The Ultimate Heatwave Hair Care Guide: Stop Sun Damage & Fading

When a UK heatwave hits, it's not just your skin that needs extra protection. Sun, sweat, humidity and heat can leave colour-treated hair feeling dry, frizzy and looking less vibrant.

The good news? You don't need to hide indoors until autumn. These simple heatwave hair hacks will help you protect your colour, manage frizz and keep your hair looking glossy all summer long.

How does a heatwave affect coloured hair?

UV exposure, heat and humidity can all take their toll on colour-treated hair. Prolonged sun exposure can contribute to colour fading, while hot weather and repeated washing can leave hair feeling dehydrated.

Sweat and humidity can also make frizz more noticeable, while your scalp may become oilier and more uncomfortable.

The answer is simple: protect, condition and reduce unnecessary heat.

Try the slicked-bun hair mask hack

Want a low-effort summer hairstyle that also gives your hair some extra TLC?

On a day when you're at home, try smoothing a suitable leave-in conditioner or styling treatment through the lengths before twisting your hair into a low bun or claw-clip style.

For a proper treatment, reach for the Josh Wood Colour Miracle Mask instead. It's designed as a five-minute deep-conditioning treatment and contains a UV filter to help protect colour from fading.

Protect your colour from summer fading

If you're spending lots of time outside, make UV protection part of your summer hair routine. A hat is an easy way to shield your hair and scalp from direct sunlight, while a UV-protective hair product can add another layer of defence.

The Josh Wood Colour Miracle Defence Mist is a handy option before styling. It helps protect against heat damage and colour fade, and provides heat protection up to 230°C.

And when your colour starts looking a little tired? That's where a gloss comes in.

How to fix brassy summer hair

Sun exposure can make unwanted warm tones more noticeable, particularly in blonde hair. Rather than reaching for permanent colour, try a toning gloss to refresh your shade.

Josh Wood Colour Gloss is a semi-permanent colour treatment that conditions while refreshing colour and shine. The Icy Blonde Gloss is designed to help remove brassy, warm tones, while other shades can enhance brunette or add warmth. Glosses last for up to six washes, making them an easy way to revive colour between colouring sessions.

Ditch the heat and embrace your natural texture

When the weather is already doing the heating, give your styling tools a break.

Instead of blow-drying or straightening, try:

• Air-dried waves with a lightweight styling product

• A loose low bun or claw-clip twist

• A relaxed braid for overnight waves

• A smoothing balm or hair oil to tame flyaways and frizz

For a little extra nourishment, Josh Wood Colour Miracle Hair Oil can be used as a detangler, frizz controller or styling refresher, as well as a pre-shampoo or overnight treatment.

These are easy heatless hairstyles for hot weather that keep hair off your neck without adding more heat.

Scalp care in a heatwave

Your scalp needs attention too. Sweat, oil and product build-up can leave it feeling uncomfortable during hot weather.

Wash when your scalp needs it, rinse thoroughly and avoid wearing very tight hairstyles for prolonged periods. And don't forget that your scalp can burn in strong sunshine — a hat is your best friend on particularly hot days.

Sweat-proof root touch-up

A sweaty heatwave isn't the ideal environment for temporary root cover, but a few simple tricks can help.

Apply your Josh Wood Colour Root Touch-Up to dry hair where possible, use a light layer, allow the product to set and apply a light layer of hair spray before touching or styling your hair.

Josh Wood Colour has several temporary options, including Root Smudge, Blending Brushes, Airbrush Root Touch-Up and Precision Colour Wand, so you can choose the format that works best for your type of regrowth.

If you've been sweating heavily, let your hair and scalp dry before attempting a touch-up. And remember, temporary root products are designed to wash out, so particularly sweaty or wet conditions may affect how long they last.

Your simple summer hair routine

You don't need a complicated routine to keep colour-treated hair looking great during a heatwave.

Protect: Cover your hair in strong sunshine and use a UV-protective product such as Josh Wood Colour Miracle Glossing water. 

Condition: Add a weekly treatment such as the Josh Wood Colour Miracle Mask.

Refresh: Use a suitable Gloss when colour starts looking dull or brassy.

Cool down: Swap heated styling for air-drying and heatless hairstyles.

Conceal: Keep a Root Touch-Up handy for quick regrowth fixes.

With a little extra protection and moisture, you can enjoy the sunshine without sacrificing your colour.

FAQs

How does a heatwave damage coloured hair?

Sun exposure, heat, humidity, sweat and frequent washing can contribute to dryness, frizz and colour fading. Coloured hair can be particularly vulnerable because chemical processing can already leave the hair more prone to dryness. Use Josh Wood Colour Dry & Damaged conditioner and shampoo as well as Miralce Mask once a week to help nourish and deeply hydrate your hair. 

Can I leave a hair mask in while styling my hair for the day?

Yes you can leave the Josh Wood Colour Miracle Mask all day and rinse before sleep for extra nourishment and hydration to your hair. 

How do I prevent temporary root touch-up from running when I sweat?

Apply your root touch-up to dry hair, use a light layer and allow it to set fully and lightly spray with hair spray of your choice. Avoid applying it to a sweaty scalp and remember that temporary colour is designed to wash out.

What is the best way to control frizz without blow-drying in hot weather?

Keep hair moisturised and work with your natural texture. Apply a lightweight leave-in product , smoothing balm or hair oil such as Josh Wood Colour Miracle Oil, then air-dry. Loose buns, claw clips, braids and air-dried waves are all great summer anti-frizz hair treatment and styling options without the need for heated tools.