Summer in Auckland is the best: beach days, pool days, long evenings outside. It's also hard on your hair, especially if it's coloured. UV light, salt water and chlorine can all fade colour, dry out your hair and leave blondes looking brassy.
The good news is that a few small habits make a big difference.
What summer does to your hair
UV rays break down hair pigment, so colour fades faster. They can also bleach darker hair, giving brunettes a warm, reddish tint.
Salt water draws moisture out of the hair, leaving it dry and tangly.
Chlorine strips colour and can leave blonde hair looking dull or, in some cases, slightly green.
Heat styling on top of all this is the final straw for hair that's already stressed.
Before you swim
Wet your hair with fresh water first. Dry hair soaks up whatever it's in, so if it's already damp with clean water there's less room for salt or chlorine to get in.
Add a leave-in conditioner or light oil. Think of it as a barrier. A little through the mid-lengths and ends goes a long way.
Tie it up. A loose braid or bun reduces tangles and exposure.
After you swim
Rinse straight away, ideally before the water dries. Salt and chlorine keep working while they sit in your hair.
Wash gently. A sulphate-free shampoo is kinder to colour, and a clarifying shampoo once every week or two removes chlorine and mineral build-up. Don't overdo it: clarifying shampoos can also strip colour.
Condition every time. Leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
Out in the sun
Wear a hat or scarf if you're outside for hours.
Look for leave-in products with UV protection.
Pop on a deeper mask once a week to put moisture back in.
If your hair has already had a rough summer, our guide to the top 6 products to help with sun-damaged hair is a good place to start.
Blondes: extra care
Blonde and highlighted hair is more porous, so it takes up chlorine and loses tone faster. Book a toner mid-summer to refresh your colour, and read our tips on maintaining your blonde between salon visits.
Don't forget your trim
Dry ends split quickly in summer. A trim every 8–10 weeks stops damage travelling up the hair and keeps your style looking tidy.
Need a post-summer reset?
If your hair feels dry, faded or just a bit tired, come and see us. We'll tell you what it needs, whether that's a trim, a toner or a conditioning treatment, and nothing it doesn't. Book online.
