Beach days, dips in the pool, festivals – there’s an endless list of reasons to love summer. However, whilst you’re busy enjoying sun-soaked adventures, your hair might be suffering in silence. From harsh UV rays to chlorine-filled pools and saltwater swims, all the things we love about the sunny season can take a toll on our locks. Fear not though, it’s still possible to keep your hair healthy and vibrant all summer long, you just need the right product and practices. Here’s our A-Z guide on summer hair protection.
The Effects of Summer on Your Hair
If you’ve ever noticed your hair adopting a new crisp texture and unwelcomed volume in the summer, you’re not alone. It can be particularly tough on our hair for these reasons:
- UV Rays: Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dry, brittle hair and even affect hair colour. Just as your skin needs sunscreen, your hair requires sun protection too from harmful UV rays.
- Chlorine: Swimming pools are a summer staple, but the chlorine used to keep them clean can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
- Salt Water: While a dip in the ocean is refreshing, salt water can dehydrate your hair, leading to split ends and a rough texture.
- Messy Buns and Wet Hair Brushing: Tying your hair up in a messy bun when it’s wet can cause breakage. Similarly, brushing wet hair can lead to snapping and split ends.
- Scalp Burn: The scalp is often overlooked when applying sunscreen, making it susceptible to sunburn, which can cause peeling, itching, and damage to hair follicles.
So, How Can You Keep Your Hair Safe?
Protecting Your Hair from Chlorine and Salt Water
Before diving into the pool or ocean, wet your hair with fresh water. This reduces the amount of chlorine or salt water your hair absorbs. Then, make sure you rinse it post-wim to remove any chemicals and salt. When it’s time to shower, we recommend using Kérastase Soleil Bain Aprés-Soleil: Nourishing Shampoo, infused with coconut water, it eliminates chlorine, salt, and sand residues, helping to cleanse hair from their drying effects.
Applying a leave-in mask or oil can also create a protective barrier. We recommend giving your hair sun protection before swimming with The Phillip Kinglsley Swimcap water-resistant mask. This water-resistant hair mask is designed to be worn during swims and sunbathing, offering your hair protection from seawater, chlorine and UV rays.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Hair
Opt for hair products containing SPF. These sprays and creams are designed to shield your scalp and provide your hair with protection from the sun, plus UV damage. This will help your strands from drying out and any colour fading.
Hydration Is Key: Best Hair Masks for Post-Sun Repair
After a day in the sun, it’s a great idea to treat your hair to a hydrating mask. Look for masks rich in ingredients like shea butter found in the Hair Ritel by sisley regenerating mask, and coconut oil like the Sun Bum Hair Care Mask. These ingredients replenish moisture, repair damage, and add shine.
Yummy Gummies
Nourish your hair from the inside out with hair-strengthening supplements like biotin gummies. The Biolgin Beauty Collagen gummies contain both biotin and collagen to support hair growth and strength.
Quick Tips for Preventing Frizz in Humid Weather
If summer means frizzy hair for you, there are products that can help. A fantastic way to combat frizz is to opt for a slicked-back hairstyle. Using a hydrating hair mask as a leave-in treatment instead of a wax or gel creates still creates a sleek look, but also nourishes your hair at the same time. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Masque: Shine Hair Mask is the perfect choice for this.
Top Ingredients to Look for in Summer Hair Care Products
When selecting hair care products for the summer, prioritise ingredients that nourish and protect. Here are some to look out for:
- Argan Oil: Known for its hydrating properties and ability to tame frizz.
- Coconut Oil: Provides deep conditioning and repairs damage.
- Aloe Vera: Soothes and moisturises both the scalp and hair.
- Keratin: Strengthens hair and reduces breakage.
Travel-Friendly Hair Protection Essentials for Summer Getaways
Jet setting? Don’t holiday without your hair care. Try switching up your hairbrush for a wide toothcomb. If your hair dries out in the sun sand and sea, it’s less likely to cause breakage. If you’re travelling to a destination with higher UV levels, this one’s even more essential: heat protection spray for your hair, especially one with a UV filter. Our professional preference is Phillip Kingleseys Daily defence spray, or, if you’ve got blonde or highlighted hair – Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Cicaplasme: Universal Fortifying Heat-Protecting Serum is a great choice for UV hair protection.
Don’t forget, a great head of hair starts with a healthy scalp. It’s such an overlooked part of the body in the summer, so, when we’re talking sun protection for hair, the scalp is an essential part. Ultrasun has a great UV face and scalp mist that’s super easy to apply and water-resistant too.
Take a Look at Our Range of Hair Care Products Here…
Explore our curated selection of summer hair care products designed to nourish, revitalise and provide your hair with protection from the sun. From oils to nourishing masks, find everything you need to keep your hair looking its best here.
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