There’s nothing like the feeling of freshly colored hair, especially when it’s a beautiful, natural-looking balayage. But if you’ve ever stepped out of the salon glowing, only to find your hair dull, brassy, or dry after a few pool days, you’re not alone.
Summer’s sun and chlorine are major culprits behind color fade, dryness, and unwanted tone changes, especially for hand-painted highlights. For fashion-conscious women who value low-maintenance hair color with maximum style, keeping that soft, sun-kissed look intact through beach trips and backyard BBQs can be tricky.
If you’ve been wondering how to make your color last longer or keep those creamy, caramel tones from turning orange, this guide is for you. We’ll break down how to maintain your balayage, even in Scottsdale’s intense summer heat, without sacrificing your summer fun.
What Is Balayage?
Balayage is a hand-painted hair coloring technique that creates soft, blended highlights for a sun-kissed finish. Unlike traditional foil highlights, balayage doesn’t involve hard lines or noticeable regrowth. Instead, the color is swept onto the hair’s surface in a freehand technique, resulting in a more natural and effortless look.
It’s especially popular among those seeking low-maintenance hair color because it grows well. There are no harsh lines, just beautifully diffused dimension that looks amazing on every hair type.
Balayage is a flattering choice whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a summer vacation, or simply want to enhance your natural tone. But while it looks carefree, it still requires care, especially in the face of the sun and chlorine.
Benefits of Protecting Your Balayage from Summer Damage
Letting your balayage fend for itself in the summer is a fast track to brassiness, dryness, and even breakage. Here’s what protection does for you:
- Color longevity: UV rays and pool chemicals can strip your color fast. Protective steps preserve your hue and extend the time between salon visits.
- Shine and softness: Sun and chlorine leave hair dry and dull. Using the right products helps your balayage stay silky and luminous.
- Prevent brassiness: Those buttery tones can turn orange or yellow without protection. Shielding your strands maintains your ideal shade.
- Scalp and strand health: Hydration is key, especially in dry climates like Scottsdale, AZ. Proper care prevents brittle ends and a flaky scalp.
- More predictable grow-out: Healthy hair grows better. And with balayage, a well-maintained color means an even prettier fade as it grows.
Who Should Try This?
Protecting your balayage is crucial for anyone with hand-painted highlights, but some groups especially benefit:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, runners, and sunbathers—Scottsdale’s UV index isn’t forgiving.
- Frequent swimmers: Chlorine and salt water are harsh on colored hair. Even “blonde-safe” pools still pose a risk.
- Event-goers and brides-to-be: You’re planning for photos and want your color to be fresh and flattering.
- Women with blonde or light balayage: Lighter tones show damage and brassiness more easily.
- Anyone with dry or porous hair: Pre-existing dryness makes your hair more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
If you want natural-looking highlights without constant maintenance, protecting your balayage is part of the deal.
What to Expect: Summer Hair Care Strategy
Summer doesn’t have to mean skipping the pool or avoiding the sun entirely. A few key steps can go a long way in preserving your balayage.
Pre-Sun/Swim Prep
- Rinse hair before swimming: Saturating your hair with clean water reduces chlorine absorption.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or UV protectant: Consider it sunscreen for your hair.
- Use a swim cap or wear your hair up: Less exposure = less damage.
During Exposure
- Reapply UV sprays: Especially if you’re outdoors for hours. Many formulas are lightweight and won’t leave your hair greasy.
- Avoid heat styling: Let your hair rest when exposed to high temperatures.
Post-Exposure Care
- Clarifying shampoo once a week: Removes chlorine and minerals, but avoid daily use—it can dry.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: Preserves your color and keeps hair moisturized.
- Deep condition weekly: Hydration is everything in Scottsdale’s dry heat.
- Purple shampoo for blondes: Keeps yellow tones at bay and restores a superb finish.
In-Salon Touch-Ups
Plan to visit a balayage salon near you every 8–12 weeks for glossing treatments or toners that refresh your shade without complete coloring. For added brightness, partial highlights can be woven in mid-season.
FAQs: Balayage + Summer Concerns
Does chlorine strip balayage color?
Yes. Chlorine can cause color fading, dryness, and discoloration, especially in lightened sections. Pre-wetting your hair and using protective leave-ins helps minimize damage.
Can I go in the sun with balayage?
Yes, but UV rays can fade or warm up your tone. Use UV-protecting sprays or wear a hat to protect your color and scalp.
Will washing my hair less help preserve the color?
Overwashing fades color faster. Stick to 2–3 times per week and always use color-safe products.
Is purple shampoo safe for balayage?
Yes. It’s great for neutralizing brassiness, especially on blonde or caramel tones. Don’t overuse—1–2 times per week is plenty.
Can I touch up balayage at home?
Balayage in Scottsdale, AZ is a professional technique. Attempting it at home can lead to uneven color and damage. Instead, schedule a gloss or toner with a balayage specialist.
How to Protect Your Balayage from Sun and Chlorine
1. Use a UV-Protectant Hair Spray
Much like sunscreen for your skin, a UV spray shields hair from the sun’s color-fading rays. Use it before any outdoor activity—even a walk or errand.
2. Wet Hair Before Swimming
Soak your hair in clean water before diving into a pool or the ocean. This limits how much chlorine or salt water it can absorb.
3. Wear a Hat or Scarf
Stylish and smart. Physical barriers like wide-brimmed hats or silk scarves protect your strands without product buildup.
4. Use a Chlorine Removal Shampoo
Even a single pool session can leave behind mineral buildup. A gentle clarifying shampoo once a week helps maintain tone and softness.
5. Deep Condition Regularly
Hydration is non-negotiable. Use a salon-recommended deep conditioner or hair mask once or twice weekly to restore moisture and shine.
Ready to Get Started?
Balayage is meant to look effortless, but what is the secret to that effortless glow? A little bit of intentional care.
If you’ve recently had your color done or plan to schedule balayage in Scottsdale, AZ, don’t let summer steal your shine. Whether it’s sun exposure or pool time, there are simple ways to keep your highlights soft, natural, and beautifully blended.
Tabu Salon specializes in custom balayage that works with your lifestyle, not against it. From hand-painted placement to aftercare advice, you’ll walk out with a look that lasts and know exactly how to protect it.