Tip Tuesday: How to Extend the Life of Your Install in Hot Weather

Summer is officially heating up—and while we love the longer days, poolside lounging, and glowing skin, the rising temperatures can be a real challenge for your hair extensions. From sweat and humidity to UV exposure and heat styling, your install can take a hit if not properly cared for.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether you're rocking a sew-in with leave-out, clip-ins, tape-ins, or a lace wig, today's Tip Tuesday is all about how to care for your hair extensions in summer so they stay flawless, soft, and long-lasting all season long.

Let’s dive into some tailored tips to help you maintain long-lasting hair extensions in hot weather—because every Yummy Girl deserves to stay polished no matter the forecast.

How to Extend the Life of Your Install in Hot Weather

Why Hot Weather Demands Extra Hair Care

The combination of heat, humidity, sweat, and environmental exposure can cause:

• Frizz and tangling
• Dryness or brittleness
• Slippage of tape-ins or clips
• Sweat-induced buildup at the roots
• Shortened wear time for installs

But with the right techniques and premium hair (like our 100% raw human hair extensions), you can extend the life of your install and enjoy summer hair that lasts.

For Sew-Ins with Leave-Out: Protect Your Roots & Blends

Install Type: Machine-wefted hair extensions sewn into braided tracks 
Yummy Favorites: Raw Cambodian Natural Wave, Raw Cambodian Curly Wave, LAO Wavy, Blow Out Straight

Challenges in Hot Weather:

• Leave-out prone to frizz and heat damage
• Scalp buildup from sweat
• Weft areas may trap moisture

Tips to Extend Wear: 

• Silk Press Your Leave-Out Strategically 
  Start with clean, product-free hair. Use a heat protectant and the KOSA Infrared Flat Iron to silk your leave-out for a sleek, polished finish. Use the comb-chase method to blend seamlessly with your extensions.
• Keep Your Scalp Clean 
  Use a sulfate-free shampoo and lightly cleanse the scalp between tracks with a nozzle applicator bottle. A clean scalp keeps your install fresh and prevents itching or mildew.
• Nighttime Wrapping 
  Wrap your leave-out and extensions with a silk scarf at night. For curly or wavy textures, pineapple your hair and sleep with a satin bonnet to reduce friction and frizz.
• Daily Refresh Routine 
  Use a water + conditioner spray to redefine curls or waves. Gently finger-detangle and use a light leave-in for shine. Avoid heavy oils or products that can weigh your hair down in the heat. 
• Don’t Overstyle 
  Summer is the time to embrace low-heat styles. If you’re wearing blow-out straight hair extensions, go for ponytails, buns, or braid-outs to keep things easy and cute. 

For Tape-Ins: Secure Your Style with Sweat-Proof Maintenance

Install Type: Adhesive tape secures hair strands flat to natural hair 
Yummy Favorites: Tape-In Extensions in Raw Lao Wavy, Raw Textured Curly, Blow Out Straight

• Challenges in Hot Weather:
• Tape can loosen due to sweat or oils
• Adhesive buildup near scalp
• Harder to maintain curl definition

Tips to Extend Wear:

• Avoid Heavy Oils at the Roots 
  Oils can break down adhesive faster. Keep your scalp clean and only use lightweight serums mid-shaft to ends.
• Dry the Scalp Thoroughly 
  After working out or swimming, use the KOSA Blow Dryer on a cool setting to dry your roots and tape tabs. This prevents slippage and mold from moisture buildup.
• Secure at Night 
  Loosely braid or tie your hair in sections before bed and use a silk scarf or bonnet to keep everything flat and protected.
• Refresh with Curl Definition Spray 
  For curly or wavy textures, spritz with a water + conditioner mix daily to revive texture. Avoid over-saturating near the scalp where the tape sits.
• Wash Less Often 
  Stick to once-a-week washes or use dry shampoo between wash days to keep roots fresh and the adhesive strong. 

For Clip-Ins: Easy Install, Easy Maintenance

Install Type: Clip-in wefts applied directly to natural hair 
Yummy Favorites: Raw Cambodian Curly Wave Clip-Ins, Blow Out Straight Clip-Ins, Raw LAO Wavy Clip-Ins

Challenges in Hot Weather:

• Sweat may shift clip placement
• Natural hair may not blend if not refreshed
• Texture may frizz if not protected

Tips to Extend Wear:

• Apply to Clean Hair 
  Always clip into freshly styled, dry hair to ensure grip. If your scalp is sweaty, use dry shampoo before installing.
• Blend Seamlessly 
  Match your texture perfectly. Blow Out Straight is perfect for a silk press look; Curly Wave blends best with defined curls. Use a light press or wand curl for a seamless blend.
• Daily Curl Refresh 
  Use a spray bottle with water + conditioner and scrunch curls with fingers. Use the KOSA Diffuser for added volume and frizz-free finish.
• Don’t Sleep in Them 
  Always remove clip-ins before bed to avoid tangling and scalp tension. Store them in a silk pouch or on a hanger.
• Switch It Up 
  Clip-ins are perfect for quick ponytails, half-up styles, or volume for events. Give your hair a break between uses. 

For Wigs with Closures & Frontals: Keep That Melt All Weekend

Install Type: Full lace wigs, lace closures, or lace frontals 
Yummy Favorites: Blow Out Straight Wig, Raw Lush Curly Lace Front, The Vanessa Wig

Challenges in Hot Weather:

• Adhesive or glue may lift with sweat
• Wig cap may cause overheating
• Lace edges prone to frizz

Tips to Extend Wear:

• Use a Strong Hold Lace Adhesive 
  Look for adhesives labeled sweat-proof or waterproof. Pair with the Yummy Lace Melt Band to secure your install while it sets.
• Clean Your Hairline 
  Use alcohol-free wipes to gently clean around the lace and keep oil at bay.
• Scalp Cooling Hack 
  Use a wig grip cap made of breathable material to keep your scalp cool. Take breaks from glue when possible by using a glueless method or elastic bands.
• Lace Touch-Ups 
  Keep travel-size lace spray or adhesive handy to re-secure the front if needed. Use a hot comb or wax stick to smooth out frizz near the part.
• Defined Style = Less Touch-Ups 
  Go for long-lasting styles like wand curls, beach waves, or a silk press so you don’t need to restyle daily.