Bleached and coloured hair can be a stunning fashion statement, allowing you to express your own personal style. However, these styles often require special care, especially during summer holidays when the sun, salt water and chlorine pose challenges.
Devoting a little care and attention to your normal hair care routine, however, can help maintain the vibrancy and health of your coloured locks.
The Impact of Sun and Water
UV rays can fade hair colour and make it appear dull and lifeless and it does this pretty quickly. Prolonged exposure to chlorine-treated swimming pools and the salt water from the ocean causes dryness, frizz and breakage.
The good news is there are a few things you can do as we head into the summer hols.
Preparation for Your Hair
Before you hit the beach or head out on holiday, prepare your hair for the upcoming challenges. Schedule a deep conditioning treatment a week before your break, it can help to strengthen your strands and boost moisture. Another option is to trim any split ends to prevent further damage and ensure your hair is in the best possible condition before the heat sets in.
Essential Hair Care Products
Whether you are packing for your hols or simply popping down to the beach with friends, make sure to include hair care products specifically designed for bleached and coloured hair.
Our advice is to go for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid stripping away your hair’s natural oils and colour too much. Pack a leave-in conditioner, a UV protection spray and a wide-toothed comb for detangling just for good measure.
Styling Tips for Summer Holidays
Ideally, you want to take a low-maintenance approach to hairstyling. That means avoiding excessive heat styling and choosing hairstyles that require minimal manipulation. Natural textures are good such as beachy waves or loose braids. They’ll look great and are easy to manage.
When spending time at the beach or pool, it’s crucial to protect your hair. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a scarf, or a trendy hair wrap to shield you from direct sunlight. If you plan to take a dip, secure your hair in a bun or a braid to minimize exposure to water.
Heat styling tools can exacerbate the damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Give your hair a break from blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners during your vacation.
Chlorine and Saltwater
Here’s a quick tip: before entering a pool or the ocean, wet your hair with fresh water. This should mean your hair will absorb less chlorine or saltwater. It’s also worth applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier. Rinse your hair again with fresh water immediately after swimming to remove any residual chemicals.
Once you’ve rinsed, gently cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo to eliminate any remaining chemicals. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and add in some nourishment.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water to keep your body and hair hydrated from within. When we’re out in the heat of the day, it can be easy to forget but it’s probably the most important tip for a hot summer.
Handling Frizz and Humidity
Summer humidity can cause frizz and make your hair difficult to manage. Use anti-frizz serums and oils to hopefully tame unruly strands and create a sleek, polished look. Hairstyles like buns, ponytails, or braids can help keep your hair under control and minimize frizz.
Repairing and Revitalizing Damaged Hair
Finally, if your bleached and coloured hair suffers a lot of damage during your holidays, don’t worry. There are several ways to repair and revitalize it. Consider using deep conditioning treatments, protein masks or keratin treatments to restore strength, shine, and elasticity.