How to Protect Coloured Hair from Sun, Sea & Chlorine. Expert Tips from Piper Violet Hair Twickenham

With summer in full swing, whether you’re beachside with a cocktail in hand or enjoying the UK’s 33-degree heat (also with a cocktail in hand) under the cool air-con at Piper Violet Hair, one thing’s for sure: UV rays, salty sea dips, and pool days can seriously mess with your hair colour.

Even a stroll along Richmond’s beautiful riverside can expose your hair to enough sunlight to trigger unwanted changes, especially if you’ve recently invested in a fresh balayage or a rich brunette gloss. So let’s break down what summer actually does to your colour, and how we combat it with the best in professional care.

Brunettes in the Sun: The Orange Effect ☀️

Brunette shades don’t always thrive in summer. Why? Darker hair colours have more underlying warm tones, think red, orange, copper. The combination of UV rays and oxygen can lift both natural and coloured hair, revealing those warmer hues. Add chlorine or saltwater into the mix and voilà, you’ve got the perfect (unwanted) “lifting agent.”

Stunning brunette gloss by our gal Rachel

But don’t panic, we’ve got you. At Piper Violet Hair, we custom-blend your colour using tones like ash, green or even blue to neutralise warmth (yes, green. And no, we don’t always tell you 😉). But even our wizardry needs backup when the sun’s out in full force.

Your Summer Brunette Hero:

👉 Metal Detox by L’Oréal Professionnel

This miracle product does so much, removes chlorine, hard water minerals and metals that accelerate colour fade, plus it contains UV protection to shield your gloss or balayage. It’s a summer essential for keeping brunette tones rich and vibrant.

Our mocha brunette entry for L’Oréal colour trophy awards.

Blondes, Balayage & Highlights: The Glow Up (With a Warning)

Butter blonde THE hair colour of the summer

Blondes usually do better in summer, often lightening naturally (free highlights, anyone?). While that might sound dreamy, lighter hair is often more porous, making it more likely to soak up chlorine, pollution, or the wrong hair products.

Ever seen that greenish tinge after a swim? Yep, chlorine reacts with lightened hair and can cause that dreaded Shrek shade. Let’s not go there.

Your Summer Blonde Lifesaver:

👉 Olaplex No.8 and Bond Builder

In-salon, we always recommend adding Olaplex to your lightening services to protect and strengthen the hair’s internal bonds. Then keep it up at home with the No.8 mask, perfect to pack in your holiday case (available in minis too!).

Humidity & Frizz: Tame That Summer Wild Side 🌴

If your hair is anything like its owner, rebellious and a bit wild, we’ve got just the thing for that too.

Your Frizz-Fighting Secret Weapon:

👉 Nano Keratin Mask

This incredible mask smooths frizz, softens bulk, and shrinks the hair cuticle, giving you that sleek, summer-ready finish. Leave on for 10–20 minutes (glass of wine optional but encouraged), and say goodbye to that hot-weather halo of fluff.

Hair Extensions & SPF: The Sneaky Summer Saboteur 😱

Extensions need extra love in summer, and not just from UV rays. Did you know many common sun creams contain an ingredient called Avobenzone, which reacts with blonde extensions and causes them to turn brassy orange, and lifts colour in brunettes?

Extremely natural looking extensions by our gal Jo

Protect Your Extensions:

Look for mineral-based SPF products instead. We love Bondi Sands Mineral SPF, which is gentle on hair and skin, plus it avoids nasties like hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Want to read more on this? check out our blog on hair extensions for full details in all things thickness and volume.

Here’s a deep dive into why Sun creams wreak havoc on ours new stenno’s! https://beautyworksonline.com/blog/keep-your-extensions-healthy-during-summer?srsltid=AfmBOooyY9-w2zgWKOcSEBAwn1LiY1kQ5E6B1MrgmGV-oi1vUVhAwKcJ

Beach Waves & Embracing Natural Texture 🌊

Summer is the perfect time to lean into your natural hair texture. You might be surprised how much wave or curl is hiding in there! Whether you’re a curly girl in disguise or just ready to ditch the straighteners for a while, we’ve got you.

👉 Check out our Curly Girl Blog (or come in for a personal masterclass!).

Top Tips for Summer Hair Survival:

•Use UV protection products like Metal Detox

•Switch to mineral-based sun creams to protect your colour and extensions

•Rock a fabulous hat (bigger = better)

• Book regular toners & trims to fight porosity and frizz

•Always add Olaplex to your colour/lightening service

And Finally… Cheers to Summer! 🍹

Our “salon of the year” celebration summer cocktail

Our award-winning “Salon of the Year” Summer Cocktail is now being served in-salon! Pop in for a refresh, of your hair and your mood.

We’ll be here helping you protect your colour, enhance your natural texture, and plan your next autumnal hue once summer’s done its thing.

Have a fabulous summer, lovelies.

Team Piper Violet Hair ✨

Follow us on Instagram for more behind the scenes tips, tricks, and sun-safe styles.