Summertime and fresh blonde highlights go hand in hand. But as pretty as sunlit strands can be, the same sunshine can wreak havoc on your carefully curated color. Compared to darker shades, blonde hair is actually at a higher risk of UV and heat damage!
When you lighten your hair, the chemical process inherently strips away natural protective barriers, leaving strands extra porous and extra vulnerable — meaning UV rays can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft. The same goes for heat styling, which can further weaken freshly bleached strands, causing breakage, dryness, and accelerated color fading.
The good news? With the right protective strategies and color-safe products, you can keep your blonde looking salon-fresh all season long, no matter how much time you spend in the sun or styling!
Keep reading for six easy ways to shield your blonde locks against sun and heat damage this summer.
Tips for protecting blonde hair from UV rays and heat damage
Embrace hats
Your first line of defense against UV damage doesn't come in a bottle — it’s actually in your closet! Whether rocking a trendy bandana, a wide-brimmed sunhat, a quirky bucket hat, or a sporty baseball cap, the easiest way to avoid sun damage is to limit your exposure in the first place.
If that sounds excessive, think of sun protection for your hair as you would sun protection for your skin. If you wouldn’t spend hours in the sun without sunscreen, you should extend the same level of precaution to your hair.
Here’s to accessories that look fabulous and preserve your strands!
Sunscreen your hair part
Of course, you can’t wear a hat every moment of summer. When direct sun exposure is unavoidable, be sure to add SPF to your scalp!
The skin along the part line is particularly vulnerable to burning, especially for blondes. Lighter hair provides less natural protection than darker hair, but keeping this area safe is also vital to overall scalp health. When that area is damaged, your entire scalp can suffer from excess dryness, flaking, and overall irritation—factors that limit strong color maintenance.
You can use either scalp-specific sunscreen or a few dabs of regular facial sunscreen. If you still feel sunscreen buildup on your head after showering, use our clarifying Clear It Up® Shampoo to scrub away the residue.
Prioritize moisturizing formulas
Did you know that hydrated hair holds onto color better and withstands environmental stressors more effectively than dry hair? When strands are properly moisturized, they're less likely to become porous, which leads to extra absorption of UV rays.
Enter our fan-favorite Moisture collection! From Moisture Shampoo to Moisture Conditioner, Moisture Masque to Moisture Styling Crème, each formula is specifically designed to deliver lightweight hydration that strengthens color-treated hair without weighing it down. Together, they restore and maintain optimal moisture levels, creating a protective barrier that helps your blonde stay vibrant and healthy-looking, regardless of the weather.
Remember, healthy hair is the best canvas for beautiful color!
Ramp up the purple products
Blondies, we don’t have to tell you twice: brass is every blonde’s biggest nemesis. And a key cause of excessive brass? You guessed it — UV rays and heat damage.
That’s why the cool pigments of purple-toned products are extra important for warding off unwanted orange and yellow tones this time of year. Our Daily Blonde Shampoo and Blonde Conditioner are excellent places to start, but you can also turn your favorite Colorproof formula into a toning tool with Blonde Toning Drops. Add as many drops as you need to tame your tone, and be sure to mix well!
For even more toning power, turn to our Weekly Blonde Masque for extra pigmentation.
When it comes to blond maintenance, remember that preventing brass is always easier than correcting brass, so we recommend adding these to your routine ASAP!
Apply heat protectant, even if you’re heat styling
Blondes already know that heat protection is non-negotiable for lightened hair. After chemically processing strands in the salon, even moderate heat can cause breakage, dryness, and rapid color fading.
If you’re not already using heat protection before styling, you’re overdue to add it to your routine! However, even on days when you’re heading outdoors without using a heat tool, our heat protectants can also help fight damage from UV rays.
Here’s everything we formulate at Colorproof with heat protection up to 450 degrees:
- Plush Locks Leave-In Smooth
- Moisture Styling Crème
- Super Plump® Whipped Mousse
- Lift It® Mousse
- Biorepair Thicken Blow Dry Spray
- Volume Blow Dry Spray
- Essential Leave-In
Choose the formula that aligns with your styling goals — whether you need smoothing, volume, or lightweight protection — and apply it daily this summer.
Reduce your hair wash days
Although all Colorproof shampoos are safe for daily use, reducing the frequency of washing your hair can help support natural sun and heat protection. By extending the time between wash days, you allow your scalp's natural oils to nourish and protect your strands, helping avoid overdrying — a major factor in color fading.
If daily shampoo is a must, focus the formula on the scalp instead of the ends, and try using lukewarm or cool water instead of hot.
Here’s to bright blonde shades all summer long! We love seeing Colorproof in action, so tag us on Instagram and TikTok using #ColorproofHair to show off your latest shade.
See you there!
Xx,
Colorproof
