Being a proud redhead may feel like winning the genetic lottery, but with its striking shade comes fragile and vulnerable strands. Red hair, like most redheads' fair skin, is the most delicate when it comes to sun exposure. Here's a bit more about why that happens, and what you can do to help stop the summer fade.
WHY DOES RED HAIR FADE SO FAST IN SUMMER?
The answer lies in the science of pigment. Red hair contains higher levels of a unique pigment called pheomelanin, which is chemically different from the eumelanin found in brown or black hair. Pheomelanin breaks down more easily when exposed to UV rays, making red hair especially prone to fading in the sun.
Overall, the biggest summer fading factors for red hair:
UV radiation: Breaks down red pigment molecules, leading to a loss of vibrancy
Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater strip moisture and colour, making hair look dull and dry
Heat and humidity: Raise the hair cuticle, causing colour molecules to escape more easily
Overwashing: Summer heat usually leads to more frequent washing, which can strip natural oils and pigment
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
With the right care, your red hair can stay bright, glossy, and beautiful all summer long.
Use colour-enhancing products designed for redheads: Choose sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for red hair. Our Henna & Rose Colour-Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner gently cleanse and condition while subtly boosting red tones with their low levels of henna.
Deep condition at least once a week: Red hair needs optimal hydration to maintain shine. A weekly deep conditioning hair mask helps keep your strands strong and saturated with moisture.
Add in UV protection: Just like skin, your hair needs SPF, too. Specially created with UV protection, these types of products offer a barrier against the sun, helping to prevent colour fading and hair dryness.
Cover up: When you’re out in peak sun (around 11am-3pm), wear a hat or scarf, or better yet, seek shade.
Don’t overwash: Cleansing with shampoos too often can strip away natural oils and colour. Try to wash just 2-3 times per week, and use dry shampoo in between to stay fresh.
Cool rinse: After swimming and sun exposure, rinse your hair with fresh, cool water as soon as possible. This helps to wash away chlorine or salt, and also helps to close the hair cuticles, sealing in moisture and preventing colour loss.
Embrace heatless styling: Summer is the perfect time to give your hair a break from hot tools, which can cause red hair to become dull, dry and damaged. Check out a few of our favourite styles here.
Whether it's at the height of summer or depths of winter, your red hair is worth protecting, preserving and enhancing. By giving it a little extra care and treating it with products designed to care for and boost it, you can enjoy bold, brilliant colour throughout the seasons.
