Central Otago’s summer is spectacular — long, hot days, intense blue skies, and some of the highest UV radiation in New Zealand. For colour-treated hair, this combination is a real challenge. UV breaks down colour molecules, dry heat strips moisture, and outdoor activity causes physical wear on the hair cuticle. Here’s how to keep your hair looking great through the Arrowtown summer.
UV Protection Is Non-Negotiable
Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin before going outdoors in Central Otago summer, your hair needs UV protection too. Hair sunscreen products — sprays or leave-in treatments with UV filters — significantly slow colour fade by blocking the UV-B radiation that breaks down colour molecules. Apply before going outside and reapply after swimming or towel drying. Moroccanoil’s Protect and Prevent Spray is our recommendation for daily summer use.
Swim Smart
Chlorine and salt water both affect colour-treated hair. Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water — saturated hair absorbs less pool or sea water. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before entering the water to create a barrier. After swimming, rinse immediately with fresh water and follow with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. A weekly mask is especially important during summer if you’re swimming regularly.
Reduce Heat Styling in Summer
In summer, your hair is already under thermal stress from the environment. Reducing additional heat from styling tools where possible helps maintain condition. Embrace air-drying where you can, or use a diffuser on a low heat setting. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant — Moroccanoil’s Perfect Defence spray is excellent — and use the lowest effective temperature setting.
Book a Summer Colour Refresh
A toner refresh and conditioning treatment mid-summer can make a significant difference to how your colour looks through the season. We’re at 6/14 Buckingham Street, Ballarat Arcade, Arrowtown — call 03 442 0515 to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Central Otago summer damage hair colour?
Yes — Central Otago’s summer UV levels are among the highest in New Zealand, and UV radiation is one of the primary causes of colour fade. Using a UV-protective hair spray before going outdoors is one of the most effective things you can do to maintain your colour through summer.
How do I protect my hair colour when swimming in summer?
Wet hair with fresh water before swimming, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil as a barrier, rinse immediately after swimming, and use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo. Deep condition weekly during summer if you’re swimming regularly.
Should I get my hair coloured before or after summer?
Either works, but getting a fresh colour before a long summer means it needs stronger maintenance. Scheduling colour mid-summer or at the end of summer can give you fresh colour going into autumn — the prime season in Arrowtown.
What’s the best hair product for Arrowtown summer?
Moroccanoil’s Protect and Prevent Spray is our top summer recommendation — it provides UV protection, heat protection, and helps control frizz in dry summer conditions. Apply daily before going outdoors.
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