You’ve just gotten a fresh color, a brand-new cut, and you’re feeling amazing – ready to hit the beach. But a few days in, your vibrant shade starts to fade, the shine disappears, and your hair looks dull and tired. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Summer can be tough on color-treated hair – but that doesn’t mean you have to give up sunshine or beautiful color. In this article, we’ll show you what exactly puts your hair at risk and how to protect it from the harsh realities of summer.
Summer hazards for color-treated hair
- Fading color, brassy blondes, dull reds, and lackluster locks – these are the telltale signs of summer stress on your hair.
- UV rays break down hair pigments and damage the cuticle, leaving your color looking washed out and lifeless.
- Saltwater and chlorine compromise the hair’s structure – lighter shades, in particular, can take on an unwanted greenish tint.
- High temperatures and sweat increase hair porosity, which speeds up color fading and strips away much-needed moisture.
How to protect color-treated hair in the summer
Hair color with built-in UV protection? Yes, it exists!
You can start protecting your hair from the very first step – coloring. Many professional hair color formulas now come with built-in UV filters that help stabilize pigments, extend the life of your color, and shield your hair from sun damage right from day one. These are especially recommended for fine or lightened hair, which tends to be more sensitive to the sun. A great example? Redken Color Gels Lacquers – they deliver rich, saturated color while offering added protection.
And if you're looking to refresh your shade and boost shine with an extra layer of defense, reach for a semi-permanent color gloss with UV protection, like Sebastian Cellophanes. This gentle, ammonia- and peroxide-free gloss enhances vibrancy, delivers mirror-like shine, and strengthens the hair fiber. It locks in moisture and guards against UV exposure – making it a perfect choice for reviving faded color, adding brilliance to highlights, or simply improving the overall condition of your hair.
2. Use UV protection for your hair
Just like you protect your skin with sunscreen, your color-treated hair also needs a shield from the sun. Hair-specific sun care products – in the form of sprays, mists, or leave-in creams with UV filters – create a protective barrier that helps prevent fading and structural damage caused by sun exposure.
A great go-to is Sachajuan Hair In The Sun, a lightweight leave-in cream with built-in UV filters that keeps working even while you swim. It not only protects your hair from the sun, but also nourishes it and adds a touch of styling control. It’s the perfect summer companion – whether you're heading to the beach, lounging poolside, or dancing at an outdoor festival, your color stays vibrant and your hair stays happy.
3. Stick to products made for color-treated hair
If you want your hair color to stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, choosing the right products is essential. It’s not just about sun protection – daily care plays a huge role in locking in color and keeping it alive:
- Purple Shampoos: A must-have for all blondes and silver-haired beauties! These shampoos contain violet pigments that neutralize unwanted yellow or brassy tones – a common summer struggle. They help keep your blonde cool, bright, and salon-fresh.
- Color-Depositing Masks & Toners: Want your hair to look like it was just dyed? These masks and toners are your best friend. They refresh your shade, add depth, shine, and vibrancy – perfect for reviving your color in between salon visits.
- Sulfate-Free Shampoos & Conditioners: While sulfates make shampoo lather up nicely, they can also strip color from your hair. In summer, opt for sulfate-free formulas that cleanse more gently and help seal pigment into the hair shaft, keeping your color locked in longer.
4. Wet your hair & use a color-protecting oil before swimming
Want your color to stay vibrant even after dips in the pool or sea? Here’s a simple trick: wet your hair thoroughly with clean water before swimming. When your hair is already soaked, it absorbs much less chlorine or salt – both of which can strip or alter your color (hello, green-tinged blondes!).
Next, apply a lightweight hair oil, ideally one that offers UV protection and conditioning benefits. A top pick is System Professional Solar Sun Oil. Formulated with UV filters, avocado oil, and amino acids, it shields hair from sun, salt, and chlorine, while deeply nourishing and softening the strands. The result? Radiant color, silky texture, and zero frizz – whether you're lounging poolside or enjoying a day at the beach.
5. Wear a Hat or scarf to shield your color
A hat or scarf isn’t just a chic summer accessory – it’s a must-have for color-treated hair! These simple style staples offer one of the easiest and most effective forms of physical UV protection. Direct sunlight can be harsh on dyed hair, as UV rays break down pigments and lead to noticeable fading.
Especially during midday sun, your hair deserves a little shade. Throwing on a wide-brimmed hat or wrapping your hair in a lightweight scarf helps block out direct exposure and keeps your color looking vibrant and fresh for longer.
Bonus Tip: Hydration is everything
Color-treated hair suffers even more during summer. Sun, wind, salt, and chlorine all dry it out – and dry hair doesn’t hold color well. It looks dull, fades faster, and is more prone to breakage. That’s why regular use of deep hydrating masks and nourishing hair oils is essential.
Look for formulas packed with active ingredients like panthenol, aloe vera, coconut oil, or argan oil – these powerhouses deeply hydrate, restore elasticity, and revive your hair’s healthy appearance. And when your hair is healthy and moisturized, your color lasts longer and looks more vibrant.
Don’t wait until your color fades – prep your hair for the sun in advance! Choose a color with UV protection, add the right oil or mask to your routine, and enjoy your summer without compromise. Your color, your rules. ☀️