Summer hair care: this is how to protect your hair from sun, salt and heat
During sunny days, your hair craves extra attention. Sun, salt and heat can affect its natural shine and resilience. In this Short Story, our Skins Experts share how to protect and care for summer hair. From practical tips to products that preserve colour, texture and shine - so you can enjoy healthy, radiant hair in summer too.
How does hot weather affect your hair?
Sun and heat can noticeably change the structure of your hair. UV rays open the cuticle, causing your hair to lose moisture and dry out. Salt and chlorine intensify this effect: they strip moisture, accelerate colour fade and make hair more rigid. So in summer, your hair loses shine, feels less supple and develops frizz - characteristics of sun-dried hair.
Why does your hair need protection from the sun?
UV rays damage the outer layer of your hair, the cuticle. This makes hair more porous, dry and prone to breakage. Especially with coloured or highlighted hair, sun protection is essential to prevent colour loss. Leave-in conditioners and UV sprays keep your summer hair hydrated and strong.
Tips to protect your hair from sun and salt
Our Skins Experts advise:
- 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 offer shine and protection.
- Wear a hat in bright sunlight and rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming.
- Avoid excessive heat styling, especially with summer hair.
How do sun and sea affect your hair?
Sun, salt and chlorine work together in drying out and damaging your hair. Where the sun affects colour and shine, salt and chlorine make hair rougher and more fragile. The result: dull, dry and less resilient hair. A reason to include UV-protection hair products in your summer care routine.
How to get shiny hair in summer?
Shiny summer hair requires subtle care. Cold rinses after washing close the hair cuticles, oils and serums give natural shine without weighing it down. Opt for products with ingredients like argan oil or keratin. Avoid heat and intensive styling, as hot weather combined with styling tools intensifies dryness.
Skins Experts tip: Discover more inspiration on shiny summer hair.
How to care for dry or damaged hair after a sun holiday?
After a spell in the sun, your hair needs repair. Use moisturising hair masks, conditioning oils and leave heat out for a while. If your hair is visibly damaged or split, a haircut can help. This will keep your summer hair feeling resilient and cared for even after the holidays.
How can you repair dry hair after a sun holiday?
Our Skins Experts recommend a recovery routine:
- Start with a mild shampoo.
- Pamper your hair with a moisturising mask, such as Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask, Oribe Transformative Masque or Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask.
- Give styling tools a rest and use a leave-in product or hair oil daily for extra care.
Is your hair discoloured by the sun? Here's how to protect your hair colour
Yes, UV light affects your hair's pigments. Coloured or blonde hair is especially sensitive because its structure is already more open. With leave-in products with UV filter, such as COOLA Suncare Classic SPF30 Scalp & Hair Mist or Balmain Hair Sun Protection Spray, you protect your hair colour. A hat also offers simple but effective protection.
