How to Protect Color‐Treated Hair from the Sun

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: June 16, 2022 References

If you don't keep your color-treated hair protected from the sun, your color may fade and your ends can get dry and damaged. Use sunscreen oil spray or heat-protectant spray as styling options, or put on a hat if you want to cover your head. To keep your hair protected from chlorine and saltwater, wet your hair before you swim, use leave-in conditioner, and wash your hair after swimming. In addition, use color-extending shampoo and conditioning products 2-3 times a week, and deep-condition your hair once a week. With proper maintenance and products, you can protect your color-treated hair from the sun.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Shielding Your Hair from the Sun

1
Try a sunscreen oil spray or primer to create a barrier against the sun. These products are made from a combination of oils, usually containing coconut oil. They are safe to use on both hair and skin. The spray is lightweight, so it won’t make your hair feel overly oily or greasy. Apply a light, even mist over your hair and scalp before you go outside. Select a product with at least SPF 30.^{[1]
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- The oil provides a blocking layer against the harsh rays from the sun.
- Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E, as these all work great to coat your hair.
- Avoid covering your hair in sunscreen made for the skin. While they work great to shield your skin, SPF hair products work better to cover your hair. The ingredients in skin sunscreen do not protect your hair from the sun.
2
Use a heat-protectant spray for a versatile option. You can also use a thermal protecting spray designed to use with curling irons and flat irons. Since these products are made to protect your hair against high temperatures, they work great to protect against the sun’s rays. Spray an even layer across all of your hair before you go outside.

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3
Go for a color-protecting locking spray to preserve your hair color. Use a spray hair product designed to preserve hair color pigmentation. These products are formulated to prevent dryness and breakage caused by sun exposure. Spray the product across your scalp and down to the ends of your hair.^{[2]
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4
Put on a sun hat to protect your hair and keep you cool. If you don’t want to worry about reapplying sun products or simply want to keep cool in the heat, throw on a hat before you head outside. This is an effortless way to protect your hair from the sun, and there are a number of fun hat styles you can use to accessorize any outfit. ^{[3]
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- For example, you can go with a straw sun hat to match with any bathing suit or cover-up. You could also consider wearing a decorative head scarf.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Protecting Your Hair from Salt and Chlorine

1
Wet your hair before you hop in the pool or ocean. Run cool water through your hair before you go swimming in a pool or the ocean. This provides a superficial layer of protection, so your hair is less likely to get damaged from the chemicals.^{[4]
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- Ensure your hair is wet from root to tip for best results.
- There are usually showers to rinse off with at most pools and public beaches.
2
Apply leave-in conditioner right before you get in the water. Chlorine and salt water dry out your hair, which can be especially damaging for color-treated locks. Rub a quarter-size amount of leave-in conditioner in your hands, then run your fingers through your hair from root to tip. This way, your hair is less likely to absorb the chlorine or salt water.^{[5]
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- You can reapply your product throughout the day if you are getting in and out of the water frequently.
3
Wear a swim cap if you want to conceal your hair. Stretch the cap over your head, and make sure all of your hair is tucked inside. This is helpful if you don't want to worry about your hair color fading.^{[6]
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- If you do this, you do not need to apply leave-in conditioner.
4
Wash your hair as soon as you are finished swimming. To preserve your hair color, head right to the shower when you get out of the pool or ocean. Use a color-protecting or sulfate-free shampoo to rinse away any harsh chemicals or saltwater.^{[7]
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- This way, the chlorine or salt does not linger in your hair and dry it out.
- If regular shampoo isn't removing enough of the salt or chlorine on its own, look for a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo. This will remove any built-up or lingering chlorine and salt from your hair.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Shampooing and Conditioning Color-Treated Hair

1
Wash your hair and scalp 2-3 times a week if possible. To help your hair color last as long as possible, avoid washing your hair every day. This is especially helpful in the summer when the bright rays of the sun can dull your color. If your scalp gets greasy, try supplementing with dry shampoo in between washes.^{[8]
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- Washing your hair frequently gets rid of your natural oils that keep your hair color looking great.
- To apply dry shampoo, spray it near your roots and let the shampoo sit for about 5 minutes. Then, massage the shampoo into your hair. You can brush out extra shampoo with a comb. When using dry shampoo, there is no water required.
2
Use a color-extending shampoo and conditioner to lock in the dye. Purchase shampoo specially formulated for dyed hair. Choose a type that is sulfate-free to keep your hair as healthy as possible. Apply a quarter-size or so of product when you are in the shower, and cover your hair from root to end. Let the product sit on your hair for 2-5 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water.^{[9]
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3
Try using a purple pigment shampoo if your light hair looks yellow. Purple pigmented shampoo is specially formulated to preserve blonde hair color. If your light hair color starts to look yellow, apply a purple shampoo instead of a color-extending formula.^{[10]
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- Purple shampoo helps neutralize the color of your hair and tone down the brassy shades.
- Purple shampoo also works well on gray hair with brassy or yellow undertones.
4
Apply a deep conditioner once a week to keep your hair healthy. When your hair is exposed to the sun regularly, it is important to replenish nutrients and hydrate your hair. Do this by using a deep-conditioning treatment or hair mask regularly. After you wash and condition your hair, apply the mask to all of your hair, and let it sit for 5-15 minutes at least. Then, rinse out the product completely with warm water.^{[11]
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- It is helpful to select deep-conditioning treatment or hair masks with organic ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or avocado. These ingredients help revitalize your hair.
5
Apply a toning color gloss if your hair color looks brassy. If your hair is brunette or black and the color starts to fade to a reddish shade, no worries! You can use a foaming color gloss product to tone your tresses. To use, run the product through your roots to your ends right after shampooing. Let the product sit for about 3 minutes, then rinse it out completely.^{[12]
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- You can use foam gloss up to one time per week.