Saunas are an excellent form of self-care. The sauna and steam room can make you feel healthy, invigorated, and beautiful. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you have hair extensions installed.
It’s best to avoid a sauna if you have hair extensions. The heat, humidity, and sweat can affect the adhesive and cause damage to the extensions, or even cause them to melt. Be sure to wear a towel or cap to protect your hair extensions if you decide to visit the sauna.
You might not have to swear off the sauna entirely if you have hair extensions installed. You can protect your luscious locks with a bit of extra maintenance and care. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Go Into a Sauna With Hair Extensions?
Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid using the sauna with hair extensions. The heat, humidity, and sweat can damage the extension’s adhesive and cause it to melt.
If you plan on using the sauna, be sure to wrap your hair extensions. You can use a towel, scarf, or bonnet to protect your luscious locks.
What are Hair Extensions Made Of?
There are two types of hair extensions: natural and synthetic. As you would guess, natural hair extensions are made from real hair and cost more. Synthetic extensions (on Amazon) can be made from nylon, polyester, or acrylic fibers.
Unless you purchase synthetic hair extensions made from heat-resistant fibers (on Amazon), they’re sure to melt under high temperatures. Natural and artificial tape-in hair extensions (on Amazon) can lose their hold when exposed to high amounts of moisture and humidity.
Effects of Steam Rooms on Hair Extensions
Many people love visiting the sauna or steam room. Saunas and steam rooms can be beneficial to your health and well-being. But there are a few precautions you should take if you have hair extensions installed.
Melting Adhesive
As mentioned earlier, tape-in hair extensions can lose their hold from too much exposure to moisture, humidity, and sweat. Your tape-in hair extensions could start to slip, fall out, and the bonding site could become more noticeable.
Tangles and Knots
The heat, humidity, and sweat from a steam room can cause hair extensions to tangle up. You may notice your hair extensions are drier, more matted, and have a few more knots than average.
Frizzy Hair
Steam rooms and saunas have a lot of moisture and humidity in the air. This can cause your hair extensions to become increasingly frizzy. Frizzy hair can affect both natural and synthetic extensions.
How to Take Care of Your Hair Extensions When Using a Sauna
There are multiple ways you can prevent damage to your hair extensions when using a sauna or a steam room. Following these tips will preserve your hair extensions and keep them lasting for longer.
Wear a Cap
One of the primary ways you can protect your hair extensions is by wearing a towel, scarf, bonnet, or even a shower cap in the sauna. This will help protect your hair from heat, moisture, and humidity.
Dry Them Afterwards
Be sure to dry your hair extensions right after using the sauna, steam room, or exercising. Sweat and moisture can cause hair extensions to lose their hold. Dry your hair extensions as soon as possible to avoid deterioration of the adhesive.
Gently Brush and Detangle
Your hair extensions could become tangled or matted from using the sauna or steam room. Ensure you’re regularly brushing any tangles or knots out of your hair extensions. Be gentle when brushing your extensions, as they’re connected to your natural hair.
How Long Can You Stay in a Sauna When Using a Hair Extension?
You should only stay in a sauna for a maximum of 15-20 minutes. If you have hair extensions installed, you may want to cut these times in half. Staying in a sauna for extended periods can result in dehydration, hyperthermia, and even death. Be sure to consult your doctor beforehand and drink plenty of water.
To Sum It All Up
It’s not recommended to use a sauna or steam room if you have hair extensions installed. Sweat, moisture, and humidity can deteriorate the adhesive glue, causing your extensions to slip or fall out. The heat can also cause knots, frizz, and dry hair.
If you’re determined to use the sauna with hair extensions, be sure to practice moderation. Wear a cap or towel to protect your hair. You should also dry your extensions afterward, brush them gently, and practice proper extension care.
