The Colour Perfect

Summer living means days of glorious sunbathing, swimming and general outdoor revelry. Just don't expect your hair to love it as much as you do! Hair that's been coloured is particularly prone to fading just when your social life really gets glowing – unless you take these steps to keep it as vibrant as you.

SMART START
Start the summer season with a visit to a hairdresser to trim split ends. Hairstylist Fernanda Baktawer of Hair Images in Johannesburg suggests you also have a deep-nourishing treatment to seal in moisture. Stock up on good-quality, salon-approved products – such as those by ghd or KMS – to keep hair in peak condition.

MASK FORCE
Before swimming in salt or chlorinated water, coat your hair with a protective mask such as ghd indulgence Treatment Weekly Conditioning Mask (R250) or Kerastase Masque Chroma Reflect Treatment Masque (R256). If you don't have any products at hand, simply wet your hair with tap water before going into the sea or pool, says East London hairstylist Lynette Levertson, who was named the 2005 Ethnic Stylist of the Year. 'This way your hair doesn't soak up too much salt or chlorine.'

LIFEGUARDS
Think how parched a day in the sun can leave your skin feeling and you'll realise how dehydrating it is for hair too – especially hair that's been subjected to a chemical treatment. 'UV rays don't only dry out hair – they also lighten it,' says hairstylist Colette di Iorio of Jeauval Hair Salon in Johannesburg. If hair is colour-treated, the sun bleaches the pigment, making the colour look dull.

To prevent this, protect your hair with sunscreen. 'Look for products with specially added UV filters,' advises Di Iorio. These absorb the sun's energy before it can penetrate the hair shaft and damage the pigment. GOOD TO TRY: L'OréaI Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo (R34,95), which contains sun-protective UV filters to prevent colour fading, and Paul Mitchell Color Protect Daily Conditioner (R132), which acts as a buffer against the sun and nourishes brittle strands.

THE SHINING
Hair will naturally go lighter in summer. Resist the urge to highlight it further with peroxides or lemon juice – they'll just leave hair lacklustre and brittle. If you find your shine fading, go for styling aids with added silicone. 'Apply a spray-on, leave-in conditioner to towel-dried hair directly after conditioning,' says Di lorio. GOOD OPTIONS: Jeauval Protect Spray (R106) and Alberto VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel (R28).

Remember too that dull hair could be the result of excessive product build-up. Use a clarifying shampoo that removes product residue without taking away any moisture, such as KMS California Headremedy Clarify Shampoo (R132).

Also pay attention to the pH balance of your hair. 'Good-quality products have a pH of between 4,5 and 5,5 to match the hair's natural pH,' says Di Iorio. Check with your stylist that the pH of your products is suitable for your hair type. ALSO GOOD: L'Oréal Elvive Colour Refresh Enhancing Masque (R89,95), which rejuvenates dull colour, and Pantene Pro-V Expressions Colour Intensive Treatment (R44,99), which enhances hair's natural shine.

TIPS FOR LONGER-LASTING SUMMER COLOUR:
• During summer, use only shampoos and conditioners with built-in UV protection. Ingredients to look out for: polyquaternium 59, cinnamidopropyltrimonium chloride or benzophenone.
• If you've run out of sunscreen for your hair, use the one you've bought for your body – it will work too. Ideally, mix a dollop of sunscreen with an equal amount of conditioner before applying it straight to the hair and scalp.
• If you spend a lot of time in the sun, limit the amount of heat styling you subject hair to – it's under enough stress already. Rather spritz hair with a texturising spray after showering and let it air-dry.
• The ends of your hair are the most hard-hit by sun damage. Go for a fortnightly trim during summer to get rid of damaged, dehydrated tips.

Author: Lesleigh Kivedo