It’s the middle of a heatwave, I’m halfway through my iced oat latte, and my freshly colored hair—once a dreamy caramel brown—is starting to resemble sun-faded sherbet. Yup, summer’s here, and she’s not playing around. Between the blazing sun, salty swims, and that sneaky humidity, our color-treated hair is crying out for backup.
So if your summer plans involve leaving the house and maintaining that salon-fresh look, it’s time to upgrade your warm-weather haircare lineup. The good news? We’ve done the homework (and the field testing) so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re blonde, brunette, copper-toned or candy-colored, here’s how to keep your strands vibrant, soft, and frizz-free until pumpkin spice season rolls around.
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Why Summer Is Basically a Saboteur for Colored Hair
Color-treated hair already walks a delicate tightrope, but summer adds a whole new set of challenges.
According to stylist Emily James of East London salon House of Keune, “UV exposure breaks down dye molecules, leading to fading and brassiness—especially in red and blonde tones. Add in chlorine or saltwater and you’re looking at major moisture loss, too.”
The fix? “Layer in UV protection, hydrating treatments, and switch up your routine with lightweight, color-safe products,” she says. Here’s what we recommend.
Must-Have Summer Hair Tips (and What to Use for Each One)
1. Protect Against UV Rays—Because Your Hair Can Sunburn Too
You wouldn’t skip SPF on your skin, right? Same logic applies to your hair.
UV rays don’t just fade your color—they can leave hair brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. If you’re spending time outside, spritzing a UV-protectant is non-negotiable.
What I Use & Love:
Wella Invigo Sun UV Color Protection Spray
It’s lightweight, smells like summer in a bottle, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. I toss it in my beach bag and reapply like it’s sunscreen. Game changer.
Why it works: Protects from sun, saltwater, and chlorine—all the usual summer suspects.
Expert Insights
Stylist Lisa Shepherd says, “Sun protection is one of the most overlooked parts of haircare, but it’s critical for maintaining vibrant color. Daily exposure adds up fast.”
Budget Tip: Can’t swing a fancy spray? Use a leave-in conditioner with UV filters—many drugstore options have built-in protection.
2. Swap Your Conditioner for Something Richer—Because Summer Dries Everything Out
Heat, UV, and pool water can suck the life out of your hair. That daily conditioner that works in spring? It might not cut it when the temps hit 30°C.
What I Use & Love:
L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Conditioner
This one’s packed with antioxidants, and it leaves my hair silky instead of stringy. I use it every wash during summer—it keeps my strands feeling like hair, not straw.
Why it works: It smooths the cuticle, boosts shine, and adds moisture without weighing things down.
Expert Insights
Colorist Nicola Clarke says, “When hair is hydrated, it holds pigment better. Conditioner isn’t just about softness—it’s about color protection too.”
Budget Tip: Add a few drops of argan or olive oil to your regular conditioner for a DIY moisture boost.
3. Refresh Your Color at Home—Because the Sun Doesn’t Care About Your Salon Bill
Fading happens fast in summer. But instead of booking an emergency toner, try this at-home hack to revive vibrancy between appointments.
What I Use & Love:
Adore Semi-Permanent Color mixed with conditioner
I use a couple drops of my go-to shade in my regular conditioner and leave it on for five minutes in the shower. Instant refresh.
Why it works: The pigment deposits revive tone without any damage or commitment.
Expert Insights
Colorist Aura Friedman says, “DIY pigment masks extend the life of your color, especially for reds, brunettes, and bold tones.”
Budget Tip: No dye on hand? Purple shampoo or color-depositing conditioners can neutralize brassiness and bring life back to faded strands.
4. Skip the Daily Wash—Your Color Will Thank You
Every time you shampoo, a little bit of your color washes down the drain. Washing less frequently is one of the easiest ways to make your dye job last longer.
What I Use & Love:
Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original or Tinted)
It’s affordable, doesn’t leave a chalky mess if you blend it properly, and buys me 1–2 extra days between washes.
Why it works: Absorbs oil and adds volume—no water needed.
Expert Insights
Hairstylist Sunnie Brook says, “Dry shampoo gives the scalp a break and prevents over-cleansing, which keeps natural oils and color intact.”
Budget Tip: No dry shampoo? Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your roots and brush it through. It’s an old-school trick that still works.
5. Deep Condition Weekly—Because Heat Damage Is Real
All that sun and sweat takes a toll. Your hair’s crying out for moisture—and if you ignore it, hello split ends and dullness.
What I Use & Love:
Living Proof Restore Conditioner (as a deep treatment)
I leave this on for 10–15 minutes in the shower once a week. My hair drinks it up.
Why it works: Designed to repair damaged, color-treated hair without heaviness.
Expert Insights
Chemist Perry Romanowski says, “Conditioners rich in emollients and proteins help strengthen the hair structure, especially after UV and chemical exposure.”
Budget Tip: DIY mask idea: Mix mashed avocado with a spoonful of honey and olive oil. Leave it on damp hair for 20 minutes. Hydration unlocked.
Pro Tips to Keep Color Vibrant All Season Long
We tapped into a few trusted stylists and colorists for their top summer survival tips:
Double Down on Leave-Ins
“Leave-in sprays or creams help seal in moisture and create a barrier,” says colorist Jayne Cross of Mirror Mirror Hair. “Apply to damp hair before styling, and again before hitting the sun.”
Say No to Daily Washing
Overwashing strips natural oils and causes color fade fast. Instead? Try a sulfate-free dry shampoo on non-wash days to refresh and volumize.
Cool Rinses > Hot Showers
Hot water opens the hair cuticle, which leads to faster color fade. A quick cold rinse at the end of your shower helps lock in shine and pigment.
Accessorize with Intent
Scarves and hats aren’t just cute—they’re practical. “A wide-brim hat is basically SPF for your strands,” says stylist Emily James. Go glam and protective in one.
Final Thoughts: Summer Fun Without the Fade
We’re not here to tell you to hide indoors till September. You can have glowing, vibrant, healthy hair all summer long—it just takes a little prep and the right products.
Color-treated hair doesn’t need to be high-maintenance—it just needs a little extra TLC when the heat turns up.
So stash that UV spray in your tote, upgrade your conditioner game, and maybe (just maybe) try the cold rinse thing. Your future self—and your colorist—will thank you.
Stay cool out there. Literally.
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair color stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
