It hit me while brushing my hair in front of a hotel mirror: the rich copper tones I loved just two weeks ago had faded into something dull and brassy. The sun, the pool and my good intentions had made all my colorist’s work disappear. Sound familiar?
It can be tough to keep your hair color looking good after a season of sun, salt and sweat. I used to think that was just how summer went—you enjoy the fun, but your hair suffers. Not anymore.
I’m sharing the exact steps, changes and thoughts that helped me maintain my color all summer. If you’re feeling frustrated by July because your investment is going nowhere, I’d love to share what helped me.
Understand What Fades Your Hair in the First Place
I didn’t expect this: a lot of the harm to your hair color happens before you notice it. It builds up gradually, like a fog creeping in.
The Real Culprits
- UV rays break down the chemical bonds in color-treated hair, fading pigment and drying strands.
- Chlorine in pools can react with dye, especially blonde or red tones, turning them greenish or dull.
- Saltwater draws moisture out of your hair, leaving it brittle and prone to fading.
- Heat styling adds to the wear and tear, opening the cuticle and letting color leak out.
- Hard water with minerals can coat hair and dull shine.
After spending a weekend at the beach without sunscreen, my skin looked just like an old, faded postcard. Not only did my hair turn a different color, but it became brittle, frizzy and hard to style.
It was then that I understood: stopping it from happening in the first place is the only answer.
3 Simple Steps That Actually Helped Preserve My Color
I’ll explain the steps I now follow every summer. It’s not fancy or expensive, but it’s consistent.
- Start with protection. Before heading outside, I apply a leave-in conditioner with UV filters. Think of it like sunscreen for your strands.
- Wash with intention. I switched to a sulfate-free shampoo and only wash 2–3 times a week with cool water. Dry shampoo helps fill the gaps.
- Treat it weekly. I use a color-depositing mask every Sunday night. It resets the tone and adds softness I can feel instantly.
What really stood out to me was how quickly the change happened. After two weeks of using this method, my hair was not only holding the color, but it looked better than it did after leaving the salon.
Choose the Right Products for Color Longevity
This is where it all shifted. I used to grab whatever looked good on the shelf, but not all “color-safe” products are created equal.
What to Look For:
- No sulfates, alcohol, or strong detergents
- Ingredients like keratin, amino acids, and plant oils
- UV protection clearly listed on the label
- Color-specific formulas (e.g., for red, blonde, brunette)
Now I treat product shopping like skincare. I read labels. I patch test. I ask my stylist. Since you’re spending so much on color, a cheap shampoo that takes it out doesn’t make sense.
My current favorite? A shampoo that has hibiscus and rice protein—it smells like a holiday and works wonders.
Summer-Proofing Your Hair at the Beach or Pool
I didn’t realize on my first beach trip that hair acts like a sponge. If the filter removes clean water and oil first, there’s less space for salt or chlorine.
What I Do Now:
- Before swimming: rinse my hair with fresh water, then coat it with a light hair oil or conditioner
- Tie it up: braids or buns reduce surface area and exposure
- After swimming: rinse immediately with bottled or beach shower water
- Cover up: wide-brim hats or headscarves double as accessories
It may seem like a lot, but it only takes about 5 minutes. I haven’t had to fix the colors since then.
Comparison Table: My Hair Routine Before vs. After
| Step | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | Sulfate-based, daily | Sulfate-free, 2–3x/week |
| Conditioner | Generic, rinse-out | Color-safe, leave-in + deep mask |
| Styling | High heat, no protection | Low heat, with heat protectant |
| Outdoor Exposure | No coverage, no product | Hats + UV spray |
| Post-pool care | Nothing special | Immediate rinse + oil |
Each tiny upgrade made a difference. Together? Game-changer.
Things I Don’t Do Anymore (and You Shouldn’t Either)
This is where I got honest with myself. I didn’t realize how much some of my habits were affecting my hair color.
Mistakes I Left Behind:
- Shampooing daily “to feel clean”
- Using purple shampoo too often (hello, lavender hair)
- Skipping conditioner because it “weighed down” my hair
- Blow-drying without heat protectant
- Letting my hair air-dry in direct sun
As soon as I stopped worrying about them, everything else got easier. I didn’t have to do as much to my hair because it wasn’t always recovering from damage.
How I Treat My Hair Before, During, and After a Trip
Travel is the ultimate color-fader. A little preparation ensures your hair always looks fresh from the salon.
| Phase | What I Do | My Go-To Products |
| Before | Gloss or tone refresh; trim ends | Gloss mask, shine spray |
| During | Protective styles, rinse after swims | Oil serum, UV spray |
| After | Deep conditioning and no heat | Bond-building treatment, mask |
It became a ritual I now look forward to. Like a mini reset for my strands.
Bonus Tips That Made a Real Difference
Would you ever try these?
- Silk pillowcase: less friction = less fade overnight
- Filtered showerhead: removes minerals that dull your tone
- Weekly ice rinse: seals the cuticle and adds shine
- Color-refresh sprays: perfect for midweek tone pick-me-ups
Save this tip if you’ve ever walked into your bathroom and wondered, “What happened to my color?!”
Final Thoughts
Your hair color doesn’t have to be perfect to stay bright in summer. It’s important to recognize what really helps and then focus on it. As soon as I learned what my hair required, the struggle ended.
Now, I leave the salon knowing my color will last longer, look better, and fade gracefully (if at all).
Pin this if you’re planning your next seasonal reset. What’s a minor thing you did that made a big difference in your life?
