Help! How Do I Protect My Color-Treated Hair From the Sun?
June 09, 2021
Add a Leave-In Conditioner
Using a little bit of leave-in conditioner can go a long way in preserving your color. “I always recommend spraying it in before heading out — especially if you’re going to be in the ocean or pool,” says O’Connor. “It serves as a barrier and a protectant all in one.” She recommends the Matrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment, which can even out porosity, reduce dryness and shield hair from external aggressors. We also love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Charge Leave-In Conditioner Treatment, which targets split ends and a dehydrated texture.
Cover Your Hair
The same way wearing clothes can prevent you from getting a sunburn on your body, shielding your hair color from the sun can decrease the chances of it picking up unwanted tones. “Put on a sun hat! It’s an effortless way to protect your hair from the sun,” says Papanikolas. Opt for a wide-brimmed one that’s tightly woven as opposed to a straw option — it’ll provide more protection from UV rays. Another idea? O’Connor recommends putting your strands up in a top knot instead of wearing them down. “This will not only protect your hair, but it will also shield your scalp from sunburn.”
Use a Hair Sunscreen
Disclaimer: Using a hair sunscreen doesn’t mean slathering your liquid face or body SPF on your hair. “SPF for your body and face is about protecting your skin from skin cancer, but you can’t get cancer in your hair,” explains O’Connor. “In this respect, a UV-protectant is more about protecting the quality and condition of your hair. UV protection will help prevent hair from drying out and color from fading.” For a non-greasy option, we like the Rita Hazan Lock and Block Protective Spray.
Try a Color-Depositing Mask
Whether you left your hair down and exposed it to the sun or are just looking for a color boost, a hair mask is a great way to tone down brassiness and amp up color. “Because the sun can easily bleach out delicate toner molecules, a color-depositing mask is a good way to neutralize unwanted brassy tones and stretch out color,” says Papanikolas. “I recommend the Matrix Triple Power Masks — they’re heavily pigmented and will give you the closest toner experience you’ll get in the salon.” We also love the Color&Co Color Gloss Conditioner. It comes in six shades to subtly tint your hair. Just massage the product into your hair from roots to ends and leave it on for three to five minutes.
Photo: Becca Solovay, Design: Hannah Packer
Read more
