Why do sun, salt and chlorine fade hair color?
Strong sun breaks down color over time, which is why hair looks lighter and warmer by the end of summer. Salt water dries hair and roughens its surface, so color fades faster and hair looks dull. Pool water is drying too, and its minerals and chemicals can leave a greenish cast on light blonde hair.
Colored and lightened hair is more porous than untouched hair, so it feels these effects more. The goal is not to stay indoors. It is to give your hair a barrier before and a good rinse after.
What should you do before swimming?
- Wet your hair with clean shower or tap water first. Hair already full of fresh water soaks up less salt or pool water.
- Comb a light conditioner or leave-in through the lengths and ends. It acts like a coat.
- Braid long hair or twist it into a bun, so it tangles less in the waves.
- Wear a swim cap for laps, especially if you are a light blonde.
How do you protect color from the sun?
A wide-brimmed hat is the simplest shield for your color and your part line. A leave-in or spray made to protect hair from sun can help too, especially on the ends. Put it on again after you swim.
If you have a trip or beach vacation coming up, tell your colorist. They can plan the tone and the glaze with the sun in mind.
What should you do after the beach or pool?
- Rinse with fresh water as soon as you can, even at the beach shower.
- Wash with a gentle, color-safe shampoo that day, then condition.
- In summer, use a moisturizing mask on the lengths once a week.
- If blonde starts to look brassy, use a purple shampoo now and then. Too much can leave a violet tint, so go easy.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Dry, sun-tired hair breaks more easily.
Which hair colors need the most care?
Light blondes show chlorine and brassiness first. Red and copper shades fade fastest in the sun. Rich brunettes can turn warmer and lose shine. Gray and silver hair can take on a yellow tone from sun and minerals.
Whatever your shade, a glaze between visits refreshes tone and brings back mirror shine. A glaze added to a color service is $30, and a glaze on its own is $50. See how it helps in gloss, glaze and toner. Blondes will find more ideas in how to keep blonde hair bright.
Plan your color around beach season
Esther works on S. Ocean Blvd in South Palm Beach, by the beach, where sun, salt and pool days are part of daily life. She mixes every shade for your skin, eyes and hair and finishes color with a glaze for mirror shine. If your hair feels dry after summer, ask about Kérastase treatments and products in the salon. Text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.
Questions clients ask
Does chlorine turn blonde hair green?
Pool water can leave a greenish cast on light blonde hair, mostly from minerals and chemicals in the water. Wetting hair with fresh water first, wearing a swim cap and rinsing right after swimming help a lot. A colorist can tone out a cast that has already appeared.
Is salt water bad for colored hair?
Salt water gives hair texture, which is why beach waves look so good. But it is drying, especially for colored or lightened hair. Enjoy the ocean, then rinse with fresh water and use a good conditioner the same day.
How soon can I swim after coloring my hair?
Many colorists suggest waiting a few days before swimming in a pool or the ocean, and washing gently in the meantime. Ask your colorist what they suggest for your color, and plan your appointment around trips and pool days.