roll-on format gives you more control, helping you avoid getting SPF in your hair the way sprays often can, while mineral formulas typically skip the color-changing ingredients found in some chemical sunscreens.

A Go-To for Easy, Summer-Ready Extensions

But as pool days stack up and SPF becomes part of the daily routine, even the most careful prep can only do so much, which is where choosing the right kind of extensions makes all the difference.

When it comes to extensions that feel effortless but still look polished, Luxy Hair has become a quiet staple in the beauty space. Worn by some of our favorites like Ashley Park, Sydney Sweeney, and Suki Waterhouse, the brand is praised for its soft, natural-looking finish and easy, at-home application. 

In the summer months, especially, the removable design makes them a practical option for beach days and pool plans, allowing wearers to take them out before swimming to help minimize exposure to chlorine, salt water, and heat. Still, even high-quality extensions benefit from a bit of extra care during peak summer conditions, with protective styling and post-swim maintenance helping extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best.

A little extra intention goes a long way when it comes to protecting extensions through peak summer plans. With the right prep, products, and post-swim care, they can stay just as glossy and seamless from Memorial Day through Labor Day.