August 13, 2025
With the arrival of summer comes the holidays and—for many of us—the first dips in the sea after a long wait, lasting an entire year. But the one thing that doesn't relax is our hair: in the summer, it's subjected to the stress of the sun's rays, which damage its structure and weaken it, the daily washing we are forced to subject it to due to intense sweating, and the action of sea water . Dyed hair suffers the most, as it is particularly susceptible to damage from salt water and UV rays. Therefore, in addition to your suitcase, it's a good idea to also prepare a survival kit for your hair!
Is it too hot to blow-dry? Indeed… read also : How to dry your hair without a hair dryer
Seawater and dyed hair: friends or foes?
Let's try to go beyond the usual cliché about hair and sea water to understand if a nice dip in the sea is really that harmful to our hair. The answer is no : on the one hand, immersing yourself in sea water has a notable stimulating effect, as it leads to a natural micro-stimulation of the scalp , purifying the hair follicles, allowing for healthier and stronger growth; on the other hand, we must pay attention to the action of salt , which tends to dry out the hair and damage its structure, especially for those who have already weakened it with dye.
The problem arises not while bathing, then, but if we let our hair dry with all the salt on it , without rinsing: the salt crystals tend to scratch the hair shaft, causing dullness and dryness, further worsened by the dehydrating action of the sun which causes hair to break.
And now we come to the sore point, the relationship between dye, sea water, and the sun: unfortunately, as has happened to many of you, hair dye exposed to sea water tends to fade and lose its initial bright color . This doesn't mean that if you have dyed hair you're doomed to have faded colors or stringy hair, but that – simply – you need to pay attention to its health.
How to protect dyed hair from seawater
So, don't be afraid to dye your hair in the summer : with the right precautions and the use of the right products, we can significantly reduce the harmful effects of salt water.
Before we begin with the advice, a note is in order: it's important to underline that the duration of the dye , regardless of the color, is closely linked to the health of the hair to which it is applied; on sensitive and dull hair, it's difficult for the dye to last long, don't you think? That's why, if you want to dye your hair before leaving , we recommend a trim : very light, really, but it will serve to strengthen your hair and rid it of damaged hair.
To preserve the health and beauty of your dyed hair, do this:
- Remember to rinse your hair with fresh water every time you leave the beach . This will prevent salt crystals from damaging the hair shaft, which can lead to discoloration and split ends.
- Avoid washing your hair every day : there's really no need because sea water helps keep your scalp clean. However, when you do, remember to use warm or cold water and perhaps alternate a full wash with a conditioner-only one.
- Use products specifically for color-treated hair : it seems like a trivial tip, but many still don't follow it. Bring along shampoo and conditioner for cleansing, such as Insight's Colored Hair Shampoo and Conditioner or products from the Alfaparf Milano Colore line.
- At least once a week , pamper your hair with a specific mask , like the one from Alfaparf , and before shampooing, use a specific hair oil, like almond or jojoba oil, to soften it.
- When you expose yourself to the sun and sea , it is essential to use an oil or fluid with a UV filter such as Fluide Chromatique by Kérastase to protect and nourish especially the ends, which are the part of the hair most affected by the harmful agents of sea water combined with the action of the sun.
Did you already know all these tips? How do you manage and protect your dyed hair? Always remember to protect it when you're out in the sun (even with a hat or bandana) and rinse it thoroughly: your hair will thank you.
