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Hopefully, this summer the only thing we'll be stressing over is how to protect our color-treated hair in the pool (and maybe what color to choose for our summer manis). Not to be a buzzkill, but the heat, humidity, and sun can be just as damaging to our hair as it is good for our mood.
The obvious offender: chlorine. Yes, that whole thing about blonde hair turning green is totally true. On top of that, the chemical element can suck the moisture from your hair and leave it dry, brittle, and tangled. And there are other sneakier (and harder-to-avoid) culprits that cause damage and fade color, like UV rays from the sun, which can break down dye molecules.
So to make your upcoming vacation as chill as it ought to be, we called up some of our favorite colorists to get their best tips on how to protect color-treated hair in the pool. Read on for their advice, then get to the much more fun part: figuring out what you're going to wear poolside.
1. Oil up.
No, not that brown bottle of SPF 4 you used to use before wising up to the dangers of frying in the sun. We're talking everyone's favorite multiuse product: coconut oil. “Try coating your hair in coconut oil or olive oil before jumping into the pool,” celebrity colorist Lorri Goddard tells Glamour. “It creates a slippery barrier between your strands and harmful chlorine.” For a more luxurious option, go for Leonor Greyl's Huile de Leonor Greyl Shampoo Treatment, which protects hair with botanical oils and smells like fresh jasmine.
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2. Go for a presoak.
“Head over to one of those rinse-off stations, and wet your hair with clean water before you get in the pool,” says Goddard. “This trick lets your hair absorb less chlorine, or salt water if you're dipping in the ocean. Then give it another rinse after you're done swimming.” At the local pool or a friend's house and don't want to run all the way to the shower? No sweat—a bottle of purified water works just fine.
3. Use sunscreen for your hair.
Yes, really. Just as your skin needs protection from the sun, so does your hair. “Look for hair products that contain UVA and UVB filters to protect from the chlorine and the sun,” says Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador Kim Vo. We love Sun Bum 3 in 1 Leave In Treatment. It fends off harsh rays and chemical damage, all while helping to repair split ends and frizz. Also, the smell: It's like the beach in a bottle.
4. Put your hair up.
The way you wear your hair to the pool or the beach can have a surprisingly big effect on maintaining it. “Try to keep your head and hair out of the water as much as possible,” says Vo. “A cute bun, topknot, or braid prevents your strands from soaking in the pool water while you float around and wade.” Need some inspo? We've got plenty of summer hairstyle ideas.
5. Shampoo right away.
You're hot, you're tired, and you just want to be done for the day when pool or beach time comes to an end. We get it. But resist the urge to go straight from the water to whatever your plans are next, as colorists recommend taking the time to wash any chemicals or drying sea salt from your hair. “Different colors require specific shampoos and conditions for the right protection,” says colorist Lucille Javier at New York's Mark Ryan Salon.
“For brunettes, Davines Alchemic Chocolate Shampoo and mask helps restore the color and adds shine that chlorine can strip away. For blondes, you need a hydrating duo like Sally Hershberger Shampoo and Conditioner to help moisturize bleached hair. And for reds, a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like Shu Uemura Color Lustre Sulfate-Free Shampoo and mask is key.”
For a more budget-friendly option, we like Tresemmé's sulfate-free color-care collection, which has no parabens or dyes added to it. So the products will do what they're meant to do—gently clean your hair—without stripping away its color.
6. Don’t forget a deep conditioner.
After sudsing up (or if you really don't have time or the option, after toweling off), hydrate your hair with a mask. “Add a couple of drops of Shu Uemura Essence Absolue on dry ends to protect from the sun and extra damage,” says Javier.
Bella Cacciatore is the beauty writer at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @bellacacciatore_.
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