Protecting your hair color

So my Miami trip is only a few days away (followed up very closely by my annual girl's trip to VA Beach) and I have this fun new hair color from Aura.  I went considerably lighter for my upcoming beach trips, so I'm definitely concerned with protecting my color from sun, sand, and saltwater.  

My new highlights!

It’s a MUST to protect your hair color all the time, but during the summer months it’s important to ramp up your color protection prowess.  These are the items I’m putting my trust in to protect my color whilst I’m basking in the Miami sun this weekend.


L’Oréal Professionnel INOA Colorcare:

When L’Oréal Professionnel came out with its INOA (Innovation No Ammonia) hair color for salons, it was only natural that they’d follow up with INOAColor Care - a trio of at-home products that helps maintain the beautiful color you just paid for. The collection consists of a Sulfate-free shampoo ($25), conditioner ($25), and masque ($33), all of contain Argan Oil and Green Tea Extract. The Argan Oil helps to keep a lipid barrier on the outside of the hair shaft, protecting the color and the moisture content of the strands. Green Tea Extract is a natural antioxidant that helps maintain color without oxidation. These products are out in August, just in time to start repairing those damaged summer tresses, but with enough time to protect color in summer’s hottest month.


Living Proof Restore Revitalizing Spray With Heat & UV Defense ($26)-

This little gem is amazing for so many reasons. The most important reason is that the Living Proof scientists discovered a way to restore the protective layer of hair, and protecting against further damage to the hair cuticle. So unlike other sprays on the market that protect the hair, this one is actually repairing previous damage as well. Also super important, the spray is SO lightweight. You can’t possibly use too much. Well maybe you can, but you can really douse your head with this stuff and not look greasy. In fact, the Living Proof molecule, PolyFlouroEster, helps repel the nasty stuff so it might even extend your time between washes. I think the spray is fantastic to begin with, but the fact that it helps protect against heat styling and UV rays makes it perfect for the summer months when hair is under attack from sun, sand, heat, wind, you name it. You see immediate results with this stuff, but hair is also healthier over time. For you gotta-have-it-now types, you’ll fall in love with the weightless shine that you get from the very first use.


Tigi Hair Reborn Colour Protecting Conditioning Tonic ($30)-

This is my new spray-on-damp-hair-and-go product. Tigi’s Hair Reborn line (available in salons) uses a new Hyper-Distillation technology that purifies and concentrates their ingredients to give effective results. This particular product from the line is meant to treat the many issues you can have after hair coloring, like lack of moisture, scalp sensitivity, and most importantly, color fading. Aloe Vera soothes the scalp after coloring, humectants provide moisture and heat protection, and Babassu Oil adds even more moisture. Tigi’s MicroMarine Compound protects hair color from oxidation, but this natural extract also provides self-adjusting hydration to the hair. This means that hair won’t feel weighed down or greasy. The Honeysuckle & Watermint fragrance is unique and fresh. Anyone who colors their hair, or even wants to protect their natural color, will appreciate the softness this helps you achieve.