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Are you a hairdresser or plant-based colorist with clients heading off on vacation soon? Wondering whether they should refresh their color before they go, how plant-based dyes react to sun, seawater, or chlorine, and what advice to give to help maintain vibrant, naturally colored hair? This complete guide will help you answer all their questions… and boost their loyalty in the process!
Absolutely! Plant-based hair color is perfectly compatible with summer holidays. Unlike chemical dyes, it contains no oxidants or ammonia and coats the hair fiber instead of altering it. The result? Stronger, healthier hair that’s better protected from external aggressors like sun, wind, salt, and chlorine.
If your client is deciding between a chemical or plant-based color before going on vacation, plant-based is the way to go : it strengthens the hair instead of weakening it.
Seawater and pool chlorine can affect how well hair color holds, mainly because of their drying effect. It’s not the pigments themselves that are directly impacted, but rather the hair, which becomes more fragile and less able to retain color. As a result, the tone may fade more quickly.
Some plant-based powders, like indigo, may also undergo slight oxidation when exposed to saltwater or chlorine, subtly altering the undertone of the color.
The good news? These effects can be easily minimized with a proper protection routine, especially before and after each swim.
That’s why, as a plant-based colorist or hair professional, it’s essential to educate your clients on the right habits and care products to use when they’re planning a holiday.
Oxidative hair color, while more penetrating, tends to fade more quickly under UV rays, especially red and copper shades. Since it already weakens the hair, making it more porous and dry, the hair becomes even more vulnerable to summer damage. In this weakened state, it struggles to retain color effectively.
Plant-based color, on the other hand, binds to the surface of the hair, coating it with a protective layer. The hair is therefore nourished, strengthened, and shielded. Because it’s in better condition, it holds onto the color much more effectively.
However, keep in mind that even though plant-based color generally lasts longer than oxidative dyes, this only holds true if it’s well maintained. Without proper care, any color, natural or chemical, will inevitably fade.
As a hair colorist, your job doesn’t end when the coloring is done, even if many people think so. Your role also involves guiding and advising your clients on how to care for their plant-based color so it stays vibrant and beautiful for as long as possible.
In summer, especially when clients are heading off on vacation, the advice you give should shift a little. Sun, seawater, and chlorine can all affect the color, so it’s important to tailor your recommendations to each situation.
Make it a habit to ask if they’re going on holiday and what activities they have planned. For example, knowing whether they’ll be swimming is key to offering the right care tips and suggesting the most suitable products.
UV rays can damage the hair cuticle and, over time, affect color vibrancy if left unprotected. Applying a light layer of vegetable oil, like jojoba oil, which has natural sun-protective properties, helps shield the hair and minimize sun-related damage.
Wearing a scarf, hat, or cap is one of the most effective ways to protect natural hair color from the sun’s harmful effects. This type of physical barrier not only preserves the color, it also prevents sunstroke. It’s a win-win: your health and your hair stay protected!
The sun dries out hair, leaving it brittle and more vulnerable. Just like you apply after-sun lotion on your skin, it’s essential to pamper your hair after sun exposure with a deep nourishing treatment.
A natural shea butter mask, enriched with castor oil and aloe vera, is ideal for reversing sun damage. Its repairing, healing, and soothing powers help regenerate the hair fiber and keep color rich and vibrant for longer.
Seawater can have unwanted effects on the longevity of plant-based hair color. Salt dehydrates the hair, and the higher pH of seawater compared to that of hair lifts the cuticles, making color less stable. These effects apply just as much to plant-based color as they do to oxidative color.
Chlorinated pool water causes similar issues: chlorine is aggressive and drying. Its oxidizing effect can lighten the hair fiber and dull the color. That’s why protecting the hair properly is essential to prevent fading, color shifting, or damage.
Here are the right habits to minimize the impact of salt and chlorine on colored hair:
When in contact with seawater, the hair’s cuticles open, weakening the hair fiber and reducing color longevity. Applying a protective oil like Renovator or Repair before swimming seals in moisture and creates a shield: the salty water attacks the oil layer first, rather than penetrating directly into the hair and damaging the color.
Distribute the oil evenly from roots to ends to fully protect the hair.
Even after getting out of the water, wet hair continues to react to salt or chlorine. That’s why it’s crucial to rinse thoroughly with clean water right after every swim.
Afterward, wash the hair every evening, yes, even daily if needed. Seawater is too harsh to leave on the hair without causing damage.
A very gentle shampoo, like Sensity or Daily Clean, allows for daily washing without stripping or harming the hair.
Swimming in the sea, ocean, or pool inevitably dries out the hair. And dry hair doesn’t hold onto color well. The healthier the hair, the longer the color lasts, which is why the summer hair routine should be richer in hydration and nutrition than usual.
For example:
Use a moisturizing conditioner like Sweet Care.
Add a pre-shampoo oil treatment with Renovator, rich in repairing oils (and practical: it can also be used as a pre-sun protector, two uses in one!).
To boost shine and prolong color, Renovator can be enriched with a matching essential oil synergy:
Good to know: Renovator combined with color synergies enhances shine and extends the vibrancy of both plant-based and oxidative hair color.
Hydrating and nourishing are key for vibrant color, but sealing that hydration inside the hair fiber is just as important. That’s where conditioner plays a vital role.
For frequent swimmers, Sweet Care is the perfect choice: it delivers a deep moisture boost and helps maintain softness and flexibility.
Its certified organic formula is fully compatible with plant-based color, making it a summer essential.
Use the vacation period to highlight your salon’s signature care rituals alongside color services:
This simple, effective routine helps your clients enjoy their holidays without compromising the beauty of their hair color.
