Depending on your preference of season, you might be excited that fall is coming, however you may not be too thrilled that your summer highlights will probably disappear in the months to come. So, I spoke to a bunch of experts, to discover how to keep your summer highlights and make them last longer, so that you can keep your beach babe vibe a little while longer. Because, let's face it, sun kissed summer tresses make everyone look healthy, outdoorsy, and allude to the fact they've spent many hours in the sun, likely having fun.
Fellow Bustler Sienna Fantozzi reported on the reasons hair gets lighter in the summer. Fantozzi discovered, "The sun bleaches out the melanin (the pigment that gives your hair color), causing your hair to look lighter." So if you've spent countless hours in the sunshine this summer, it's likely you'll have obtained naturally lighter strands.
Chelle Neff, owner of Urban Betty Hair Salon in Austin, Texas says, “Keeping your summer highlights fresh and bright throughout the rest of the year can be a challenge. Luckily there are a few things that you can do to help save your highlights and keep them as long as possible.” So if you're all about being blonder right now and you want to extend your summery style, here's how you can keep your summer highlights for longer.
1. Use Shampoos & Conditioners For Color Treated Hair
Pureology Hydrate Shampoo 8.5oz And Hydrate Conditioner 8.5 Oz Duo, $35.10, amazon.com
Maryia Cuentas, a Haven Spa Hairstylist, tells me, “To keep the color fresh in between salon visits, I recommend to using blonde-specific products (shampoo and conditioner).”
Neff agrees, saying, “Always make sure you use a professional shampoo and conditioner that is specifically made for color treated hair. My favorite is PureOlogy Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. These products are sulfate free which keeps color from fading away.”
2. Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage
Moran Gallagher, Master Colorist and Educator at Mizu New York gives me a great tip on how to protect your hair, “Before going in the pool or ocean, wet hair with fresh water so your hair is saturated and will absorb less chlorine and salt water.” Gallagher adds, “Try using products with UV protection.”
Neff also discusses the importance of protecting your hair from the sun’s harmful rays, “Using an SPF on your hair while in the sun can be almost as important as using an SPF for your skin. Spraying this product in your hair before going outside can help to prevent further damage to your hair.”
Neff divulges her favourite protective product, “The one I use for my locks is Hairdresser’s Oil Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer from Bumble & bumble. Not only does it protect my hair, it detangles hair like a champ!"
3. Install A Shower Filter
New Wave Enviro Shower Filter System (Premium,) $34.99, amazon.com
“I know you’ve all heard not to shampoo your hair everyday – that’s old news.” Neff explains to me, “Another secret to preserving your summer highlights is a shower filter… This filter will help remove chlorine and minerals that strip protein and highlights from your hair. The one I use is the Enviro Premium Shower Filter. It’s so easy you can install it yourself.”
4. Use A Clarifying Shampoo
Cuentas informs me of the importance of using a clarifying shampoo in your routine, “Use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks to help keep blonde hair from going dull and to remove any impurities from the hair like water deposits, pollution, etc.”
5. Use A Weekly Hair Masque
Pureology Colour Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask, $22, amazon.com
Neff tells me her final tip for keeping summer highlights for longer, “Last but not least, keep your hair hydrated with a weekly hair masque.” She tells me, “The better the condition of the hair, the stronger it is, which in turn keeps highlights bright and shiny.”
“My personal go to is PureOlogy’s Color Fanatic Instant Deep Conditioning Mask. It will help your highlights from fading while adding hydration to your hair. For the best results, use this masque in place of your conditioner once or twice a week. The best thing is, you only have to leave it in for 1-3 minutes!” Neff explains.
So follow these five fantastic tips to ensure your hair stays lighter for longer!
Images: Getty Images (3); Courtesy Brands (3)
