Summer Hair Survival Guide: Summer Haircare for Color-Treated Hair and Extensions

capecodhairbyashlee
Jul 27
2 min read

Sunshine, beach days, salty air… Cape Cod summers are magic. But as dreamy as summer feels, it can be a little rough on your hair—especially if you’ve invested in color or extensions. That’s why we created this go-to guide for summer hair care for color-treated hair and extensions. At Salty Hair Collective, we’re all about keeping your hair looking just as gorgeous on Labor Day as it did in June.

So let’s talk strategy: here’s your official Summer Hair Survival Guide—no stress, just simple tips to protect your hair and keep that effortless, sun-kissed glow intentional, not accidental.

1. Sun Protection Isn’t Just for Skin ☀️

UV rays don’t just damage skin—they also break down the pigment in your hair, leading to faded color and dry, brittle strands. Blonde hair can turn brassy, brunettes go dull, and extensions? They dry out fast.

What to do:

Wear a hat or scarf when you’re out in peak sun.
Use a UV-protectant hair mist before heading outside (we’ll happily recommend our faves next time you’re in the salon!).
Keep your hair in a braid or bun to minimize exposure.

2. Salt Water ≠ Hydration (Sorry 😅)

Ocean water is full of minerals that dry out both natural hair and extensions. It can cause tangling, frizz, and buildup that’s hard to bounce back from—especially if you’re rocking extensions.

What to do:

Wet your hair with fresh water before you swim (your hair will absorb less salt).
Apply a leave-in conditioner or mask before the beach to create a barrier.
After swimming, rinse your hair ASAP—don’t wait until you get home!

3. Keep It Clean (But Not Too Clean)

It’s tempting to wash your hair every day in the summer, especially after beach or pool days—but over-washing can strip away your color and natural oils.

What to do:

Use a gentle, salon grade shampoo 2–3 times a week.
Rinse post beach or pool and condition your ends on in-between days.
Schedule a gloss session mid-summer to revive faded color.

4. Extensions Need Extra Love 💛

Extensions don’t have a scalp feeding them moisture, so summer can be especially drying. If you want them to stay soft and blend seamlessly, you’ll need to treat them like delicate fabric.

What to do:

Braid or secure them before swimming—no loose hair in the ocean or pool!
Use a deep conditioner weekly, focusing on the ends.
Sleep with your hair in a loose braid to prevent tangling.

5. Upgrade Your Showerhead (Game Changer)

If you're washing your hair with Cape Cod or South Shore water, the mineral content alone can mess with your color and make blondes look brassy fast. A filtered showerhead like AquaBliss is a must.

Why we love it: It reduces minerals, helps your products work better, and leaves your hair feeling softer—yes, even after a full beach day.

Final Vibe: Healthy Hair, Happy Summer 🌊

You can have your best hair days during beach season—it just takes a little extra love. With these easy routines for summer hair care for color-treated hair and extensions, your color will stay vibrant, your extensions soft, and your confidence high.

Need a mid-season refresh or personalized product recs? Stop by Salty Hair Collective—we’re here to keep your hair salty in the right way.