You’ve just gotten your hair dyed and you’re ready to take on the summer. As much as you’re looking forward to the warm and sunny weather, hotter temperatures can wreak havoc on your hair. When temperatures rise, it’s important to switch up your haircare regimen the same way you change your skincare routine. Properly protecting your strands ensures that you can go longer between salon appointments and your hair colour doesn’t fade or get dry or damaged.

Here’s how to care for coloured hair and keep it fresh, healthy and strong all summer long.

Be careful of the elements.

There are several factors that can either change or strip your hair colour during the summer. Wind, sunlight and UV rays can damage the cuticle of the hair, says Brennen Demelo, L’Oréal Paris Canada Hair Artist & Expert. In fact, sun damage doesn’t just occur on the skin. Signs of sun damage to your hair include (but aren’t limited to) discoloration, dryness, split ends and frizziness, explains Demelo.

Watch out for water, too.

The outdoor elements aren’t the only culprits for harming coloured hair. Whether you’re taking a dip in the lake or going for a swim in a pool, watch out for salt water and chlorine. Salt water can be drying, while chlorine breaks down the chemicals in your colour-treated hair. Before you get in the water, apply a leave-in treatment like L’Oréal Paris EverPure 10 in 1 Color Miracle. The sulphate-free treatment will protect your colour and help restore the vibrancy of your hair.

Consider the colour of your hair.

Different hair colours are affected in different ways in the summer. For example, fine, lighter-coloured hair is more susceptible to sun damage. This particular hair type doesn’t have the thickness or pigment to help protect it from the sun. Meanwhile, red hair can easily turn orange, while brunettes can go brassy.

Preserve your dye job with a gentle colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. The sulphate-free formula will help keep your colour from fading. (Sulphates are known to be harsh on coloured locks.) The formula will also make sure that your colour stays vibrant between washes and deliver much-needed moisture to parched strands. Massage it into your hair using lukewarm water. (Hotter temperatures can cause dullness.) Follow up with the conditioner, leaving it on for at least three minutes before rinsing it out. Rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

Use sun protection—for hair, that is.

Whether you have red, blond or brown hair, the best thing you can do to protect your hair is wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap. Make sure you grab it as you head out, whether you’re planning to walk the dog, go for a run or have a picnic. You especially need to pack this all-important accessory if you’re going on a beach vacation where you’ll likely be outdoors for long periods of time. 

Another way to shield your strands from the sun is to enlist the help of conditioner. Apply it to the ends of your hair and leave it in when you’re under direct sunlight, says Demelo. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner is infused with rosemary to help deeply replenish dry hair with much-needed moisture.

A few more hair-colour tips and tricks

  • Heat styling can damage your hair. Consider skipping your hot tools, like blow-dryers and flat irons, and air-dry your hair instead. And be sure to use the right styling products to keep your hair hydrated and frizz-free.
  • Split ends are another dreaded problem for coloured hair in the summer, so keep on top of regular trims.
  • If you’ve been swimming in a pool, jump into the shower right away and wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove the chlorine. Use a colour-protecting formula with moisturizing ingredients so that strands stay healthy and hydrated.
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