Your blonde hair summer survival guide

Rocking blonde hair in the summer is a joy like no other. Nothing catches the light like sunkissed tresses, and whether it’s a scattering of highlights or a full head of platinum, summer is when blondes are truly in their element.

As a blonde, you’re bound by upkeep and maintenance all year round, but with all the added sun, salt, sand and styling that summer brings, you need to ensure that your strands don’t end up dry, brittle and brassy. With a little extra TLC, your blonde hair can survive the summer looking its luscious, head turning best.

#1 Invest in a damage control shampoo and conditioner, as well as a bi-weekly mask or treatment 

Processed hair needs a serious care regimen, with the goal being to repair the hair shaft and replace the moisture that’s been sapped since the last wash.  Look for moisturising shampoos and repairing conditioners like ELEVEN Australia Hydrate My Hair Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner and leave treatments in for as long as the instructions dictate, focussing on the mid-lengths and ends if you have fine or limp hair.  To really up the moisture stakes, try Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Mask or L’Oreal Paris ELVIVE Extraordinary Oil Mask weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the state of your mane.

#2 Use a toning shampoo or conditioner to keep your colour fresh between salon visits

Exposure to the sun and chlorinated pools can cause blonde highlights to fade or become brassy. A toning shampoo, like Muk Blonde Toning Shampoo, or a conditioner like John Frieda Violet Crush Purple Conditioner for Blondes, will help to keep your colour true as well as extend the time between salon visits. To prevent the dreaded chlorine green, wet your hair with tap water or bottled water BEFORE jumping into the pool. This will ensure your hair absorbs mostly fresh water, rather than the chlorinated water that will mess with your colour. This trick also works when exposing your hair to drying, salty seawater.

#3 Go easy on the heat styling

The party season coupled with increased exposure to the elements may mean that your hair is in worse condition than usual. Consider wearing your hair au naturale throughout the day to give your hair a much needed break (if you haven’t already tried plopping, this article will change the way you think about your hair in its natural state). If you absolutely have to heat style, always use a heat protector like the OGX Shine + Argan Oil of Morocco Heat Protect Spray or Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray to prevent damage.

#4 Continue to protect after styling

Just like you would for your skin, when you’re off to the beach or are planning any kind of fun in the sun, you should also ensure your locks are shielded from damaging UV rays with a UV protector like Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. Bundling your hair under a wide brim hat is also a great way to protect your hair and your face as well.

#5 Consider a salon treatment between colours

Ask your hairdresser about treatments like the Goldwell Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment and TIGI Custom Care™ SOS Extreme Recovery Treatment, which work specifically to rectify damaged hair and can help to increase your hair’s resilience to the elements. Other helpful summer hair care tips:

• Brush your hair gently and only when it is dry to avoid any unnecessary breakage.
• Get regular trims to banish straggly split ends.
• Try massaging your head for 5 minutes each night to stimulate blood flow and the natural oils that will nourish your hair. 

Main image credit: @margotrobbie

*This article has been updated since its original publication.

How do you protect your hair during summer? Any tips for blondes in particular?