Ever notice your hair gets lighter in the summer? Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. There’s a key reason hair often appears naturally highlighted during the warmest season: the sun.
Hair can shift from brown to light brown, light brown to blonde, or from blonde to a much lighter shade. Even color-treated hair isn’t immune as sun exposure can lead to noticeable discoloration.
Explore the science behind summer lightening, and learn how to support your strands with intention, so they stay healthy, radiant, and distinctly yours.
Why Does Hair Get Lighter in Summer?
As the warmer months roll in, our bodies naturally crave sunlight and the boost of Vitamin D it provides. With more time spent outdoors, the combination of sun exposure, heat, and environmental elements contributes to the natural lightening of our hair.
Sunshine offers more than just a mood lift. It plays a quiet role in how our hair evolves through the season, as the sun’s UV rays break down melanin (the pigment responsible for your hair’s color), causing it to lose pigment and appear lighter.
While many of us enjoy the sun-kissed look, it’s important to remember that sun exposure, along with chlorine and saltwater, can take a toll on your hair. These elements can strip moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and brittleness.
Understanding this seasonal cycle is the first step toward caring for your hair with intention, preserving its integrity while embracing the beauty of change.
Expert Insight:
“With summer starting, I usually recommend my guests use the Goldie Locks® Signature Serum or the Blow Dry Spray, because the longer you’re outside, the UV rays eat up the color on the extensions, making them dull and cause them to fade.” – Gabe Perez
How Sun and Heat Contribute to Hair Lightening
Melanin is the natural pigment responsible for hair color. Unlike skin, hair does not regenerate melanin once it’s exposed to sunlight; the pigment loss is permanent until the hair grows out or is trimmed.
During the summer, high temperatures and humidity cause the hair cuticle to lift and expand slightly. This makes it easier for the sun’s UV rays to penetrate the hair shaft and break down melanin more effectively while contributing to noticeable lightening.
As melanin degrades, the hair loses its original hue, often appearing lighter, duller, and become more fragile due to moisture loss.
Thoughtful protection is key.
Here are a few expert-backed ways to safeguard your hair from sun and heat exposure:
1. Use Hats and Scarves:
Covering your hair with a wide-brimmed hat or scarf is one of the easiest and most effective ways to shield it from harmful UV rays.
2. Avoid Peak Sun Hours:
Try to stay out of direct sunlight during peak UV hours (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to minimize exposure and potential damage.
3. Use Hair UV Protectant:
Protect your hair from sun damage and environmental stressors with Goldie Locks® Signature Leave-In Conditioner. It acts as a lightweight barrier to shield your strands while keeping them hydrated and smooth.
4. Use Heat Protectants:
Before using hot tools, apply Goldie Locks® Blow Dry Spray to minimize heat damage and prevent cuticle lifting. It’s a must-have for safe styling.
5. Deep Condition:
Restore lost moisture and improve elasticity by deep conditioning once a week with Goldie Locks® Signature Hair Mask. It nourishes dry, sun-exposed hair and helps maintain softness and shine.
7. Get Regular Trims:
Frequent trims help remove sun-damaged ends, refresh your hair’s look, and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
Expert Insight:
“I live for summer time and any chance I get I’m hanging at the pool! There are two Goldie Locks® products that are always in my pool bag to keep my hair hydrated, detangled and protected from sun damage. I always make sure I have Goldie Locks® Smoothing Cream to protect from the UV rays and to rehydrate and rejuvenate my hair. And Goldie Locks® Signature Leave-In Conditioner is a must to help detangle and add that moisture back in!! Pro tip cocktail these two products together for the most magical shiny and hydrated hair.” – Lisa Stafford
Additional Factors That Fade Hair Color
It’s not just the sun that shifts your hair’s tone, chlorine and saltwater play a role, too.
Together, these elements can amplify the lightening effects of UV exposure. Chlorine and saltwater work by breaking down keratin, stripping natural oils, and fading color pigments, leaving hair more vulnerable to dryness, dullness, and breakage over time.
To help preserve your hair’s strength and shine throughout swim season, consider these thoughtful practices:
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Soak Hair in Freshwater
Before entering the pool or ocean, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water. Saturating your strands reduces their ability to absorb chlorine or salt. -
Wear a Swim Cap
For maximum protection, wear a snug-fitting swim cap. It creates a physical barrier between your hair and the water. -
Rinse Immediately After Swimming
As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to wash away residual chlorine or salt that can continue to cause damage. -
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner
Use a leave-in conditioner before swimming. It forms a protective barrier that limits chemical absorption and helps maintain moisture. -
Use Clarifying Shampoo
Cleanse away buildup from pool chemicals and minerals with Goldie Locks® Clarifying Shampoo once a week. It refreshes your scalp and hair without stripping essential moisture.
What Does It Mean When Your Hair Gets Lighter?
Though the sun can lighten hair through the process of melanin breakdown, this is a completely natural reaction, not necessarily a sign of severe or irreversible damage.
In fact, if you’re looking for a seasonal transformation that can add soft dimension and a golden warmth, any dryness or dullness can typically be managed with the right hydration, conditioning, and protective care.
On the other hand, if you prefer to restore or deepen your original hair tone, a semi-permanent dye is a gentle, commitment-free option that can revive faded color without damaging your strands.
Final Thoughts
Hair care during the summer may require a bit more creativity, but with a flexible routine and a proactive approach to protection, you can fully enjoy the season while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
With care and the right products, you don’t have to choose between sunshine and strong, beautiful hair. Enjoy the warmth and embrace the glow, while you let your hair thrive all summer long.