Water and sun are synonymous with summer fun—and both will likely figure prominently in your spring getaway or summertime plans. Unfortunately, these elements can wreak havoc on color-treated hair. Even without the presence of chlorine or shampoo detergent, pure spring water can draw artificial color from strands (especially red-tinted ones). And UV rays from the sun can damage the already-vulnerable protein structure of color-treated tresses. But whereas donning the hood of a parka and washing hair less often might have sufficed in winter, warmer weather—and the accompanying boost in sunshine, outdoor activities, and pesky scalp oil—calls for an updated hair care routine. Here, tips for preserving color-treated tresses for beachside sports and walks in the park.
When Skipping a Shampoo, Condition or Dry-Clean
"If you don't shampoo, rinse hair with warm water and condition," says Ashley Javier, Kérastase celebrity stylist. Though it won't give you the squeaky-clean feeling that high-foaming detergents in shampoo provide, conditioner does contain emulsifying surfactants and will replenish dry, color-treated strands. Javier recommends nourishing hair with a conditioner from the Kérastase Chroma Riche line, which he says is great for keeping blond from turning brassy and red from fading too fast. And, on the days that you do a wet shampoo, try to cleanse without working up too much of a lather (the less product you can get away with, the better).
Avoiding water altogether is the best color-saving option on days you forgo a shampoo. Never underestimate the power of an oil-absorbing hair powder like one from Fekkai or Bumble and bumble. Baby powder can also freshen strands and nix hair grease: Top hairstylists Guido Palau, Pasquale Ferrante, and Andy Lecompte all swear by this affordable drugstore item.
Use a Color-Depositing Shampoo and Conditioner Once a Week
To prolong your color and make salon touch-ups less frequent, invest in a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner like ones in the Davines Alchemic Collection. While the shampoos in the line contain UV filters and moisturizing agents, the conditioners help mend split-ends and are packed with pigment enhancers to help counteract fading. "Really blond hair has a tendency to yellow from sun damage, and the Silver Alchemic Shampoo and Conditioner has violet pigments to neutralize that," says Naomi Knights, Davines color expert. (The Alchemic line also has options for red, golden, copper, chocolate, and tobacco-colored hair.)
Get a Professional Glaze or Keratin Protein Treatment
Hair is composed almost entirely of keratin, a tough, fibrous protein. But coloring hair can open up the cuticle, causing damage—and environmental stressors like water and sun can further deplete hair's natural protein structure. Getting a post-color glaze is one way to combat damage ("A glaze brings hair back to its natural state and helps seal in color," says Rick Wellman of Patrick Melville Salon).
And, says Javier, if strands are particularly damaged you can help reconstruct your hair's natural protein structure with a keratin protein treatment. A side benefit of the salon specialty: In addition to temporarily yielding healthier hair, it can also "reduce summer frizz and promote growth."
Use a Leave-In SPF Hair Conditioner during Prolonged Sun Exposure
Wearing a broad-rimmed hat is the best way to shield strands (and save face too!). But using a moisturizing leave-in spray conditioner with UVA and UVB filters can help. Ones to try: Redken just added a Solar Screen SPF 12 spray to their Color Extend Sun line last month, and René Furterer makes a waterproof Protective Summer Fluid.
