Can Sunscreen Damage Your Extensions? 

Not all sunscreens are safe for your hand-tied hair extensions. We know that hair extensions are an investment and we want to help you protect them from damage and discoloration.

Harmful Ingredients in Sunscreen

Look out for Avobenzone and Octocrylene on your sunblock’s ingredient list. These harmful ingredients are often found in chemical sunscreen and they’re guilty of discoloring blonde hair extensions, giving them a pinkish-orange hue that typically requires a stylist to repair.

Best Sunscreen for Hair Extensions

To protect your hair and investment, we recommend using mineral SPF rather than conventional sunscreen, as it doesn’t contain Avobenzone and Octocrylene. 

We tested ten mineral sunscreens and broke them down into categories to help you determine the perfect SPF for you and your hair extensions. 

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Best Affordable Mineral Sunscreen 

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen

This sunblock is thick yet moisturizing, and our favorite from the affordable tier category. 

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

This sunscreen is thin and pliable, offering a hydrating feel once absorbed. 

Best Mid-Tier Mineral Sunscreen 

Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF

This SPF is light and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling hydrated and soft.

Biossance Squalene + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

This lightweight, unscented sunblock leaves a slight shimmer and quickly absorbs into the skin.

Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen Sunscreen

Our favorite tinted option and great for oily skin, this sunscreen offers a matte tint and leaves your skin looking pore-free.

Summer Fridays ShadeDrop Mineral Milk Sunscreen

This hydrating SPF has a light tint, leaves skin feeling soft, and absorbs well without feeling oily.

Check out our maintenance guide for more tips about caring for your hand-tied hair extensions.