Brassy Highlights, Fried Strands and More—Solutions to Your Post-Summer Hair Issues

While spending hours enjoying the warmth of the summer sun felt amazing at the time, your hair has definitely reaped some of the damage. Here are five fixes for your most common end-of-summer hair issues, to get your tresses back on track.

Problem: After many dips in the pool, there's a gross amount of mineral buildup in your hair.

Solution: Constant exposure to chlorine can cause your locks to look dull and feel dry. (There's a reason to wear a swim cap!) "Your best bet is a clarifying shampoo," says Wella Professionals Lead Color Ambassador Aura Friedman. "The more buildup you have, the longer you should leave it on before rinsing." For example, if your locks have a visible greenish tint, try leaving it on for around five minutes. Try Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo; $2.19.

Problem: Tons of sunlight has caused your hair color to fade.
Solution: "The best way to richen up sun-bleached strands is a gloss treatment," says Friedman. "I recommend Wella Professionals Color Touch, a demi-permanent color that deposits tone and shine while closing the cuticle, making the hair look and feel healthier. Plus, it neutralizes brassy tones. Another option is a color-depositing product, which tends to work best on prelightened hair. This can help maintain a cool blonde tone, keep brown hair rich, and help postpone your trip back to the salon if you're a redhead." You can also try Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo, $9.29; sleekhair.com

Problem: Your locks are completely dried out.
Solution: "Post-summer, the moisture in the cortex (the main bulk of your hair cuticle) seems to have diminished," says Kingsley. "I recommend the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer ($36.50), which restores elasticity, strength, and moisture."

"When hair is very dry, the cuticle is open and strands feel very rough, much like a piece of Velcro," says Michael Duenas, Amika's head stylist and founder of Hair Room Service. I recommend the Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask ($40), which deep-conditions without weighing down your hair." Or, try L'Oréal EverStrong Overnight Repair Treatment, which gives new meaning to the phrase "beauty sleep." $8.99, cvs.com

Problem: Your highlights have turned brassy.
Solution: "As a colorist, end-of-summer brassy hair is an opportunity to add new dimension to your hair color," says Tracy Madaj, a colorist at Butterfly Studio in New York City. "Whether I add lowlights to create the illusion of a soft highlight or highlights to brighten up the overall color, you can really utilize what the sun has done to your hue."

Problem: Your scalp feels really irritated and itchy.

Solution: "Overexposure to the sun can really damage your scalp," says Head & Shoulders dermatologist Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz. "Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. To bring the life back to it, minimize the amount of styling products you use, since most can cause an unhealthy buildup of oils, and lessen the use of heat tools. Also, shampoo on a regular basis - the massaging action invigorates follicles and reduces excessive sebum buildup that can lead to scalp irritations." Try Head & Shoulder Dry Scalp Care, $6.49; walmart.com

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.