Sacramento summers are long, sunny and dry, with afternoons that regularly climb past 100°F. That combination pulls moisture out of your hair and fades color faster than any other time of year. A few changes to your routine will keep your hair soft and your color looking fresh until fall.
Why summer is hard on hair
UV rays weaken the outer layer of the hair, and low humidity pulls moisture out of it. Add pool chlorine and more heat styling after swims, and hair can quickly become dry, frizzy and dull. Color-treated and lightened hair is the most vulnerable, because it’s already more porous.
Protect your hair from the sun
- Wear a hat when you’ll be outside for a while, especially in the middle of the day.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hair product with UV protection on the lengths and ends.
- Style your hair up and away from direct sun on the hottest days.
Swimming without the damage
- Wet your hair with clean water and apply a little conditioner before you swim, so it absorbs less chlorinated water.
- Rinse as soon as you get out, and shampoo the same day.
- If you swim often, a clarifying shampoo once a week or so can remove buildup. Follow it with a deep conditioner.
Keep your color looking fresh
Sun and water are the two biggest causes of summer color fade. Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo, wash with cool or lukewarm water, and try to wash a little less often. If your highlights or balayage start to look brassy, a toner or gloss between color appointments can bring the tone back. Ask Behnaz before summer starts what your hair color needs to last through the season.
Put moisture back in
- Use a deep conditioning mask once a week.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair, focusing on the ends.
- Let your hair air-dry when you can, and use a heat protectant when you can’t.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
Start summer with a fresh trim
Dry, damaged ends only get worse in the heat. A trim at the start of summer removes them, and a well-shaped precision cut is easier to air-dry and wear up on hot days. Book an appointment with Behnaz at Salon Bravissimo in Sacramento.
