Did you know that outdoor activities such as spending time at the beach or swimming in a pool could wreak havoc on your hair? We turned to the experts to learn more about the main culprits responsible for destroying your hair color and how you can prevent it, as well as repair it when the damage has already been done.
Swimming
Do you like to swim laps at the pool, but don’t always remember to wear a cap? Do you usually take a dip in the ocean when you visit the beach? If so, it’s important to note that mineral water, salt water and chlorine in pool water can cause damage to your locks. “These types of water can affect the color and texture of your hair,” says Karine Khacheryan, colorist at Fekkai Melrose Place. “To maintain your hair’s integrity, glossing your hair is the key. This refreshes the color, adds shine, takes away the brassiness, and even deepens your tone if your hair has become too light.”
Product Pick: Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner, $15 each
The Sun
“It is so important to protect your hair all summer long,” says Khacheryan. Apply an SPF to your hair (they make sprays to safeguard your scalp and strands) just as you would your skin. If you forget to do this, or you don’t reapply as often and you should, Khacheryan says sun damage should be treated just like overprocessed hair. “This means always moisturizing your strands. I recommend using at-home conditioning treatments like masks once a week to keep your color vibrant.”
Product Pick: Davines SU/Aftersun Hair Mask, $28
Overshampooing and Using Too Many Products
Celebrity hair colorist Sharon Dorram says that overshampooing and using too many products with alcohol, such as mousse, hairspray, volumizers and gels, can strip and dull your color. “If you feel the need to wash your hair every day, try just rinsing it in warm water in the shower and using a light detangler afterward,” she adds. It’s also important to be very selective about when it is necessary to use styling products. “Give your hair a rest at least once a month and use a deep conditioning mask,” says Dorram. “You can also add vitamin E to the mask, which can help bring elasticity back to your hair, too.”
Product Pick: Alterna Bamboo Color Hold+ Rehab Deep Hydration Masque, $26
