Warm weather is upon us here in the Mile High City! Sunshine is great for hiking, exploring, and brunching. But intense heat can make your color go from vibrant to faded. Deseo Salon and BlowDry of Denver has your hair covered. Protect your hair from sun damage with these fabulous tips and tricks that offer sun protection for your hair all year long.
Style Shield
If your color is salon fresh and ready for a day out, remember to protect your vibrant locks! Harsh sunlight can cause fading and dullness, drying out your hair and putting a kink in your style. Plan your fashion around your hair care by incorporating hats into your summer wardrobe. Wide-brimmed hats are in vogue once again for a day at the beach or an afternoon in town. Best of all, hats are an easy fix to save fading hair. For extra sun protection, opt for tightly woven straw hats or lightweight fabric.
Braids and buns are a great way to protect your hair from saltwater, chlorine, and sweat. If your hair is already damp and you’re looking for a quick post-swim do, opt for loose buns and ponytails. Tight bands can cause damage and breakage, especially on dry hair. Don’t be afraid to leave your hair down and let the sun dry your lovely locks once in a while! Going no-blow-dry for the summer can lock in moisture and reduce added heat damage.
Essential oils are also a great idea for nourishing summertime hair. Try a dab of raspberry seed, avocado, coconut or olive oil to your roots and ends.
Going swimming? Sunscreen is your hair — and skin’s — best friend! You can apply sunscreen directly to your hair to lock in rich color and health. For lightweight ease, use a spritz of spray-on sunscreen on your do before you hit the beach.
Summer Lovin’
When temperatures peak, your hair may need some extra TLC. Soleil by Kérastase was designed for the sun goddess in you. This luxury line of color-safe, sulfate and paraben-free products not only protects against heat damage. It also fortifies your hair to withstand salt, chlorine, and dryness. Get into a summer hair care routine by adding sun-friendly products to your beauty arsenal.
With a full range of products to choose from, our favorites include the Gold Lust effective Masque from Oribe. Try a masque treatment 2-3 times per week after swimming, running, and exploring. It’s powerful deep conditioning treatment works to strengthen and enrich hair while repairing damage at the root level.
Embrace the Sun
If maintaining your glow all summer long seems like a challenge, consider embracing your sunny side with a new, lighter look. Highlights are a great option for spring and summertime vibes. Styling your light side with beachy curls, messy buns, and even long, loose locks can give dull, winter hair the lift it deserves. There are myriad of highlighting options to choose from beyond traditional streaks or chunky highlights. Ombre and balayage are quickly becoming modern-day classics, while sombres and lowlights capture silky mystique with a multi-dimensional flair.
Ready to go all out and take your color to a lighter level? If you’re thinking about all-over dye, consult with your stylist at Deseo Salon & BlowDry to find a shade that’s right for you. A brand new color can take you from winter gloom to summer fun in no time! Add a professional gloss and toner treatment for a look that’s pure #summerhairgoals.
If you’re feeling inspired for a change but still on the fence, check out these 7 Reasons to Listen to Your Stylist About Salon Hair Color. Celebrate sunshine and enjoy soft, vibrant hair all season long with sun protection for your hair from Deseo Salon & BlowDry!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sun damage hair color?
UV radiation from the sun breaks down the pigment molecules in dyed or color-treated hair, causing colors to fade, look dull, or shift to unwanted tones. Prolonged sun exposure also dries out the hair shaft, reducing elasticity and causing breakage. Bleached and highlighted hair is especially vulnerable because the lightening process has already opened the cuticle, making it more porous and susceptible to environmental damage.
What are the best ways to physically protect hair from sun damage?
Wide-brimmed hats are one of the most effective physical barriers against UV rays for both hair and scalp. Tightly woven straw hats or lightweight fabric hats offer the best protection. Wearing your hair in braids, buns, or ponytails is another great way to reduce direct sun exposure, particularly when swimming or spending extended time outdoors. Going heat-free for the summer by skipping the blow dryer can also help lock in moisture and reduce compounding heat damage.
Can I use sunscreen on my hair?
Yes, sunscreen can be applied directly to hair to protect it from UV damage. Spray-on sunscreens are especially convenient for hair as they can be applied quickly and evenly before outdoor activities. This is particularly helpful before swimming in the sun, where hair is exposed to both UV rays and potentially chlorine or saltwater simultaneously.
What hair products are recommended for summer sun protection?
The Soleil by Kérastase line is specifically designed for sun-exposed hair, it is color-safe, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, protecting against heat, salt, chlorine, and UV damage while fortifying the hair. For intensive conditioning after outdoor activities, Oribe’s Gold Lust effective Masque is a top recommendation. Used 2–3 times per week, it deeply conditions, strengthens, and repairs damage at the root level.
Does swimming in chlorine or saltwater damage hair?
Yes, both chlorine and saltwater are harsh on hair. Chlorine strips the hair of natural oils and can alter color, while saltwater dehydrates the hair shaft and increases brittleness. When swimming, protecting your hair with a swim cap or applying a leave-in conditioner as a barrier before getting in the water can reduce damage. After swimming, rinsing hair thoroughly and applying a deep conditioner or masque helps restore lost moisture and repair the cuticle.
Are there highlighting options for a summery, sun-kissed hair look?
Yes, there are many highlighting techniques beyond traditional streaks that can create a beautiful, sun-kissed summer look. Ombre, balayage, and sombre techniques are popular modern options that blend color naturally and create soft, dimensional warmth. Multi-dimensional lowlights add depth and silky texture. A professional colorist can recommend the best approach based on your current hair color, skin tone, and lifestyle. Adding a gloss and toner treatment after coloring gives the look an extra boost of vibrancy and shine.