Just got back from florida.  Despite the sun and chlorinated pools I think I took care of my hair.  I conditioned well and let it airdry most of the time I was there.  I was amazing that my hair seemed almost curly in Florida!  Maybe it's the humidity, allthough I live in a humid place too.  Actually, it was probably the water.  I stayed at a high-end resort and even there the water had a yellow tinge to it.  We were told it was the natural mineral content in the water.  I've never had such volumous hair!  Along with the volume came tangles though and my hair, which I usually can run my fingers through easily, wouldn't even handle a wide tooth comb.

Don't fret too much over coloring your hair.  If it helps, the ends of my hair fall in the "over abused" category, yet they are more than 8 years old and still hanging on!  You just have to be more careful with them. 

Good luck - take pictures!!  (and share them  )