Hair Color & Sun-Fading
A: It is actually a very valid concern. Your neighbor gave you excellent advice. Especially with certain colors - such as reds - the color is highly prone to fading with exposure to the sun. However, lighter blondes and even darker brunette tones will also lose their richness and look brassy or dull over time when exposed to UV rays.
Sunlight doesn't just fade artificial hair color; it also structurally damages the hair itself through a process called photo-oxidation. UV rays degrade keratin (the protein that gives hair its strength) and strip away the hair's natural, protective fatty-acid layer. This leaves the hair feeling rough, looking dull, and becoming more prone to split ends. Since color-treated hair has already undergone a chemical process that makes it more porous, it is significantly more vulnerable to this dryness and fading than untreated hair.
In the case of the swimming pool, the addition of chlorine makes the fading much worse. Chlorine is an oxidizing agent that actively breaks down artificial color pigments while stripping away moisture. Hard water minerals can also leave deposits on the hair that mask your true color and make it look muddy or brassy.
If you swim, always wet your hair with clean tap water before getting into the pool. Think of your hair like a sponge: if it is already saturated with clean water, it will absorb far less of the chlorinated pool water. Rinsing your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming is also a crucial habit to wash away residual chemicals.
To combat the problem, consider using a swim cap in the pool, or a scarf, hat, or other head covering when out in the sun. Physical barriers like hats are the absolute best defense because they completely block UV rays from reaching the hair fiber. Wide-brimmed hats are especially helpful because they protect both your hair and your scalp from sun damage.
You should also look for shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and styling sprays that contain UV filters and are formulated specifically for color-treated hair. While a UV spray acts as an excellent secondary shield, it is most effective when paired with a hat, as it can be difficult to coat every single strand of hair evenly.
Another simple way to preserve your color is to avoid washing your hair more often than necessary; especially during the first 48 to 72 hours after your appointment, while your hair cuticle is still settling. Frequent shampooing gradually lifts and removes color pigments. When you do wash your hair, use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water. Cool water keeps the hair cuticle flat and sealed, which effectively locks the color molecules inside.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Sun block for hair
Hair and sun exposure
How to make hair color last longer
Hair that becomes lighter when exposed to the sun and how to prevent this