Whether you have natural or dyed red hair, keeping your ginger shade enhanced is high priority at any time of the year. But how do you keep it protected and maintained (and above all else, enviable) in the summer?
The threat of central heating is replaced with the sun's harmful and considerably drying UV rays. Add to that the sun's ability to bleach your colour, and it's enough to want to hide away for the whole season.
Here are our tips for keeping that red hair looking radiant this summer:
SUN PROTECTION FOR YOUR HAIR
Yep, it exists, and it's not just slathering your sun lotion all over your head. But, just as we diligently protect our skin, shielding our red hair from the sun is equally important. Look for hair products that offer UV protection. These products create a barrier against the damaging effects of the sun, helping to prevent colour fading and hair dryness. Apply a small amount to your hair before sun exposure and reapply as needed throughout the day, just like you would with your sunscreen.
SEEK SHADE AND COVER UP
When the sun is at its peak, namely between 11am and 3pm, finding shade and covering up can be your hair's (and your fair skin's) best friend. And if that's not possible or preferable, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf to shield your hair and scalp from direct sunlight.
Time your outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense.
REHYDRATE AND NOURISH YOUR RED HAIR
The sun is extremely effective at penetrating hair strands, consequently weakening them and drying them out. This makes them prone to damage, so rehydration is key. Maintain your hair's moisture balance by using hydrating shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for red hair. Ingredients like avocado, ginger, coconut, aloe vera, or shea butter are great for nourishing and replenishing red hair strands.
CONSIDER INCREASING YOUR DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENTS
A nourishing hair mask is your secret weapon for breathing life back into your stressed, fragile and dry red locks. Our Henna & Rose hair mask for redheads is designed for use in around 1 in 3 or 4 washes, as it is enriched with ingredients that have been specifically selected to help replenish moisture and restore vibrancy to red hair.
You may find that upping your deep conditioning treatments or leaving products to sit for longer may help your red hair to recover during the summer, particularly if you have generally drier hair anyway.
COOL RINSE + PROTECT BEFORE SWIMMING
Chlorine and saltwater can strip moisture from your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle. Rinsing your hair with fresh water before swimming can reduce the absorption of chlorine or saltwater. Following this rinse, give your hair a coat of conditioner or hair oil to create a protective barrier prior to hitting the pool or ocean.
...THEN COOL RINSE AFTER SUN EXPOSURE
After sun exposure, remember to rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water. This helps to close the hair cuticles, sealing in moisture and preventing colour loss. Avoid using hot water on your hair at all times of the year if possible, as it can strip away natural oils and make your red hair appear duller.
Finish with a gentle pat-dry with a microfibre towel instead of vigorous towel drying to minimise damage.
USE SULFATE-FREE AND SILICONE-FREE HAIR PRODUCTS
Red hair is a prime candidate for moving exclusively to sulfate-free and silicone-free haircare. Not only will they be less drying on your red hair strands (which are more delicate than other hair types), they also help to maintain colour, particularly for those who have dyed red hair. Ask any hairstylist!
LIMIT OR AVOID HEAT STYLING
Heat styling tools, such as hairdriers and curling wands, can further weaken and damage red hair that has been exposed to the sun. Embrace your natural texture or explore heatless styling methods to minimise heat-related stress on your red hair. If there's ever a time to 'go with the flow' with embracing your natural waves or experimenting with braids, it's during summer!
One of our favourite summer looks is overnight braiding, which also saves you time the next day.
Check out Rosie's tutorial:
This summer, be sun-kissed not sun fried, and let's keep it that way.
Why red hair craves haircare free from sulfates (SLS) and silicones
