G’day, hair lovers! If you’ve got long balayage locks – those gorgeous, sun-kissed highlights that look effortlessly beachy – you know how stunning they can be.
But come summertime in Australia, with our scorching sun, high UV index, salty ocean dips, and chlorine-filled pools, that beautiful colour can quickly turn brassy, faded, or downright dry and damaged.
Don’t worry, though – with a few smart habits and the right products, you can keep your balayage looking fresh and vibrant all season long.
Here are some inspo shots of long balayage hair that’s perfect for our Aussie summers:
Why Australian Summers Are Tough on Balayage Hair
Our summers are no joke – Australia’s UV levels are amongst the highest in the world. Those rays don’t just tan your skin; they fade your colour (especially lighter balayage ends), dry out strands, and make hair brittle. Add in saltwater stripping moisture and chlorine causing brassiness or even greenish tones in blondes, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster on already-processed long hair.
Top Tips for Protecting Your Long Balayage
1. Shield from the Sun
Treat your hair like your skin – protect it!
- Pop on a wide-brimmed hat or scarf when you’re out and about (bonus: super stylish at the beach).
- Use leave-in sprays with UV filters. Look for ones available at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, or salons – brands like Kérastase Soleil, Aveda, or Sun Bum are favourites down under.
2. Prep for Swimming
Whether it’s the ocean or the pool:
- Wet your hair with fresh water first – it absorbs less salt or chlorine.
- Slather on a conditioner, oil (like coconut), or dedicated pre-swim protectant as a barrier.
- Rinse thoroughly straight after, and use a clarifying shampoo weekly if you’re swimming heaps.
For blondes, keep an eye out for green tones from chlorine – a purple shampoo will sort that right out.
3. Washing and Hydration Routine
- Wash only 2-3 times a week to preserve natural oils and colour.
- Always go sulfate-free and colour-safe.
- Use cool or lukewarm water – hot water speeds up fading.
- Hydrate like crazy: weekly deep masks (argan oil, Olaplex, or K18), leave-in conditioners, and oils for frizz control in our humid weather.
4. Styling Smart
- Embrace air-drying and natural beach waves – less heat styling means less damage.
- If you must use tools, always apply heat protectant.
- Tie hair in protective styles to reduce breakage and exposure.
5. Maintenance Must-Dos
- Get trims every 8-12 weeks to snip split ends (long hair shows damage more).
- Balayage touch-ups every 3-6 months, depending on growth.
- Stay hydrated yourself – it helps your hair from the inside out.
If your hair’s feeling really knackered, head to your salon for bond-building treatments.
With these tips, your long balayage will survive – and thrive – through barbecues, beach days, and everything our Aussie summer throws at it. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the sunshine!
Experience Luxury Hair Perfection at La Libertine Hair in Sydney
Looking to take your hair care routine to the next level? Pair your Olaplex Nº.3 HAIR PERFECTOR® treatments with a visit to La Libertine Hair—Sydney’s premier salon for expert styling, customized treatments, and deep hydration services.
At La Libertine Hair, we believe that healthy hair is beautiful hair. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, color-treated strands, or simply want a fresh, salon-quality look, our experienced stylists are here to help. From precision cuts to expert coloring and luxurious hydration treatments, we’ll tailor every service to bring out your hair’s natural strength and shine.
Find Us: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, 161 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Call Us: +61 02 9592 0822
Email: info@lalibertinehair.com
Book Online: Click Here
Step into La Libertine Hair and let our team transform your hair with expertise, luxury, and the finest haircare products. Because your hair deserves nothing but the best!
There you have it, mates – your complete guide to keeping those long balayage locks looking absolutely stunning through the harshest Aussie summer. From slapping on a hat and UV protectant to rinsing off the salt and chlorine straight after a dip, these simple steps will help protect your colour, banish brassiness, and keep your hair hydrated and healthy when the heat and humidity are cranked up to eleven.
Remember, balayage is meant to look effortlessly sun-kissed, so don’t stress about perfection. A little natural texture and those beachy waves are part of the charm! With the right care, your hair won’t just survive the barbecues, beach days, and backyard cricket – it’ll thrive and turn heads all season long.
Stay sun-smart, keep hydrated (both you and your hair), and enjoy every bit of our beautiful Australian summer. Here’s to gorgeous, glowing balayage that lasts well beyond the long weekend!
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