If you’ve noticed your beautiful hair extensions turning an unexpected shade of orange or pink, especially after a sunny day out, you’re not alone. This frustrating problem is surprisingly common and often linked to a hidden culprit in your sun protection routine: the sunscreen ingredient Avobenzone. Here’s what you need to know, how to prevent it, and the best way to fix it if it happens.
The Science: Why Do Hair Extensions Turn Orange?
Many sunscreens contain Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), a chemical UV filter prized for its broad-spectrum protection. However, when Avobenzone comes into contact with hair extensions—especially light blonde or highlighted ones—a chemical reaction can occur. This is intensified by exposure to sunlight and minerals in water (like iron and copper), leading to oxidation. The result? Your extensions can develop orange, pink, or brassy stains, often at the ends or in patches.
How Avobenzone Causes Discoloration
- Chemical Reaction: Avobenzone reacts with the keratin in human hair extensions, especially when exposed to UV rays.
- Mineral Interaction: When you wash your hair in water with high mineral content (hard water), minerals like iron and copper can bind to the Avobenzone residue, causing a rust-like stain.
- Repeated Exposure: The more often your extensions come into contact with Avobenzone and sunlight, the more pronounced the discolouration becomes.
Tips to Prevent Sunscreen Staining on Hair Extensions
1. Choose the Right Sunscreen
- Avoid Avobenzone: Check sunscreen labels and steer clear of products containing Avobenzone and Octocrylene.
- Opt for Mineral Sunscreens: Use sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sit on top of the skin and are less likely to react with your hair.
2. Apply Sunscreen Carefully
- Let It Absorb: Apply sunscreen before getting dressed and allow it to fully absorb into your skin before letting your hair down.
- Keep Hair Up: Tie your extensions in a bun or ponytail while applying sunscreen and during outdoor activities to minimise contact.
- Use Barriers: When spraying sunscreen, cover your hair with a towel or scarf.
3. Minimise Contact Throughout the Day
- Avoid Touching: Try not to run your hands through your hair after applying sunscreen.
- Stay Dry: Sweat can transfer sunscreen from your skin to your hair, so keep hair off your neck and shoulders when possible.
What To Do If Your Hair Extensions Have Turned Orange
If you’re already seeing orange or pink stains, don’t panic. There’s an effective solution: Malibu C Hard Water Treatment. At Creations we offer this as a treatment service, to be booked in with a blowdry. Check our price list for more details. You can also purchase this as a take-home product from Creations Hair Salon in Chichester.
Malibu C Hard Water Treatment: How It Helps
- Removes Mineral Build-Up: This treatment is designed to draw out and eliminate mineral deposits and impurities that cause discolouration.
- Restores Shine and Softness: It helps restore your hair’s natural shine, softness, and manageability.
- Vegan and Gentle: Malibu C is 100% vegan and free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for all hair types, including extensions.
How to Use Malibu C Hard Water Treatment
- Shampoo First: Wash your hair thoroughly to remove surface products.
- Apply Treatment: Dissolve the Malibu C crystals in your palm, apply to wet hair, and massage into affected areas.
- Wait: Leave the treatment on for up to 5 minutes.
- Rinse and Repeat: Rinse thoroughly, shampoo again, and condition as usual.
- Repeat if Needed: For severe staining, you may need to repeat the process 2–3 times.
Final Thoughts
Orange or pink stains on hair extensions can be distressing, but with the right knowledge and products, you can prevent and reverse the damage. Always check your sunscreen ingredients, opt for mineral-based formulas, and keep your hair protected during application. If discolouration occurs, Malibu C Hard Water Treatment is a proven remedy to restore your extensions’ beauty and vibrancy.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid sunscreens with Avobenzone and Octocrylene.
- Use mineral-based sunscreens and keep hair away from sunscreened skin.
- Treat any discolouration promptly with Malibu C Hard Water Treatment for best results
- In salon treatment £35 and take home product £10 (as of the 4th July ’25) these prices may change, please contact the salon for any updates
To find out more about Hair Extensions, how you can maintain them, and what type of Hair Extensions will suit you, then book in with our Hair Extension specialists at Creations.
