Summer Hair Care: Protecting Your Color from Sun and Chlorine

Summer is the hardest season on color-treated hair. Between UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and increased washing, your color can fade faster than at any other time of year. The good news is that with the right approach, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping your color looking fresh. UV Protection Is Not Just for Skin Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to UV damage. Prolonged sun exposure breaks down color molecules and can cause brassy, faded tones, especially in blonde and red shades. Wear a hat when spending extended time outdoors. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum with UV filters. Several of our recommended products, including those from Pureology and Aveda, include built-in UV protection that shields color without weighing hair down. Swim Smart Chlorine and saltwater are two of the biggest threats to your color. Chlorine, in particular, can turn blonde hair green and strip vibrancy from every shade. Before jumping in the pool or ocean, wet your hair thoroughly with fresh water. Hair that is already saturated absorbs less pool or ocean water. Apply a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil to create an additional barrier. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible and wash with a gentle, color-safe shampoo. Adjust Your Wash Routine Summer heat and humidity can tempt you to wash your hair more frequently. Resist the urge. Every shampoo strips a little color. Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and add freshness. When you do wash, stick to lukewarm or cool water. Hot water opens the cuticle and accelerates color loss. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Sun, heat, and water exposure all dehydrate your hair. Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning mask into your routine during summer months. Look for products with ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. A professional deep conditioning treatment at the salon every 4-6 weeks can also make a significant difference in maintaining moisture and color vibrancy. Plan a Mid-Summer Refresh Even with the best care, summer takes a toll. Scheduling a toning or glossing appointment midway through the season can revive your color and add back the shine that sun exposure diminishes. These express services typically take less than an hour and can make your color look brand new. With a few simple precautions and the right products, your color can stay gorgeous all summer long. Ask your stylist about a personalized summer care plan at your next appointment.