Protecting Your Hair Color

All dyes fade over time no matter what you do, but the three main culprits in faded hair color are air (oxidation), UV rays and, believe it or not, shampooing. Since we spend more time outdoors during the summer, there are a few things you can do to prolong your color. Beach vacations any time of year, however, also warrant taking extra measures to protect your color.

Shampoos for color-treated hair tend to contain less harsh cleansers, but any gentle shampoo will do. Washing your hair every other day (or two to three times a week if you can get away with it) will also help. Some companies have started making “color-depositing” shampoos and conditioners, which are supposed to temporarily make hair color look brighter. Leave-in conditioners are also an excellent option, as are styling products and treatments containing UV filters.

Both sun and saltwater can cause fading and dullness. If you’re on the beach, wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf. Coat wet hair with a leave-in conditioner that contains UV filters before going swimming, and rinse your hair with tap water when you’re finished. If you’re really stuck, just comb a blob of sunscreen through your locks.

The chemicals in swimming pools can dry out hair, so wearing a bathing cap is a good idea. If you can’t bear to walk around looking like Esther Williams, then comb a leave-in conditioner through wet hair and pin it up. When you get out of the water, either rinse out hair or shampoo it.

Suggested Products

Biolage Color Care Shampoo ($12.49, drugstore.com)
Graham Webb Vivid Color Reparative Shine ($18.55, beautydepot.com)
Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment for Colored/Permed Hair ($3.74, ulta.com)
Kerastase Soleil Voile Protecteur ($38.99, amazon.com )
L’Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Conditioner ($33.95, at salons)
TRESemme Color Thrive Shampoo ($4.99, at drugstores)