Sun, Sea & Sangria… Lovely. But What About Your Hair?

Piper Violet Hair
6 days ago
3 min read

We all love summer. Sunshine, swimming pools, beach days and a cheeky sangria by the pool.

But while you’re soaking up the sunshine, your hair is often taking a bit of a beating.

After a few days of UV exposure, chlorine, salt water and heat, that glossy balayage can quickly start resembling a scarecrow’s mane.

Let’s talk about how to avoid that.

Swimming Pools: The Hidden Hair Villain

Chlorine is incredibly drying and abrasive on the hair, particularly for blondes and highlighted hair.

When chlorine combines with UV exposure, it can accelerate colour fade, leaving your beautiful blonde looking dull, dry or even slightly khaki green. Not exactly the summer glow-up we’re aiming for.

The lighter and cooler your blonde is, the more porous the hair tends to be, meaning it absorbs unwanted minerals and chemicals more easily.

Before Your Holiday: Consider A Gloss

If you’re having your colour refreshed before travelling, consider going slightly warmer rather than opting for the coolest blonde possible.

gloss semi permanent with hyloronic acid

A glossing service using https://www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/all-products/hair-colour/dia-light⁠ can be a game changer. Powered by a 1% Hyaluronic Acid complex, Dia Light helps replenish moisture, improve shine and strengthen sensitised hair while providing beautiful tone and gloss. Hair can appear up to 82% glossier after treatment. (L’Oréal Professionnel⁠)

A slightly softer, golden blonde often travels far better than an icy blonde because it allows for a little natural lift from the sun without exposing unwanted brassiness.

Golden gloss balayage blend

Olaplex: Your Holiday Insurance Policy

One of our favourite ways to prepare hair before summer is by adding an Olaplex treatment during your colour service.

Olaplex helps repair broken bonds within the hair structure, improving strength, softness and manageability. Stronger hair means less frizz, less breakage and better resistance to humidity whether you’re abroad or simply surviving a British heatwave.

Think of it as holiday insurance for your hair.

Back From Holiday? Step Away From The Purple Shampoo

This is where many blondes accidentally make things worse.

Your hair has already been exposed to chlorine, UV rays and environmental stress. Reaching immediately for a strong purple shampoo can sometimes leave hair feeling even drier.

Purple shampoos work by depositing pigment and often contain stronger cleansing agents. While they’re brilliant when used correctly, overuse can leave hair feeling rough and dehydrated.

Instead, start with a detox.

Why We Love Metal Detox

A professional Metal Detox treatment⁠ is like a full-body exfoliation for your hair.

Metal particles, chlorine residues and impurities can build up inside the hair fibre after swimming and holiday exposure. Metal Detox helps neutralise these deposits while protecting colour vibrancy. It also offers UV protection, anti-humidity benefits and heat protection up to 230°C. https://www.lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/metal-detox

Client fave metal detox

The leave-in cream is a dream for summer. Apply to damp hair for a sleek wet-look finish and enjoy stronger, shinier, healthier-looking hair.

Cocktail in hand optional.

Extensions & Holidays: A Love-Hate Relationship

Hair extensions can look incredible on holiday.

Long beach waves. Thick ponytails. Glamorous holiday photos.

However, they do require extra care.

The blonder the extensions, the more likely they are to absorb products such as sun cream, fake tan and pool chemicals.

A few holiday tips:

Braid extensions before swimming.
Apply a lightweight oil through mid-lengths and ends before entering the pool or sea.
Avoid getting oils near bonds or attachments.
Wear hair up where possible.
Keep sun cream away from the hairline and lengths.
Brush regularly using an extension-safe brush.
Remember: oil and water don’t mix, which makes oil a useful barrier against chlorine and salt water.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen For Your Hair

Most people protect their skin but forget their hair.

UV exposure can fade colour, weaken the cuticle and increase dryness. Look for products that offer UV protection and always wear a hat if you’re spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight.

Your future blonde will thank you.