Does the Sun Lighten Your Hair? Here’s What You Need to Know This Summer

(And How to Protect Your Colour!)

Hair unprotected in sunlight causes damage even if it doesn't appear to be

We’ve all noticed it — spend a bit of time in the sun and suddenly your hair looks lighter, warmer, or just… different. But is it really the sun causing this? And if so, what does it actually do to your hair (especially when you’ve invested in a beautiful salon colour)?

🌞 The Science Bit – How the Sun Affects Your Hair

Just like the sun tans your skin, it also affects your hair — but in a completely different way.

When your skin tans, it’s because your body produces more melanin to protect it from UV damage. Hair, however, is made of dead keratin, so it can’t protect itself or regenerate pigment. UV rays break down the melanin in your hair, literally bleaching it out over time.

On natural hair, this can look like subtle sun-kissed highlights. On coloured hair, it often means fading, dullness, brassiness, or unwanted warmth — especially for blondes and brunettes.

💡 It Happens Faster Than You Think:

• Light or blonde hair: noticeable lightening within a few days to a week of daily sun.

• Medium to dark hair: takes longer but often fades warm or reddish.

• Coloured hair: fades faster because colour-treated hair is more porous.

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🚩 The Triple Threat:

The sun alone can cause fading, but pair it with salt water, chlorine, and wind, and it’s a recipe for:

✔️ Dryness

✔️ Frizz

✔️ Colour fade

✔️ Brittle, rough hair

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🔥 How to Protect Your Hair This Summer (Without Hiding Indoors!)

Davines SU Range: Nourishing hair and body products beautifully arranged with subtle beach elements, promoting sun protection and after-sun care.

💧 1. Use UV Protective Haircare

Just like your skin, your hair deserves sun protection. Our Davines SU Range is specifically designed for this:

• SU Hair Milk: A lightweight leave-in spray with UV filters that protects from the sun while keeping hair soft and hydrated. Pop it in your beach bag — it’s as essential as your sun cream.

• SU Hair & Body Wash: Perfect for rinsing away salt, chlorine, and product at the end of a sunny day.

• SU Hair Mask: Deeply nourishes and restores moisture to sun-exposed hair.

🎨 2. Choose Smarter Colour

Our new colour range, The Present Time, has been designed with modern lifestyles in mind — including summer living!

• It’s formulated with built-in UV protection, offering up to four weeks of defence against the sun’s fading effects.

• This means longer-lasting vibrancy, better tone retention, and healthier-looking hair even after time outdoors.

• Plus, it’s enriched with skin-care grade ingredients for hair that looks and feels incredible.

The sunhat, wide-brimmed and stylish, serves to protect her hair from the sun's rays while adding an elegant touch to her overall look.

👒 3. Accessorise for Protection

A wide-brim hat isn’t just a fashion statement — it’s the easiest way to physically block the sun from your hair. Add a silk scarf to protect your lengths from rubbing on sun loungers, salty skin, or wet swimsuits.

💆‍♀️ 4. Treat It Like You Mean It

In-salon treatments are your best friend. A monthly Davines Naturaltech treatment or gloss refresh helps restore moisture, smooth the cuticle, and revive your colour after UV exposure.

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⚠️ What About DIY Lightening Tricks?

Lemons in sunlight, showcasing their natural beauty and potential impact on hair health.

You might have heard about using lemon juice in the sun to lighten hair. Does it work? Yes — but it’s also one of the quickest ways to damage your hair. Lemon juice combined with UV strips moisture and compromises hair health, leading to breakage, dryness, and frizz. Leave the lightening to the professionals!

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🌟 In Summary — Yes, the Sun Lightens Your Hair, But…

It’s not always the kind of lightening you want! Whether you’re naturally blonde, brunette, or rocking a beautiful balayage, the sun can cause unwanted brassiness, dryness, and premature fading.

✅ The good news? With the right products — like the Davines SU range — and our new The Present Time colour with UV protection, you can enjoy the sunshine without sacrificing your hair health or your colour.

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✨ Need Advice? We’re Here to Help.

If you’re heading off on holiday or spending more time outdoors, pop into the salon. We’re always happy to recommend the right products for your hair and suggest a post-summer colour refresh or moisture-boosting treatment to keep your hair looking its absolute best.

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📍 Callisto Style – Hair, Beauty, Wellness – Built on Kindness and Honesty.

Rustic charm meets modern elegance in this salon, featuring a cozy wooden decor with neatly arranged hair care products and comfortable styling chairs, embodying the "callisto style" aesthetic.