June 23, 2025, 1:01 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Vacation is often the most wonderful time of the year. To fully enjoy it, you shouldn’t have to worry about your hair. If you’ve recently dyed your hair before your trip, STYLEBOOK reveals how long you should wait before swimming or bathing and why.
As temperatures rise, a highlight of the year is approaching: vacation! Many are already planning trips to distant places to enjoy the sun, sea, and beach. If a beach vacation is in your future, you’re likely thinking about all the things you need to pack or take care of beforehand. For many, this includes a visit to the hairdresser. If you’re getting your hair dyed, you should plan some time before going swimming. We’ll tell you why and how much time you need here.
Overview
How long you should wait to swim or bathe after dyeing your hair
If you occasionally dye your hair yourself, you know this: It’s almost impossible to wash everything out, so the water takes on your hair color for days when shampooing. This might require more frequent shower cleaning, but it’s not a big deal.
It’s a different story, of course, if you’re not in your home shower but in a pool, lake, or sea. Leaving a colored trail in the pool isn’t ideal, and hair dye doesn’t look great on a bikini or swimsuit, especially with dark hair and a light swim outfit.
To avoid this, you should wait at least 48 hours, according to master hairdresser and Schwarzkopf Professional trainer Kira Porkert. “Only 48 hours after dyeing is the color truly set. The pigments need this time to stabilize.” If you swim before then, the color can “wash out,” causing it to lose its vibrancy and look less fresh than desired. This applies not only to swimming or bathing after dyeing but also to a regular hair wash.
Blondes should be especially careful
You should be particularly cautious with blonde hair, especially if your vacation spot has a pool. Chlorine, which keeps the water germ-free and clean, and copper in the water can settle on freshly bleached hair, causing the same effect we see with pennies: oxidation. This means they can develop an unsightly green tint, which is often difficult to remove.
Also interesting: Naturally lighten blonde hair – 3 methods tested
How to protect your dyed hair while swimming and bathing on vacation
But even if you’re not blonde, you should take care of your hair in the pool. The chemicals attack the hair regardless. In the sea, it’s less about chemicals and more about saltwater. So, on vacation, protect not only your skin from sunburn but also your hair from drying out.
Use a sunscreen specifically for hair. Spray it generously on your hair and scalp to protect your scalp and refresh the protection regularly. The same goes for your skin–just a side note. Additionally, it can help to wet your hair before the first dip. Rinse it briefly under running water. Repeat this step when you leave the pool or sea. This way, substances that could damage or discolor the hair can be washed out immediately. Wet hair also makes it harder for them to adhere.
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Pro Tip: Dye your hair after vacation for stress-free swimming
Ideally, you should schedule your hair appointment for after your vacation. Since hair goes through a lot with sun, (a lot of) water, heat, and usually wind, it benefits even more from a professional care treatment afterward. And you can fully enjoy your vacation without worrying about hair dye and swimming.