How to Repair Summer Hair Damage

Did you experience summer to the fullest this year? If so, then your hair is probably showing it! These tips will tell you how to repair summer hair damage and get your locks ready for fall!

The end of summer may leave you with a glowing tan and beach memories, but those long, sunny days can wreak havoc on your hair. The sun’s rays, chlorine, and salt water can result in dry, brittle, or frizzy hair. Any heat styling makes matters worse. Reverse summer damage with these tips to hydrate your hair and bring it back to life.

“Reveal Fresh Locks for Fall” on Health Perch

Be Smart With Dye

Dyed hair, with the addition of summer damage, can produce a lot of dead ends. And water, rather than shampooing, is largely responsible for color fade. Dyes contain peroxide (not just the blond kind), which breaks down the protective barrier on hair, making strands more prone to sun and chemical damage. Hair becomes more porous and absorbs and releases water easily, which takes some color along with it when it’s rinsed away. The hotter the water, the quicker the color loss, so stick to cool water in the shower and use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair.

If you need to touch up a dye job, apply only to the roots and comb through to the ends. For brassy locks, head to the salon for a gloss or glaze treatment. A colorist can restore your original hue and shine for a smaller cost than getting a full color. Taking matters into your own hands with home dye can produce less than stellar results, so it’s best to consult your hair stylist. Then before you hit the sun, protect with a UV-blocking styling product, such as a leave-in conditioner.

*The proper terminology for “dye” is “hair color”. Colorists/cosmetology professionals do not use the word “dye”. You tie-dye a shirt, not your hair!

Also, if you have brassy hair….

A gloss or glaze at the salon is not always the answer. Once that fades…your hair will still be brassy. It depends on what made your hair brassy as to what you need. A special shampoo can eliminate the brassy color after just a few washes(you can also use a special conditioner). If that doesn’t work…then you should go to the salon for a fix!