It’s safe to say we’re already getting excited for summer—so much so that we’ve already come up with 52 outfit ideas) and planned our next manicure. But, not to kill the vibe, there’s the downsides of all that heat, humidity, and sun to get ready for, too—and hair’s included in that. There’s the obvious offender: chlorine. It can suck moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, tangled, and brittle (plus, there’s that whole turn-blond-hair-green thing it does). But then there are the less-obvious issues we often tend to overlook that can also wreak havoc on color-treated hair—like UV rays from the sun that can break down hair color molecules (it’s especially a problem for red hair).
So, to make your upcoming pool day as chill as it ought to be, we called up some of our favorite colorists to get their best-kept secrets on how to protect color-treated hair. As Elle Woods would say: They’re, like, totally important. 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 in the pool,” celebrity colorist Lorri Goddard told us. “It creates a slippery barrier between your strands and harmful chlorine.”
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
Just as your skin needs protection from the sun, your hair does too. “Look for hair products that contain UVA and UVB filters to protect it from the chlorine and the sun,” says Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe 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.
5. Shampoo Right Away
You’re hot; you’re tired; you just want to be done for the day when pool/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. 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 from Sally Hershberger Downtown.
“For brunettes, Davines Alchemic Chocolate Shampoo and Mask helps restore the color and adds shine that chlorine can strip away. For blonds, 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.”
