Summer Vivids, Had Me a Blast

bright pink hair

Need some pro tips and tricks to avoid summertime fading on your vivid hair?

Nothing says summer like concerts, beach days, pool parties, festivals, and soaking up every second of sunshine. Unfortunately, your vivid hair feels the same way... and that's exactly the problem.

The biggest enemies of vibrant color are UV rays, chlorine, salt water, and heat. While a little fading is inevitable with semi-permanent color, a few simple habits can help keep your shades looking fresh all season long.

1. Keep Your Vivid Hair Out of the Sun (and the Water)

If there's one rule you remember this summer, remember this one: less sun and water exposure helps your color stay bold, bright, and beautiful for longer.

UV rays slowly break down color molecules, while chlorine and salt water can strip pigment surprisingly fast. If you’re spending the day outside, throw on a hat, rock a cute scarf like the main character in a ’60s movie, or tuck your hair into a bun or braid to help minimize direct sun exposure. If you're heading to the pool or beach, the best way to preserve your color is by keeping your hair out of the water.

2. Never Skip Heat Protection for Your Hair

hair primer

Heat protectant isn't just for blow dryers.

GDY Prime helps shield your hair from UV exposure and also helps protect against heat styling, making it a summer must-have. Spritz it on before heading outside for an extra layer of defense against the sun.

Think of it as sunscreen for your hair.

3. Refresh Your Hair Color Every Wash

color-depositing hair mask

The easiest way to keep your vivid hair looking fresh? Add color back every time you condition.

DYEposit adds a little pigment with every use, helping to maintain brightness between full color applications.

Don't see your exact shade? No problem.

Mix about half a tube of your favorite GDY semi-permanent color into a bottle of silicone-free conditioner. (Our favorite? GDY Rinse, of course.) You'll create your own custom color-depositing conditioner that helps keep your shade looking vibrant for weeks longer.

4. Watch Out for Sneaky Summer Stains On Your Hair

Not all fading comes from the sun.

Some sunscreens can leave blonde or light-colored hair with an unwanted orange or peachy tint, especially if they contain certain UV filters. We absolutely recommend protecting your scalp with sunscreen, but try to avoid getting it directly on your hair whenever possible.

On the other hand, chlorine can sometimes leave lighter hair with a green cast. The culprit isn’t technically the chlorine itself, but minerals like copper in pool water that can bind to the hair and cause discoloration.

This is why a little prevention goes a long way!

5. Turn the Temperature Down When Washing Your Hair

Hot water opens the hair cuticle, allowing color to escape faster.

When washing your hair, stick to cool or lukewarm water whenever you can. Your shower might be slightly less luxurious, but your color will stay brighter much longer.

The same goes for styling. Lower the temperature on your hot tools whenever possible, and always pair heat styling with a protectant like GDY Prime.

Hold onto your vivids like you hold on to the summer memories!

Summer adventures and vivid hair absolutely can coexist. It just takes a little extra TLC.

Protect your hair from the sun, put your hair up during swims, refresh your color with DYEposit, watch where your sunscreen lands, and keep the heat low. With just a few simple habits, your favorite GDY shades can stay bold, bright, and ready for every concert, road trip, and golden-hour selfie all season long.

Now go make some memories and let your color steal the spotlight!