Caring for coloured hair in Brisbane's humidity
Wash less often, use a sulphate-free system and protect your hair before swimming and heat styling.
Brisbane’s warm, humid climate is hard on coloured hair. UV exposure fades pigment, salt and chlorine break down bonds, and humidity invites frizz. The single most important thing you can do is wash less often and use a sulphate-free system.
Why humidity causes frizz
Hair takes on moisture from the air. Lightened or damaged hair is more porous, so it absorbs that moisture unevenly and swells, which is what you see as frizz. Keeping hair well conditioned and sealed with a leave-in product means it absorbs less from the air.
Why colour fades faster here
Brisbane’s UV is high for much of the year, and sun breaks down colour and dries the hair. Heat and sweat also mean more washing, and every wash takes a little colour and toner with it. For blondes, this shows up as brassiness; for brunettes, as dullness.
Washing
- Aim for two or three washes a week, with dry shampoo in between if you need it.
- Use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner made for coloured hair.
- Rinse in cool or lukewarm water rather than hot.
Everyday care
For everyday care, Tara recommends Kevin.Murphy Hydrate-Me wash and rinse, a weekly bond treatment, and a leave-in heat protectant before any styling. On long days outdoors, a hat keeps the sun off your colour.
Swimming
Before swimming, wet your hair with tap water and apply a light conditioner so it absorbs less chlorine or salt. Rinse with fresh water as soon as you can afterwards, and condition that night.
In the salon
A toner or gloss refresh every 4 to 6 weeks brings back tone the sun and washing have faded (more on toning). Tara’s strengthening and hydrate treatments range from $27 to $65. See treatment prices ›
Want a home-care plan built for your hair? Tara walks every new client through product recommendations during the first consultation.