Hair Extensions are a commitment and require additional time dedicated to aftercare. This will ensure your natural hair also remains in healthy condition during wear.  

Following our recommended guidelines will ensure problem free wear and help maintain  the lifespan of your hair extensions and protect & preserve your natural hair.

Firstly you need to understand the elements in water, not solely if you are travelling abroad but also here in the UK and how chemicals and products which react to those elements can cause your extensions to change colour, become dry & brittle, create matting or cause your attachments to break down. 

In a hotter climate or holiday your hair is likely to be exposed to sun & heat, chlorinated pool, sea salt and minerals in the water as well as ingredients in some products you may be using, particularly sunscreens.

Here are the guidelines & products we recommend  for trouble free extension wear whilst on holiday or live in a hard water area.

Use the following procedure in addition to your regular aftercare routine:

• For swimming If possible secure all hair inside a swim cap or:
• Brush hair thoroughly. On dry hair spray leave in conditioner or a diluted version of the Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Conditioner into mid lengths & ends avoiding roots & attachments. 
• Plait hair into one or two plaits as this keeps the hair neatly contained. Pin to the top of the head for swimming.
• ASAP wash hair using the MalibuC Hard Water Shampoo followed by the Malibu C Hard Water Conditioner.
• Continue to use all the aftercare techniques specific to your application method 
• Apply the leave in conditioner & hair oil from your usual aftercare routine
• Ensure hair is brushed thoroughly
• Do not tie hair up when wet and leave to dry
• If leaving to dry naturally always dry the attachments 
• Once a week use the MalibuC Hard Water Wellness Remedy Sachet
• Once a week use the MalibuC Miracle Repair or your usual deep conditioning treatment

Your attachments are also at higher risk of breakdown due to hard water & chemical exposure, hotter climate and prolonged wet / damp hair and daily washing.

KERATIN BONDS:

• Can soften
• Turn white making them noticeable
• Crumble
• Hair can shed from the bond
• Higher strand loss
• Applies to - Fusion Bonds / Mini Tips / Nano Rings

COPPER LOCKS & RINGS:

• Green build up from copper oxidisation
• Paint can peel revealing copper underneath making the attachments noticeable
• Silicone linings can deteriorate resulting in slippage / strand loss

WEFTS:

• Stitched thread can become brittle and snap
• Adhesive seal on some weft top designs can break down leading to shedding
• Weft tops can rot leading to shedding
• Copper Rings can be effected as above

TAPES:

Tape Extensions are not suitable for clients who regularly swim or exposed to high humidity, hotter climates.

• Heat can warm the adhesive and lead to slippage.
• Tapes Extensions should not be shampooed more than 3 times a week
• Chemicals will cause the Tapes to open
• Water can penetrate between the Tapes causing slippage 
• Steam from Hot Tubs & Jacuzzis can cause the Tapes to begin opening
• Sweat on the scalp can cause the Tapes to open causing slippage.

Hard Water has a higher pH level which can attribute to attachment breakdown. 

Hair Extensions which have an adhesive bond are at the most risk.  

This can be combatted by ensuring the recommended  pH balancing shampoo and conditioner are used to neutralise the effects. 

One of the main causes of matting is hair being tied up when wet or sleeping with wet / damp hair.

The presence of heavy mineral deposits will weigh the hair down, cause it to bunch together when wet, making it tangled and difficult to brush.

It is so important that the hair is thoroughly brushed before putting up and when taken down and washed & dried ASAP after contact with pool / sea water or heavy head sweating. 

If you are in the UK you can check the hardness of your water by looking at our Water Hardness Map.

IYou can also purchase water testing kits to use at home or f you are travelling abroad to determine whats hidden in the water your hair will be exposed to.

Hard water contains hidden natural minerals which can be absorbed into the hair through a chemical reaction known as 'Oxidation'

Oxidation put simply is 'the addition of oxygen'

Almost all elements (water, sun or air) react with oxygen to form compounds called Oxides.

A typical example of oxidation is the rusting and corrosion of iron.

In moderate amounts oxidisers can cause discolouration or loss of hair colour. Great amounts will cause it damage and breakage

Oxygen in air & water coupled with heat & light from sun exposure (UVA & UVB light) can accelerate oxidation.

Minerals enter the water by ground or surface water.

GROUND WATER:

Ground water comes from under the ground. Both domestic & community wells derive their water from rain passing through aquifers which are layers of minerals.

SURFACE WATER:

Surface water comes from rivers or lakes & usually contains fewer minerals because the water has not filtered down through mineral layers. Unfortunately increasing populations are polluting the water which causes additional bacterial growth. This growth is controlled at treatment facilities by adding Chlorine to kill bacteria & then adding Lime (a claim compound to help control chlorine levels.

The following lists the natural minerals found in Hard Water and what effect they have on the hair when oxidised.

Further information on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

England

Bath - Hard

Birmingham - Medium/Hard

Blackburn - Soft

Blackpool - Soft

Bolton - Soft

Bournemouth - Hard

Bradford - Soft

Brighton - Hard

Bristol - Hard

Bromley - Hard

Cambridge - Hard

Canterbury - Hard

Carlisle - Hard/Soft

Chelmsford - Hard

Chester - Soft/Hard

Cleveland [Teesside] - Soft

Colchester - Hard

Coventry - Hard

Crewe - Soft

Croydon - Hard

Darlington - Soft

Dartford - Hard

Derby - Hard/Soft

Doncaster - Hard

Dorchester - Hard

Dudley - Medium

Durham - Soft

Enfield - Hard

Exeter - Soft

Gloucester - Medium

Guildford - Hard

Halifax - Soft

Harrogate - Soft

Harrow - Hard

Hemel Hempstead - Hard

Hereford - Medium

Huddersfield - Soft

Hull - Hard

Ilford - Hard

Ipswich - Hard

Kingston upon Thames - Hard

Lancaster - Soft

Leeds - Hard/Soft

Leicester - Hard

Lincoln - Hard

Liverpool - Soft

London E - Hard

London EC - Hard

London N - Hard

London NW - Hard

London SE - Hard

London SW - Hard

London W - Hard

London WC - Hard

Luton - Hard

Manchester - Soft

Medway / Rochester - Hard

Milton Keynes - Hard

Newcastle upon Tyne - Hard

Northampton - Hard

Norwich - Hard

Nottingham - Hard

Oldham - Soft

Oxford - Hard

Peterborough - Hard

Plymouth - Soft

Portsmouth - Hard

Preston - Soft

Reading - Hard

Redhill - Medium

Romford - Hard

Salisbury - Hard

Sheffield - Hard

Slough - Hard

Southall Uxbridge - Hard

Southampton - Hard

Southend-on-Sea - Hard

St Albans - Hard

Stevenage - Hard

Stockport - Soft

Stoke-on-Trent - Hard

Sunderland - Hard

Sutton - Hard

Swindon - Hard

Taunton - Medium

Telford - Hard

Tonbridge - Hard

Torquay - Soft

Truro - Soft

Twickenham - Hard

Wakefield - Hard

Walsall - Medium

Warrington - Soft

Watford - Hard

Wigan - Soft

Wolverhampton - Hard

Worcester - Medium

York – Hard

Wales

Cardiff - Soft

Llandrindod Wells - Medium

Llandudno - Soft/Medium

Newport - Medium

Swansea - Soft

Shrewsbury - Medium

Scotland

Aberdeen - Soft

Dundee - Soft

Dumfries & Galloway - Soft

Edinburgh – Soft/Medium

Falkirk & Stirling - Soft

Glasgow - Soft

Galashiels - Soft

Inverness - Soft

Kilmarnock - Soft

Kirkwall - Soft

Kirkcaldy - Soft

Motherwell - Soft

Paisley - Soft

Perth - Soft

Further information on Hard Water measurements can be found on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

It is also found in many other products offering UVA protection such as moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners, foundation, concealers, lip balm, sun protection spray for hair and its even found in perfume. 

Avobenzone in suncream causes discolouration of clothing. White clothes in particular you will notice that horrible pink / orange staining.

When hair comes into contact with Avobenzone and hard water a chemical reaction occurs which causes iron to bind to the hair. 

This will turn blonde hair an orange / pink tone or dark hair duller and darker.

Due to the way hair extensions are processed they are naturally more porous, so the colour change will be visible quicker than in the natural hair.

The reaction will depend on the level of iron present and the amount of exposure, so discolouration may happen gradually over time or instantly. 

It will only occur in the areas that have come into contact with Avobenzone so explains why only the tips of a ponytail experience change as the ends are what brush the shoulders.

Or around the hair line or face where moisturisers, foundations or suncream are applied. Or sunscreens are sprayed on the face.

This image credit to Victoria Lynch, MD of Remi Cachet. The results of physical testing of hair extensions coated in different brand & factor sunscreens and exposed to water from various locations globally. The colour change is distinct between the original colour and the exposed bundle. 

Always check the products you use on your hair do not contain Avobenzone

Avobenzone is also known as:

• Methoxylphenyl
• Butylphenylpropane
• Butylmethoxydibenzolmethane
• Methoxydibenzoylmethane
• Parsol1789
• Milestab 1789
• Eusolex 9020
• Escallop 517
• NeoHelipan 357
• Dibenzoylmethane 
  
• 4-tert-butyl-4-methoxydibenzoylmethane
• BMDBM cod
• 70356-09-1
• 1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
• 4-tert-Butyl-4'-methoxy-dibenzoylmethane
• 1,3-Propanedione, 1-(4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenyl)-3-( 4-methoxyphenyl)-
• UNIII-G63QQF2NOX
• DB094595

Octocrylene 

This is also used in sunscreens and usually paired with Avobenzone. 

It is also a major factor in discolouration of hair extensions due to a chemical process that occurs when it absorbs UV rays. It is only safe for use if there is less than 10% in the sunscreen formula.

The higher the amount in sunscreen the higher a chance of discolouration through iron absorption.

Octocryline is also known as:

• Octorilene
• Uvinul N - 539

Iron will slowly cause hair to tint darker, add weight to the hair & prevent proper chemical processing (hair colouring, perming & relaxing)

Heavy amounts of iron will tint light coloured hair orange and cause darker hair to become darker with red highlights.

In this image (sideways view) you can see the discolouration through the mid lengths and ends of the hair. This is a common area for hair discolouration. When the hair is tied up it brushes the shoulders coming into contact with sunscreen on the shoulders and back of the neck. When exposed to hard water the chemical reaction occurs resulting in the iron deposits reflecting their colour (orange)

Our Ultra Locks, Mini Locks, Nano rings & Micro Rings are all made from copper and coated in paint.

When these are regularly left  in a damp environment a green reside begins to form on the lock / ring. This is a perfect physical example of oxidation. The constant moisture over a prolonged period of time, once in contact with the oxygen in the air causes oxidation to occur.

Oxidation of copper produces 'Verdigris' 

a natural patina that forms. This can be seen on the copper water pipes throughout your home. Perfect example is all over The Statue of Liberty.

Mineralised calcium is also naturally found in the ground, especially where limestone is present.

Calcium will build up on the hair leaving it feeling dry and weighted down. 

Calcium salts build up on the scalp & cause flaking, often recognised as dandruff.. These deposits are much like the ring that forms around the bath associated with hard water & soap.

Hard water makes shampoo less effective (remember the bottle image) Leaving build up and residue on the scalp. 

A build up of calcium on the scalp can clog the hair follicle causing hair to break off, Heavy clogging can inhibit hair growth.

DESALINATED WATER:

Desalinated water is used in many places of the world but is most common in the Middle East & the Arabian Gulf. (Saudis Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar & Bahrain) 

Desalination is the procedure of of eliminating salt from seawater to produce drinking water.

Sea pollution causes contamination and additional bacterial growth.

The processing plants purify the water by adding higher levels of chlorine to kill the bacteria & then add lime (which is a calcium compound) to assist with controlling the chlorine levels.

So if you are travelling to any location that uses desalinated water bare in mind the water you are washing your hair with will have higher levels of chlorine and if you are also swimming in pool water this will have additional chlorine. 

Further information on the effects of Calcium and water sources & processing can our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

Calcium and Magnesium are the two most common minerals that make water "hard"   Water hardness becomes greater when the level of Calcium and Magnesium content increases.  The effect on the hair is due to to the concentration of positively charged ions allowing it to attach to the hair.leaving it dry and weighted down.

Further information on the effects of Magnesium can be found our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

Chlorine is the main chemical additive which is added to water. Primarily these which are designed to purify the water & kill bacteria.

• Chlorine is an active bleach which is used to remove pigment in colour.
  
• Will damage the cuticle & internal proteins creating an oxidising effect on elements in the hair
• Chlorine alters the electric charge on minerals causing them bond to the hair
• Can change colour of certain minerals
• Highly charged minerals damage & discolour the hair, usually and commonly green, particularly noticeable on blonde hair
• When Chlorine comes into contact with copper in the water it creates a chemical reaction called *Oxidation'  which causes the metal to bond to the hair. Depending on the level of copper colour change made be rapid or gradual build up over time.
• Active chlorine will leave the hair feeling 'gummy' when wet & straw like when dry
  
• Regular exposure will leave the hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage

BROMINE:

Bromine is sometimes used as a substitute for Chlorine. This will react with the cuticle,  the natural layer protecting the internal proteins within the hair, leaving it exposed to mineral absorption 

The water content of your hair its what makes it stretchy and moisturised. 

Salt (Sodium) is osmotic , which means it will draw the moisture from your hair leaving it dry & brittle. 

Sweat is mainly made of water & electrolytes (sodium & choride) 

In hotter climates your body will sweat more naturally.

Salt leads to the breakdown of keratin hair extension bonds if excessively exposed.

Salt is Hygroscopic.  It attracts water to your hair creating salt crystals, this in turn draws moisture from inside the hair strand. causing dehydration.  making it more fragile and prone to breakage. 

Further Information on the effects of salt can be found on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

Waterborne Silica can build up on the hair causing the same effects as calcium. - dryness, stiffness, dandruff weigh the hair down. 

Further information on Silica can be found on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

If the products used or water is too alkaline this will cause the cuticle (the outer layer) to open. This will enable mineral deposits to easily penetrate and be absorbed. 

If products used following mineral exposure are too acidic the cuticle will close, sealing the mineral deposits making them difficult to remove.

Hard water is high in pH alkaline.

Hard Water discolouration due to mineral deposits is different to colour fade.

The high pH imbalance causes the cuticle to raise, thus resulting in faster colour fade allowing the colour to stripped from the hair faster.

Also the use of '"No Tears" formula childrens / baby shampoo will accelerate colour fade as these have a higher pH level . This will accelerate colour fade as these have a high pH 

A raised cuticle due to high pH will be roughened and also prone to matting.

Further information on the effects of pH levels can be found on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

There are many shower head filters on the market which are a great investment for very little cost. We recommend one that filters Chlorine & Heavy Metals.  

Check out  www.pureshowers.co.uk

Further information on all types of water softeners and filtration systems and the effect on hair can be found on our EXCLUSIVE ACCESS page

• Available as a set containing shampoo, conditioner and 4 x Hard Water Remedy Sachets
• Defends against dullness, dryness & discolouration caused by minerals in water.
  
• Preserves health & vibrancy of hair exposed to hard or softened water
• Removes & protects against damaging waterborne elements
• Especially beneficial on frequently washed hair
• Gentle yet powerful cleanser
• Prevents discolouration caused by iron & copper
• Infuses vital moisture for shine & manageability
• Unclogs calcium from the hair follicle to prevent dry, flaky scalp
• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Eco Friendly
• Plant based
• Sulphate free
• Paraben free
• Gluten free
• No added Sodium Chloride (salt)
• pH 4.6 - 5.6
• Allantoin: Protects scalp and prevents irritation &i nflammation
• Pro vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Penetrates hair cortex & increases moisture retention. Protects against UV rays
• Flax Protein: Conditions, smoothes, protects against external pollutants, retains natural oils & moisture 
• Rice Protein: Enhances manageability. Smoothes cuticle. Improves gloss & texture. Provides a barrier on damaged, oxidised hair.

*Recommended to regular swimmers if living in a hard water area.

• Available as a set containing shampoo, conditioner and 4 x Hard Water Remedy Sachets
• Defends against dullness, dryness & discolouration caused by minerals in water
  
• Preserves health & vibrancy of hair exposed to hard or softened water elements
• Defends against waterborne elements that discolour
• Improves comb - through manageability of dry hair
• Infuses vital moisture & strengthens
• Prevents discolouration caused by iron & copper
• 100%Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Plant Based
• Eco friendly
• Sulphate free
• Paraben free
• Gluten free
• No added Sodium Chloride (salt)
• pH 4.0 - 5.5
• Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) Penetrates hair cortex. Replenishes vital moisture Protects against UV rays
• Allantoin: Protects scalp & prevents irritation & inflammation
• Flax Protein: Conditions, smoothes, protects against external pollutants immediately strengthens cortex
• Rice Protein: Enhances manageability. Smoothes cuticle. Improves gloss & texture. Provides a barrier on damaged oxidised hair

* Do not apply to the root or attachment area

*Recommended to regular swimmers if living in a hard water area.

Click here to check the water in your area.

*Use immediately if discolouration occurs

• Available individually or as a set containing shampoo, conditioner and 4 x Hard Water Remedy Sachets
  
• Naturally removes hard water deposits
  
• Eliminates brassiness, discolouration & damage caused by mineral absorption
• Deeply penetrates for superior moisture retention
• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Plant based
• Eco friendly
• Preservative free
• Paraben free
• Fragrance free
• No added Sodium Chloride (salt)
• Immediately improves the look & feel of hair
• Formulated with patented nature identical Vitamin C complex
• Enhanced with nourishing chelators
• Sealed in travel ready sachets
• pH 3.6 - 4.1

DIRECTIONS:

• Use once a week
• Shampoo & rinse
• Pour Hard Water Crystals across wet palm.
• Rub hands together adding water to dissolve crystals
• Apply and scrunch thoroughly into the hair
• Leave in hair for 5 minutes.
• Rinse and shampoo in MalibuC Undo Goo (available in a travel ready sachet)
• Rinse thoroughly
• Apply MalibuC Miracle Repair Reconstructor

*May need more than one application for severe discolouration or an in salon Malibu C Crystal Gel treatment

*We recommend one sachet per 50g of hair extensions fitted.

*Recommended to regular swimmers living in a hard water area 

Click here to check the water in your area.

• For use after Hard Water Remedy. High pH 9 so must be followed by the Miracle Repair to neutralise.
• Available in handy Travel Size Sachet or larger bottles
  
• Use after Hard Water Remedy
• Superior to clarifying shampoos
  
• Removes build up of styling products, silicones & resins
• Restores shine, softness & manageability
• Non drying
• Retains vital moisture
• Proteins to rebuild 
• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty Free
• Plant Based
• Eco friendly
• Sulphate free
• Paraben free
• Gluten free
• No added Sodium Chloride (salt)
• Orange & Vanilla bean scent
• Available in travel ready sachets

• Available in handy Travel Size Sachet or larger bottles
• Immediately repairs damage
• Rebuilds inner structure
• Detangles, restores manageability
• Hair becomes softer & full of body & bounce
• Nourishes & Protects
• 100% Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Plant Based
• Eco friendly
• Paraben free
• Gluten free
• Sealed in travel ready sachets
• pH 3.9 - 4.9
• Allantoin: Protects scalp & prevents irritation & inflammation
• Botanical Extract Complex: skin barrier repair to prevent dry, irritated skin
• Flax Protein: Conditions, smoothes, protects against external pollutants Immediately strengthens hair cortex
• Pro Vitamin B5: (Panthenol) Penetrates hair shaft. Replenishes vital moisture
• Quinoa Protein: Penetrates hair shaft for significant repair
• Rice Protein: Enhances manageability. Smoothes cuticle. Improves gloss & texture. Provides barrier on damaged, oxidised hair.

Simply add water and compare results with the comprehensive Water Analysis Guide.

Kit contains:

• 1 x Water Hardness Test Strip
• 1 x Vial Chlorine indicator
• Easy step by step instructions
• Water Analysis Guide
• 1 x FREE MalibuC Hard Water Wellness Remedy Sachet

• PH
• Total Alkalinity
• Total Chlorine
• Total Hardness
• Free Chlorine
• Chloride
• Nitrate 
• Nitrite
• Copper
• Iron 
• Lead - Positive / Negative
• Heavy Metals
• Hydrogen Sulphide
• Bacteria - Positive / Negative
• Pesticide - Positive / Negative

https://www.itseurope.co.uk/collections/all-its-europe-products/products/its-water-quality-test-kit