Protect your hair colour from sun, chlorine and salt this summer with these 6 products to try | Canada Voices

With warm weather in full swing, you may be thriving while your hair secretly takes a hit. “Summer is basically the perfect storm for colour fading,” says Sarah Amson, hair stylist and owner of Dome Hair Studio in Toronto. “UV rays oxidize the hair, and heat opens the cuticle which allows colour molecules to escape faster. Chlorine strips moisture and can shift tone, while lake water leaves the hair dehydrated and rough,” she says. And then there’s humidity. “It makes the cuticle swell and frizz,” says Amson. The result is hair colour that can’t stay put.

“UV exposure affects every hair colour differently,” says Armineh Damanpak, principal stylist and founder of Beau Salon in Vancouver. “Blondes tend to become brighter but often develop unwanted brassiness or yellow tones as the toner fades out quicker.” Brunettes tend to lose richness and depth or develop more warmth than desired. “Reds are particularly vulnerable because red pigment molecules fade the fastest,” explains Damanpak, who was crowned the Canadian Colourist of the Year at the beauty industry’s 2026 Contessa Awards. Grey hair can also be at risk. “They’re surprisingly vulnerable,” says Amson, “Natural grey strands tend to be drier and more porous, so UV exposure can make them look yellowed or dull.”

An effective maintenance plan should include in-salon toning or an at-home colour-depositing gloss. The former service takes less than an hour and is key for keeping blondes bright. Expect to spend at least $100 and for results to last approximately 20 washes. The latter option, with treatments starting around $25 a tube, is available for all hair colours and works to refresh tone and boost shine between appointments. “Glosses typically last four to six weeks,” says Damanpak.

But adopting a simple hair care routine at home will help further shield against seasonal damage and extend the life of your colour.

“One of the biggest mistakes is assuming sunscreen is only for your skin. Hair needs UV protection too,” says Damanpak, “Leave-in treatments are one of the easiest ways to protect hair throughout the day.” Ingredients such as chemical sunscreen filters, silicone and antioxidants can help to create a shield. Next, double down on hydration and repair to help boost the health of your tresses, which also helps hold onto colour. “Bond-building technologies help strengthen hair from the inside, while hydrating masks keep the cuticle smooth,” she says. Amson takes a multi-use approach to a hair mask. “I use it at least once a week, and also in place of a styling cream to create a sleek bun,” she says, “Don’t be afraid to use more product in the sunnier months when hair feels dry and dull; creams and oils add moisture and reflect light.”

If you’re taking a dip with colour-treated hair, consider this: Going into any body of water with dry hair is a dealbreaker for both experts. “Before swimming, I always fully wet my hair with fresh water,” says Amson. Hair can only absorb so much water, explains Damanpak. “If it’s already saturated with clean water, it will absorb less chlorine or lake water,” she says. To further protect at-risk strands and boost softening, the pros like to apply leave-in conditioner to wet hair before diving in.

Six buys to try

Whether your hair is long or short, here is summertime support for colour-treated tresses, starting at $18.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Honey Bond Treatment Leave-In Care

Infused with four types of honey, royal jelly and active ingredients (such as arginine), this lightweight leave-in cream provides deep repair, along with protection from humidity and heat-styling. $112

Buy

TRESemmé A-List Bonding Oil

Lightweight and non-greasy, this mix of sunflower and castor seed oils helps to protect against breakage and provides a high-gloss finish whether used on damp or dry hair. $17

Buy

Kérastase Blond Absolu Blonde Guard Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner Spray

For use before styling, this milky spray is formulated with hyaluronic acid (a potent hydrator) and vitamins C and E (brightening antioxidants) to protect against heat, UV, chlorine and dehydration that can alter blonde tones. $67

Buy

Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Color-Protecting Shampoo

Designed to gently cleanse and preserve colour-treated hair, this nourishing shampoo helps to repair damage, improve elasticity and maintain vibrancy. $24

Buy

Typebea S2 Sea Salt Texture Mist

Offering two-in-one benefits for care and styling, this lightweight spray protects against UV and hot tools up to 210 C while giving hair voluminous, tousled texture without a gritty or crunchy finish. $37

Buy

Blacklight Deep Hydrating Mask

Made in Canada and suitable for all hair colours, this rich mask contains hyaluronic acid blended with nourishing oils (avocado, rice bran and hemp seed) to help detangle and strengthen strands while improving softness and shine. $46

Buy