A Gold Coast summer is hard on blonde hair. Between beach days, backyard pools and UV that rarely lets up, the colour you paid for can turn brassy, dry or even green within weeks. Here's how our colourists in Oxenford and Upper Coomera keep blonde clients bright all summer.
Why blonde changes colour in summer
- Sun. UV breaks down the toner that keeps blonde cool and soft, so warm, brassy tones start to show.
- Salt water. Salt draws moisture out of the hair. Lightened hair is more porous, so it dries out faster and feels rough.
- Chlorine. Pool chemicals react with minerals such as copper in the water, and porous blonde hair absorbs them. That's what turns blonde green.
Before you swim
- Wet your hair with fresh water first. Hair that's already full of clean water soaks up less salt and chlorine.
- Comb through a leave-in conditioner or protective cream. It acts as a barrier on the surface of the hair.
- Tie it up. A braid or bun keeps the lengths out of the water and the sun.
- Wear a hat on long beach days. It's the simplest UV protection there is.
After you swim
- Rinse straight away with fresh water, even just at the beach shower.
- Wash with a gentle shampoo made for lightened hair. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière ($48) cleanses without stripping.
- Condition every time. Blond Absolu Cicaflash Fondant ($57.75) restores softness to dry, lightened hair.
Your weekly blonde routine
- Neutralise brassiness once a week. Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet ($48) is a purple shampoo that cancels yellow tones. Using it every wash can make blonde look dull, so once or twice a week is enough.
- Mask once a week. Blond Absolu Masque Ultra-Violet ($75) treats and tones in one step.
- Seal the ends. A few drops of hair oil, like Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale ($88.50), smooth sun-dried ends and add shine.
- Repair overnight. Blond Absolu Night Serum ($74.25) works while you sleep.
Shop the full Kérastase Blond Absolu range. All Kérastase is 25% off in our online store, with free standard shipping over $200 or free pickup from either salon.
When to book a toner refresh
If your blonde looks yellow or flat four to six weeks after your colour, a toner or gloss brings it back without a full colour appointment. Toner and gloss start from $60, and we can add one to any blonde booking. See all our colour services and prices.
Book your pre-Christmas blonde early
December is our busiest month. If you want fresh blonde for Christmas parties or New Year's Eve, book your colour and toner by late November so you can get the time you want.
- Oxenford: (07) 5519 4799. Book online in Oxenford
- Upper Coomera: (07) 5573 7744. Book online in Upper Coomera
Summer blonde FAQs
Why is my blonde hair turning green?
Chlorine reacts with minerals in pool water, and porous blonde hair absorbs them. Wet your hair with fresh water before swimming and rinse straight after.
Why does my blonde hair turn brassy so fast?
UV and heat break down the toner in blonde hair, which uncovers warmer tones underneath. A weekly purple shampoo and a toner refresh every four to six weeks keep it cool.
How long does toner last on blonde hair?
Usually four to six weeks. Sun, swimming and frequent washing shorten that, especially in summer.
Does salt water damage blonde hair?
Salt water dries lightened hair out because it pulls moisture from the hair. Rinse it out after swimming and condition every wash.
