Celebrity Colorist Marco Pelusi Shares Hot Tips for Vibrant Summer Hair

Marco Pelusi is known for his signature “Hollywood Reds” technique. Image courtesy of Marco Pelusi

Celebrity colorist Marco Pelusi is known for his signature approach to hair color, from his highlighting technique to his famous “Hollywood reds.” His work has been seen on a roster of celebrity clients, including supermodel Carol Alt, television personality Carson Kressley, and acclaimed actor James Brolin.

When he’s not traveling the country as a hair color educator, Pelusi can be found behind the chair at Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, California. We caught up with him to get his top tips for keeping hair color healthy and vibrant all summer long.

Blonde hair color by Marco Pelusi. “If you want to be blonde, by all means, spend time in the sun!,” says Pelusi. Image courtesy of Marco Pelusi.

What are some of the challenges of maintaining hair color during the summer?

The sun naturally can lighten haircolor. If you want to be blonde, by all means, spend time in the sun! But, if you’re worried about fading your haircolor, as most of us are, especially if we’ve spent money for it, you’ve got to try to stay out of the sun, and/or wear a hat when outdoors.

It’s also important to aim to use at least one product in your hair that contains some kind of sunscreen protection to help protect your color. This could be anything from a shampoo to a spray.

If someone is spending a lot of time in the swimming pool, what are your tips for maintaining color before, during, and after swimming?

The hair is like a sponge, and it will soak up whatever it is introduced to first. The hair has little identity of its own, and tries to mimic the environment around it. Therefore, when you dive into a pool, the first thing your hair will do is absorb the chlorine, which can dry out the hair, build up on the hair, and possibly fade your color. 

The trick is to wet your hair before getting into the pool. Adding some conditioner is a good idea, too. The idea is to provide some kind of barrier for the hair to minimize chlorine absorption. This way, the chlorine has a greater chance of rolling off the hair, instead of being absorbed into the hair. Then, after swimming, make sure to give yourself a good shampoo to remove the chlorinated pool water from your hair. Make sure to use a good conditioner as well.  

Marco styles a client. Image courtesy of Marco Pelusi.

How do heat and humidity affect hair and what can someone do to keep their hair from getting frizzy in the summer?

Heat and humidity, mixed with sunlight, can cause frizzy, dry, or generally unruly hair! These summer elements can temporarily shift the texture and feel of the hair – and make it difficult to hold a style. A leave-in conditioner can help tame the frizzies. 

Apply a leave in as your barrier before getting into the pool, and/or before getting out into the sunlight  for protection. Explore Marco Anti Frizz Leave In Conditioner. 

Any tips for summer travel? What are your must-pack items to bring, even if you only have a carry-on?

You can get small sizes of hair products, so just having a carry on should be no problem. Aim to find these smaller sizes, if you’re not checking luggage.

Also, you can buy empty small bottles that you yourself can fill up with the products you like to use! Must haves are a good leave-in conditioner for use when in the pool or beach or outdoors, and also a good hairspray! A spray can help rescue your hair in the worst of times, when your hair just won’t hold a style. A good hairspray can also help provide a barrier for the humidity. Explore Marco Color Guard Hairspray.