So you’ve been tempted by the great outdoors, huh? Don’t worry – taking care of your hair extensions whilst hiking with your friends is easier than it seems. If you’re packing for a weekend of hiking, sweating and taking breathtaking sunset photos, make sure you bring your human hair extensions with you. This guide will teach you all the tips and tricks necessary to make sure your hair looks fabulous regardless of the location and activities chosen – so you too can have a stunning Lara Croft-like profile picture to upload as you get back from your outdoorsy trip. If your ultimate goal is to look fabulous whilst having a nice stroll through the woods, this blog is for you.
Tie Your Hair Back During Physical Activity
This may sound like a given, but sometimes what works for natural hair is also a great hair care activity to extend to your added tresses. If you’re wearing permanent hair extensions that you can’t remove at the end of your day, paying extra attention to them will make sure you don’t end up waking up with a bird’s nest on your head the next day. One of the most important things you can do to protect your hair and hair extensions whilst sweating it all out – whether it’s at the gym or during an intense hike – is to put it up. Simple. Not only will this prevent tangling and/or your hair getting caught in your clothes and gear, but it will also help to protect your strands from friction damage and sweat. Use a soft hair band or a silk scrunchie to make sure your hairstyle won’t snag or pull on your hair extensions.
The Low Ponytail
You may have thought that this hairstyle is kinda basic, but people like Kim K are here to prove you wrong. The low ponytail is a classic hairstyle and no, it’s not just a stay-at-home solution to keep your hair away from your face – it’s also a fab option perfect for the sporty or outdoorsy type. To achieve this look, simply gather your hair and extensions at the nape of your neck and secure them with a hair tie or a scrunchie – depending on what will go best with your outfit!
The High Ponytail
Opposite to the low pony we have the high ponytail, sitting high and mighty on top of your hair. This trendy hairstyle has been seen on countless celebrities, although the most famous high pony in the world probably belongs to Ariana Grande. If you don’t have the necessary length and thickness to achieve this type of hairstyle but would love to give it a go, arm yourself with a clip in ponytail hair extensions set.
The Braided Crown
The braided crown, also known as the crown braid or milkmaid braid, is a stylish and practical hairstyle that roots deep in history. Thanks to its boho-chic, glamorous vibe, this hairstyle will keep you looking romantically fabulous even when enjoying outdoors activities such as hiking and camping. To create this look, divide your hair into two sections and braid them; then, cross the braids over your head and secure them with the help of bobby pins.
The Top Knot
Practical and trendy, the top knot has been seen on a lot of red carpet looks. After all, there is a reason if the top knot is one of the most popular protective hairstyles out there, and guess what? Its versatility makes it a prime choice for the gym, yoga studio, and more. Even outdoors, the top knot is quite easy to achieve: all you need to do is gather your hair into a high ponytail, and twist it into a bun. You can then secure it with a hair tie, or your favourite scrunchie. This solution is ideal to keep your hair out of your face, and prevent tangling and damage caused by sweat and friction!
The Single Plait
Inspired by the typical Lara Croft look – after all, she’s the adventurer with the most glorious hair out there – the single plait is a simple yet effective hairstyle that will protect your hair and keep you looking fabulous. Creating a single plait is fairly easy; all you need to do is section your hair in three, and intertwine the three separate sections between them. If you’re wearing clip in hair extensions, you may need to apply some of them horizontally – depending on how tight your want your plait to be.
Use A Protective Spray
As human hair extensions don’t receive any nourishment from your scalp like your natural hair does, it is important that you keep the moisture in your strands on lock after washing and wearing your hair extensions. A simple accessory such as Cliphair’s Silky Moisture Spray can help you soften your hair and hair extensions whilst locking hydration in your strands, for a long-lasting finish – meaning you won’t have to worry about your hair all day long. If you’re going to spend lots of time outdoors under the sun, make sure you also take care of your hair and scalp by using a UV protection solution.
Wash Your Hair Regularly
This may sound like a given, but if you’ve been sweating a lot or if your hair has started to get greasy, don’t skip your washing day. If the occasion allows it (it may be more difficult if you’re camping in a tent), take the time necessary to wash your hair and hair extensions. Always make sure you’re using sulfate-free and alcohol-free shampoo and conditioner, and only wash your hair extensions (such as in the case of clip in hair extensions) if strictly necessary (such as, they’ve been soaking with sweat or any other substance has come in contact with them). As hair extensions are best left to air-dry, as long as you have a hair extensions stand or any other safe and clean place to leave them to dry you won’t have to worry about having access to a blowdryer.
Avoid Chlorine And Saltwater
If your type of adventure isn’t on the mountains but under the sea, then you may need to adjust your swimming activities if you’re wearing hair extensions. First things first, if you wear clip in hair extensions you may want to leave them at home before going for a swim. No, seriously, don’t wear clip in hair extensions when swimming. This can be a recipe for disaster, with the clips snapping your natural hair off and your precious investment becoming a knotty, matted mess. If you wear nano ring hair extensions or tape in hair extensions instead, you won’t be able to take them off and pop them back on before and after a swim. In such cases, make sure you protect your hair by using a swimming cap – or alternatively, simply tie your hair back and make sure you don’t go underwater. Both Chlorine and saltwater are extremely drying agents that can cause serious damage to both natural hair and hair extensions; if they do come in contact with any of the two, make sure you rinse and potentially double-shampoo your tresses thoroughly to remove any residues.
Brush Gently
When it comes to brushing your hair extensions, make sure you use a specific product such as a detangling hair brush. Be gentle with your tresses and avoid pulling on them, even when you encounter stubborn knots. Using a leave-in conditioner can help you detangle your hair and allow the brush to glide through your strands seamlessly, for a delicate yet effective brushing finish. A wide-toothed comb is also a great accessory to give your hair an initial brush before drying and going back in with a boar-bristle one. Always start from your ends and work your way up towards your scalp.
Conclusion
Taking care of hair extensions as a sporty or outdoorsy person may require a little bit of extra effort, surely, but it will be a new type of hair care routine that will keep you looking (and feeling) great whilst protecting your tresses. Be mindful of these little tips and tricks, and your active lifestyle will only be a plus to your health and beauty!
