Whether you’re on Spring Break, summer vacation or just hitting the beach or pool, we’re here to help you protect your semi-permanent color and care for your hair. So before you throw on that Instagram-worthy swimsuit, take these easy steps to minimize damage, fading and dryness caused by UV rays and chlorine. Let’s dive in! 

Step 1. Rinse Off 

Before you dive in, follow this universal and important pool rule! Hitting the shower before you hit the water will actually help prolong the life of your oVertone hair color. That’s because saturating your mane with clean water makes it harder for chlorine, salt and other damaging chemicals to permeate your strands, strip away your color or turn your beach blonde hair chlorine green.

Step 2. Bust Out The Hair Oil

Grab your favorite protective hair oil (we recommend coconut, argan or camellia). Apply a light layer to freshly-rinsed strands, making sure to focus on dry or damaged ends. Doing this will create a protective barrier between your strands and pool (or salt) water.

Step 3. Take 5

After you apply the oil, give it at least five minutes to sink in. While you’re waiting on it, grab some waterproof sunblock and slather it all over your body to protect your gorgeous skin. 

Step 4: You Need a Hat, No Cap 

We’re not lying when we tell you that you need a pool lid, like stat. Throw on that adorable dad hat, baseball cap or a stylin’ oVertone Bucket Hat to shield your hair from color-zapping UV rays.

Bonus: It also protects your eyes and face.

Step 5: Stay Hydrated

If you’re hanging at the pool all day long, make sure you check in on your hair periodically!  If it’s feeling dry, apply more oil to your mane (and sunscreen to your body).

Step 6. Treat Your Strands to Some Post-Swim Love

When you’re done soaking up the sun, head straight to the shower and apply a nourishing hair mask or ultra-hydrating deep conditioning treatment (The Remedy anyone?) This will refresh your color, replenish any moisture that’s been lost and help repair fragile or processed hair.

Step 7: Tone It Up

If chlorine has turned your blonde hair green, don’t panic. Reach for our Pink Toning Conditioner and read this blog to get all the info you need on removing unwanted undertones from your mane. 

Got your own color-saving tips? Share them with community by dropping them in the comments.