We all think of “fun in the sun” when we see a summer blonde.  However, that damaged, dry look does not bode well for the condition of your hair, whether you are blonde, brunette or a redhead.  Too much swimming in the pool or at the beach can really leave its mark. Hair with a “green” chlorine tint immediately identifies you as a swimmer.  “Chlorine actually gets trapped in your hair if you don’t rinse it out as soon as you can,” according to Sandee Sanchez of Amazing Cuts and Colors. To protect your hair, even if you swim year round, here’s what Sandee recommends: 1. Buy a hair conditioner (One you can afford.  It doesn’t have to be expensive.) 2. Spritz your hair with water. 2. Apply conditioner liberally to your hair before you hit the pool or beach. When the hair is full of conditioner, it’s less likely to absorb the salt water or chlorine.  The conditioner actually saturates the hair, which reduces the amount of damage from chlorine or salt water.  Shampoo after you are done.  Another option is using a product designed to remove the chlorine after swimming, such as “Ultraswim” Chlorine Removal Shampoo.  If you don’t take a few minutes to remove the chemicals from your hair, it will stay trapped all summer. Leaving your hair dull and lifeless.   To protect your hair from the sun, try using a SUNSCREEN designed for your hair.  Sandee recommends using a product like Redken “UV Rescue.”  The sun damages all hair types – even the “Silver Foxes.”  By using a sunscreen, you coat the hair to reinforce it.  If it is full of product, it’s less likely to be damaged by the sun. So take a few minutes to keep your hair healthy all summer by remembering these few simple steps.