Summer in Florida and the Tampa Bay area means sunshine, beach days, pool afternoons, boating, and plenty of time outdoors. While we all love the Florida lifestyle, the combination of UV rays, humidity, chlorine, and salt water can leave your hair feeling dry, dull, faded, and damaged if it isn’t properly cared for.

Whether your hair is natural, color-treated, highlighted, or you wear extensions, adjusting your hair care routine for the season will help keep your hair healthy and beautiful between salon visits.

Caring for Natural Hair

Even if your hair isn’t colored, summer can strip away its natural moisture, making it more prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

To keep your hair healthy:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
• Deep condition once a week to restore hydration.
• Limit heat styling whenever possible.
• Wear a hat when you’re spending extended time in the sun.
• Rinse your hair with fresh water before and after swimming to help reduce chlorine and salt absorption.

Healthy hair starts with hydration, especially during the hottest months of the year.

Caring for Color-Treated Hair

If you’ve invested in beautiful salon color, summer is when it needs the most protection. Sun exposure, chlorine, and salt water can all contribute to fading and dryness.

To protect your color:

• Choose sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
• Wash your hair less frequently when possible.
• Use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or UV protectant before spending time outdoors.
• Keep up with your gloss or toner appointments to maintain vibrant, shiny color.

If you wear OWAY organic hair color, proper home care will help keep your color looking rich and radiant long after you leave the salon.

Caring for Blonde, Bleached & Highlighted Hair

Blonde and highlighted hair requires extra attention during the summer because lightened hair is naturally more porous and can become dry or brassy more quickly.

For your healthiest blonde:

• Use a moisturizing hair mask once or twice a week.
• Incorporate purple shampoo as recommended by your stylist.
• Always use a heat protectant before blow drying or styling.
• Schedule regular trims to prevent split ends.
• Protect your hair from prolonged sun and chlorine exposure whenever possible.

Keeping blonde hair hydrated is one of the best ways to maintain shine, softness, and brightness throughout the season.

Caring for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions require a little extra TLC during the summer months. Chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and humidity can all affect both the hair and the longevity of your extensions.

Our favorite extension care tips include:

• Brush gently throughout the day using an extension-safe brush.
• Braid your hair before swimming or spending the day on the boat to help prevent tangles.
• Rinse your hair immediately after swimming in chlorine or salt water.
• Avoid getting sunscreen on your extensions whenever possible. Sunscreens containing Avobenzone and Octocrylene can react with minerals in water and cause blonde or lighter-colored extensions to develop unwanted pink, peach, or orange discoloration.
• Never go to bed with wet extensions.
• Stay on schedule with your maintenance appointments to keep your extensions looking beautiful all summer long.

A little extra care goes a long way in protecting your investment.