As the weather warms up and the anticipation of summer approaches, everyone is starting to spend more time in the sun as numerous outdoor activities are planned.

While this is great news for our complexions and our mood, it is not a positive for those with color-treated hair. Here are some tips to keep your hair color lasting longer throughout the summer.

1. Cover it Up

The best way to protect your color-treated hair from the sun is to cover it. You can use a hat, a scarf, or a bandana… and you don’t have to give up your great fashion sense to do it! Just make sure that you cover all of your hair, or certain exposed sections will fade faster than the rest.

2. Avoid Pools

Ok, it’s probably too hard to resist your friend’s in-ground pool on a hot summer day. We get that. While chlorine is a killer for hair color, it’s worse if you go in the pool with dry hair. If you do take a dip, be sure to dampen hair with fresh water first so that the chlorine is less likely to cling to the strands. Just be aware that you’re doing double damage to your color—with the sun and the chlorine at once. Which leads us to our next tip…

3. Sunscreen

Don’t use actual sunscreen on your hair—but there are a number of UV protectant products (like leave-in conditioners) available for you to apply to your hair before going out in the sun or taking a dip in chlorinated water. Make sure to apply these products to damp hair so they stick better.

However, just like with skin, SPF won’t protect your hair completely, so don’t rely solely on these products to save your locks.

4. Conditioner

Even if you don’t have a product with SPF, leave-in conditioner is always a good idea. Since coloring your hair already does damage to and dries out your hair, the sun’s ability to dry it out will only be worsened. A leave-in conditioner will help keep your hair smooth all summer long. A conditioning treatment can also help combat the dry hair that comes with being a beach bum.

5. Change Colors

Hair colors with red undertones, including auburn and purple, are harder to maintain than other hair colors because the red molecules don’t cling to the hair shaft as well. If you’re prone to changing your hair color a lot anyway, then the summertime may be a good time to try out a new color, like blonde or brown.

If you would like more tips on maintaining your hair color throughout the summer, or are interested in a conditioning treatment, please contact Richard Francis Salon. We want to help keep you looking your best!