Summer Hair Color in Massachusetts: How to Keep Your Color Vibrant All Season
By Dellaria Salons | May 2026
Summer in Massachusetts means beach days on the Cape, poolside afternoons, and long sunny evenings — but it can also mean faded hair color, brassy tones, and dry, damaged strands. Whether you just invested in a gorgeous balayage, refreshed your highlights, or are rocking a rich brunette, protecting your color through the summer months takes a little extra care.
At Dellaria Salons, our colorists across all 21 Massachusetts locations see the same summer color challenges every year. Here’s your guide to keeping your hair color vibrant, healthy, and salon-fresh from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Why Summer Is Tough on Hair Color
Three main culprits work against your color during summer:
UV exposure: Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to sun damage. UV rays break down the pigments in color-treated hair, causing fading, brassiness, and that washed-out look. Blondes tend to go brassy or yellow; brunettes can turn reddish or orange; and vivid fashion colors fade fastest of all.
Chlorine and salt water: Pool chlorine is a bleaching agent — it strips color and dries out the hair cuticle. Salt water has a similar dehydrating effect and can leave color looking dull. If you’ve ever noticed a greenish tint on blonde hair after swimming, that’s chlorine oxidizing copper deposits in the water.
Humidity: Massachusetts summers bring humidity that swells the hair cuticle. When the cuticle is raised, color molecules escape faster, leading to quicker fade. Humidity also causes frizz, which makes color look less polished even when it’s holding well.
5 Expert Tips to Protect Your Summer Hair Color
1. Start with the Right Color Formula
The best summer color protection starts in the salon chair. Talk to your colorist about formulas designed for longevity. At Dellaria, we often recommend slightly deeper or cooler tones heading into summer — they have more room to fade gracefully without going brassy. A balayage with a root melt, for example, grows out beautifully and requires less maintenance than an all-over color.
2. Use UV-Protective Products
Just like SPF for your skin, your hair needs UV protection. Look for leave-in conditioners, sprays, or serums with UV filters. Apply before sun exposure — especially before the beach, pool, or outdoor events. Your colorist can recommend products that work with your specific hair type and color.
3. Wet Your Hair Before Swimming
This is one of the easiest and most effective tricks: saturate your hair with clean water (or better yet, leave-in conditioner) before getting in the pool or ocean. Hair is like a sponge — if it’s already full of clean water, it absorbs less chlorine and salt. Rinse immediately after swimming and follow with a hydrating conditioner.
4. Wash Less, Condition More
Every wash strips some color. In summer, try to extend the time between shampoos using dry shampoo on off days. When you do wash, use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and always follow with a rich conditioner or weekly hair mask. The goal is to keep the cuticle sealed and hydrated so color stays locked in.
5. Schedule a Mid-Summer Gloss
A gloss or toner appointment in July can work wonders. It takes about 30 minutes, refreshes your tone, adds shine, and extends the life of your color without a full color service. Think of it as a tune-up — it corrects any brassiness or fading before it gets out of hand and keeps you looking polished through August and September.
Summer Color Trends We’re Seeing in Massachusetts
Beyond protection, here’s what our colorists are creating this summer:
Sunkissed balayage: Natural-looking, hand-painted dimension that mimics the way hair lightens in the sun. Low maintenance and grows out beautifully — perfect for busy summer schedules.
Honey and caramel tones: Warm, golden shades that complement summer tans and look stunning in natural light. These tones are forgiving as they fade and work well on both blondes and brunettes.
Rich brunette with subtle dimension: Not everyone wants to go lighter. We’re seeing clients embrace deep chocolate and espresso tones with just a hint of warmth or soft highlights around the face for movement.
Gray blending for a carefree summer: More clients are embracing their natural gray with blending techniques that reduce harsh grow-out lines. Summer is a great time to transition — the brightness and warmth are flattering.
Book Your Summer Color Appointment
Ready to get your hair summer-ready? Our colorists at all 21 Dellaria locations across Massachusetts are here to help — whether you’re looking for a fresh new color, a protective gloss, or just expert advice on maintaining what you’ve got.
Find your nearest Dellaria salon in Boston, MetroWest, the North Shore, or the South Shore and book your appointment today. Let’s make this your best hair summer yet.
