Blonde hair, whether natural or artificially colored, can be adversely affected by exposure to the sun and by swimming in a lake, ocean, pond, pool or spa.
Even the most costly professional artificial hair coloring or blonde highlights may be destroyed by a single submersion in a chlorinated swimming pool or spa – particularly in the first days after blonde hair color application. Salt water and sunlight can also cause the best blonde coloring to bleach, fade or turn brassy.
Timing is essential when it comes to hair coloring and sunlight exposure and swimming, especially for blondes.
In addition, five simple steps can help to protect and preserve blonde hair in the sun. Here’s how to keep blonde hair looking its best, even during summer and warm-weather outdoor fun.
1. Keep Blonde Hair Clean.
Clean hair tends to be strong and healthy, and blonde locks are no exception. For the best results in the sun, light-haired men and women may select blonde-specific shampoos and conditioners. Also, washing blonde hair once a week with a clarifying shampoo will help to remove chlorine, salt or lake water, sand, sweat, sunscreen and other potential hair irritants.
2. Keep Blonde Hair Conditioned.
Faithful conditioning is essential for blonde hair to protect it in sun, wind and water. Certain hair conditioners actually include sun protection formulas (SPFs) or color-guard properties.
Blondes may also choose to perform deep conditioning during sun exposure. By combing an alcohol-free hair conditioner into blonde locks before heading into the sunlight, a light-haired man or woman can turn a hot spell outdoors into a hot conditioning treatment for hair. Of course, a thorough rinsing will be needed afterwards to remove any conditioner build-up from blonde hair.
3. Keep Blonde Hair Consistent.
Traditionally, folks squirted lemon juice or poured peroxide on dark locks to hasten sun-lightening and create blonde hair or blonde highlights. Of course, these sun-bleaching techniques often produced less-than-ideal results, such as brassy blonde or even orange hair.
Actually, to optimize the sun’s own natural lightening and prevent blonde hair from damage, many blondes shower or spritz their hair with clean, clear water before swimming or sitting in the sun. Wet blonde hair is less likely to absorb saltwater or pool chemicals than dry blonde hair.
Also, air-drying is particularly healthy for blonde hair, and this process allows the sun to brighten locks naturally.
4. Keep Blonde Hair Contained.
Blonde hair can also grow brittle and delicate, especially when it is exposed to bright sun, wind and water. By keeping hair managed securely in braids, hairbands, jaw clips, ponytails and other styles or accessories, blondes can prevent tangling and breaking of their light locks.
Wet blonde hair can be combed gently (with a wider-toothed comb), rather than brushed, as this will also minimize breakage and split ends.
5. Keep Blonde Hair Covered.
Of course, the ideal protection for blonde hair (or any color of hair) is to keep it fully protected from the elements, as with a head covering. A broad-brimmed sun hat, a colorful bandanna, a festive scarf or a sports cap can guard blonde hair from the sun’s rays and keep it safely under wraps.
Blonde hair, in particular, may require a bit of extra care in the sun. Still, for natural blondes and those who have invested both time and money to become blondes, a head of healthy blonde hair may be well worth the trouble.
