7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Summer Hair Prep (and How Our Hair Salon in Concord NH Can Fix Them)
- atory8
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Summer in New Hampshire is unbeatable. Between trips to Lake Winnipesaukee and hiking the White Mountains, your schedule is packed. But while you’re stocking up on SPF 50 for your skin, your hair is often left out in the heat.
By the time August hits, many of our clients walk into The Color Lounge Salon & Spa with "summer straw": hair that is dry, brittle, and faded.
Preparation starts now. Here are the seven most common mistakes people make with their summer hair prep and how our expert stylists at our hair salon in Concord NH can save your strands.
1. SKIPPING HAIR SUN PROTECTION
THE MISTAKE You wouldn’t spend six hours at the beach without sunscreen, yet your hair is absorbing those same UV rays. UV exposure breaks down the protein structure of your hair and oxidizes your color. If you’ve noticed your expensive salon color turning brassy or "bleached out" by July, the sun is the culprit.
THE FIX Think of UV protection as insurance for your hair color.
Use a dedicated hair veil or UV-protectant spray.
Wear a stylish wide-brimmed hat.
Book a gloss treatment at our salon to seal the cuticle before peak season.
2. THE OVER-WASHING TRAP
THE MISTAKE Hot NH humidity leads to sweat. Sweat leads to more showers. Scrubbing your hair every single day with harsh detergents strips the natural oils that protect your scalp and hair shaft from the summer elements.
THE FIX
Switch to a professional-grade sulfate-free shampoo.
Try a "co-wash" (conditioner only) on off-days.
Use a high-quality dry shampoo to absorb oil without the water.
Need a product recommendation? Ask our team during your next visit. You can meet the team online to see who specializes in your specific hair texture.
3. JUMPING INTO THE POOL BONE-DRY
THE MISTAKE Dry hair acts like a sponge. If you jump straight into a chlorinated pool or the salty ocean with dry hair, your strands will soak up every chemical and mineral available. This is how blonde hair turns that dreaded "pool green."
THE FIX
Rinse your hair with fresh tap water before you swim.
Once it’s "saturated" with clean water, it can’t absorb the pool water.
Apply a leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil to create a waterproof barrier.
If the damage is already done, call us at 603-856-8057 for a clarifying treatment to lift those minerals out.
4. RELYING ON HEAT STYLING IN HUMIDITY
THE MISTAKE Using a 450-degree flat iron when it’s 90% humidity outside is a losing battle. You’re double-stressing your hair: once with the tool, and again when the moisture in the air causes it to frizz anyway.
THE FIX Embrace the "Style of the Day" approach. We love recommending 30 wearable hair trend ideas that work with your natural texture rather than against it.
Try air-drying with a professional smoothing cream.
Opt for "lived-in" waves.
Visit us for a professional blowout that lasts days, reducing your need for daily heat.
5. THE "TENSION" PONYTAIL
THE MISTAKE When it’s hot, the first instinct is to yank your hair back into a tight bun or ponytail. Doing this repeatedly: especially in the same spot: causes "mechanical breakage." You’ll notice short, flyaway hairs around your crown or hairline that never seem to grow.
THE FIX
Use silk or fabric scrunchies instead of rubber bands.
Experiment with loose braids or claw clips.
Switch up the placement of your pony to give your scalp a break.
For summer brides, we’re seeing a shift toward soft, loose styles. Check out our bridal styling trends for inspiration on how to look polished without the tension.
6. GHOSTING YOUR STYLIST UNTIL SEPTEMBER
THE MISTAKE Many people think, "I'll just get my hair cut after summer is over." By then, split ends have traveled inches up the hair shaft. What could have been a half-inch trim in June becomes a three-inch "rescue mission" in September.
THE FIX Maintain a regular schedule. A quick "dusting" every 6–8 weeks keeps the ends fresh and the shape intact.
Keep your layers light for the summer breeze.
Get a professional deep-conditioning treatment to combat sun dryness.
7. BRUSHING HAIR WHILE IT’S SOPPING WET
THE MISTAKE Hair is at its weakest when wet. The summer lifestyle involves a lot of "shower and go." Tearing a standard brush through wet hair causes snapping and split ends.
THE FIX
Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair.
Always start at the ends and work your way up to the roots.
Apply a detangling spray first to provide "slip."
Our colorists share more pro hair care secrets that can save you time and frustration during your morning routine.
STYLE OF THE DAY: THE SUMMER TRANSFORMATION
Ready for a big change? Summer is the perfect time for dramatic hair color transformations. Whether you’re looking to go from dark chocolate to honey blonde or want to try a vibrant "mercy mermaid" blue, our salon in Concord NH has you covered.
LIVED-IN COLOR If you want to spend your summer at the lake rather than in a salon chair, ask for "Lived-In Color." This technique mimics how the sun naturally lightens your hair, meaning your roots grow out seamlessly without a harsh line. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance summer look.
WHY THE COLOR LOUNGE?
Located in the heart of Concord, we specialize in making you look and feel your best. We don't just "do hair": we educate our clients on how to maintain their salon-fresh glow between visits.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
Precision Haircuts (Men, Women, & Kids)
Advanced Color Techniques (Balayage, Foilayage, Ombre)
Dramatic Transformations
Bridal and Event Styling
Luxury Spa Services
Check out our full gallery to see the work our talented stylists are doing right now.
READY TO PREP FOR SUMMER?
Don't wait for the humidity to win. Take control of your hair health today and enjoy a frizz-free, vibrant summer. Whether you need a simple trim or a complete color overhaul, our team at The Color Lounge Salon & Spa is ready to help.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
We do not offer online booking to ensure every client gets the exact time and service they need.
CALL US TODAY: 603-856-8057
THE COLOR LOUNGE SALON & SPA Your destination for the best hair in Concord, NH.
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