Summer hair care: how to protect your hair from the sun, salt and heat

On sunny days, your hair needs a bit of extra care. Sun, salt and heat can damage its natural shine and bounce. In this Short Story, our Skins Experts share how to protect and care for your summer hair. From practical tips to products that preserve colour, texture and shine — so you can enjoy healthy, radiant hair all summer long.

How does hot weather affect your hair?

Sun and heat can noticeably alter the structure of your hair. UV radiation opens the hair cuticles, causing your hair to lose moisture and feel dry more quickly. Salt water, chlorine and heat intensify this effect. They strip moisture from the hair, make the hair fibre more fragile and can cause colour to fade more quickly.

As a result, your hair often feels stiffer and less supple in summer. Shine diminishes, frizz becomes more noticeable and the hair structure can feel dry or sensitive. Coloured, bleached or curly hair is particularly prone to this, as these hair types naturally require more protection and hydration. This results in what is often described as ‘summer hair damage’: hair that is temporarily thrown out of balance by the sun, salt, chlorine and heat.

Why does your hair need protection from the sun?

UV rays damage the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticle. This makes the hair more porous, drier and more prone to breakage. Sun protection is essential, particularly for coloured hair or hair with highlights, to prevent colour fading. Leave-in conditioners and UV sprays help keep your summer hair hydrated and strong.

Tips for protecting your hair from the sun and salt

Our Skins Experts recommend:

• Apply a leave-in conditioner, such as Philip B Lovin' Leave-in Conditioner or Virtue Purifying Leave-in Conditioner, to keep your hair hydrated.
• Finish your routine with a hair oil such as Oribe Gold Lust Hair Oil or Larry King Haircare Spoilt For Choice Hair Oil, which provide shine and protection.
• Wear a hat in bright sunlight and rinse your hair with fresh water straight away after swimming.
• Avoid excessive heat styling, especially on summer hair.

What effect do the sun and sea have on your hair?

Sun, salt and chlorine all contribute to drying out and damaging your hair. UV radiation affects colour and shine, whilst salt water and chlorine strip moisture from the hair and make the hair fibre rougher. As a result, the hair becomes less supple and loses its elasticity. Colour fades more quickly, shine diminishes and the hair feels drier and more fragile.

The result: dull, dry and less resilient hair. A good reason to make UV-protective hair products a standard part of your summer haircare routine. Protective leave-in treatments, UV sprays or SPF hair mists form a light, nourishing layer around the hair and help to maintain suppleness, shine and colour retention throughout the summer.

How do you get shiny hair in summer?

Shiny summer hair requires light, targeted care. Cold rinses after washing help to close the hair cuticles, making your hair feel smoother and reflect light better. Light hair oils and serums add shine without weighing the hair down, whilst moisturising sprays keep the hair supple throughout the day.

Choose products containing ingredients such as argan oil or keratin, and in hot weather, always use heat protection when styling your hair. Sun, heat and styling can exacerbate dryness, causing shine to fade more quickly and making your hair less supple.

Skins Experts tip: discover more inspiration for shiny summer hair.

How do you care for dry or damaged hair after a sunny holiday?

After a period of sunshine, your hair needs to recover. Sun, salt, chlorine and heat can strip moisture from your hair and make the hair structure more sensitive. That’s why a post-summer haircare routine revolves around three steps: hydrating, repairing and temporarily reducing stress on the hair.

Use moisturising hair masks to replenish moisture, leave-in conditioners to keep your hair supple, and restorative oils to nourish dry lengths and ends. Take a break from heat styling or limit the use of styling tools as much as possible, so your hair has a chance to feel stronger and smoother. If your hair is visibly damaged or split, a trim can help. This will ensure your summer hair continues to feel bouncy and well-cared-for even after the holidays.

How can you repair dry hair after a sunny holiday?

Our Skins Experts recommend a repair routine:

• Start with a gentle cleanser that cleanses the hair without drying it out further. This prepares the lengths for a treatment that replenishes moisture and leaves the hair feeling softer.
• Next, apply a moisturising mask and leave it to work its magic. This helps to restore suppleness, shine and moisture balance after exposure to sun, salt and chlorine.
• After washing, use a leave-in product or hair oil daily to provide extra care for dry lengths and ends. This will leave your hair feeling smoother, more supple and better cared for.
• Take a break from styling tools for a while, or use them less often. Reducing heat exposure gives your hair time to recover, so your summer hair will feel more resilient again.

Is the sun causing your hair to fade? Here’s how to protect your hair colour

Yes, UV light affects your hair’s pigments. Coloured or blonde hair is particularly sensitive because its structure is already more open. You can protect your hair colour with leave-in products containing a UV filter, such as COOLA Suncare Classic SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist or Balmain Hair Sun Protection Spray. A hat also offers simple yet effective protection.