How Should You Care for Your Hair in Summer?

Summer means enjoying the sea, the pool and the outdoors. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, salt water and pool chlorine can contribute to dryness, dullness, frizz, colour fading and breakage. The scalp can also develop sunburn and cumulative sun damage when it is directly exposed.

How do sun, seawater and chlorine affect hair?

The cuticle, the outer surface of the hair shaft, acts as a protective barrier. Intense UV exposure may affect hair proteins and pigments, while chlorinated water can reduce the protective lipids coating the hair shaft. Hair may consequently feel drier, rougher and more fragile. Colour-treated, bleached, fine, curly or previously damaged hair may be affected more noticeably.

8 practical ways to protect your hair in summer

1. Prioritise hats and shade

During periods of intense sunlight, wear a breathable, wide-brimmed hat or a scarf that covers the scalp. If your hair is thinning or your part is exposed, protect the visible scalp with shade and clothing, and ask your dermatologist which sunscreen formulation is appropriate.

2. Wet your hair before entering the sea or pool

Saturating the hair with clean water can help reduce the amount of pool or seawater it absorbs. A small amount of leave-in conditioner applied to the lengths can provide an additional physical barrier. Frequent swimmers may also benefit from a swimming cap.

3. Rinse immediately after swimming

Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water as soon as you leave the sea or pool. If you swim frequently, use a gentle shampoo followed by conditioner. Clarifying shampoos can reduce build-up, but using them too often may increase dryness.

4. Condition after every wash

Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends. If it suits your hair type, use a moisturising mask once a week. Focusing rich products on the lengths rather than the scalp can reduce heaviness and build-up.

5. Reduce heat and chemical processing

Limit high-heat blow-drying, straightening and curling. Instead of rubbing wet hair with a towel, gently absorb excess water and allow it to air-dry when practical. Avoid scheduling bleaching, frequent colouring or chemical straightening during periods of intense sun and swimming when possible.

6. Detangle wet hair gently

Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage. Begin at the ends and use a wide-tooth comb without pulling. Choose loose hairstyles that do not place persistent tension on the roots.

7. Use hair oils sparingly

Coconut, jojoba, argan or olive oil may soften the hair shaft for some hair types, but they are neither sunscreen nor treatment for a scalp or hair disorder. Use a small amount mainly on the ends and stop if irritation or breakouts occur. Do not apply essential oils directly to the scalp.

8. Choose products for your hair type

There is no universal routine. Heavy products may weigh down fine or oily hair, whereas curly, colour-treated or dry hair may need richer conditioning. Patch-testing a new product can reduce the risk of irritation.

A simple summer routine

• Before sun exposure: Wear a hat and tie long hair loosely.
• Before swimming: Wet the hair with fresh water and consider a leave-in conditioner.
• After swimming: Rinse promptly, then use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
• Weekly care: Use a suitable moisturising mask and reduce high-heat styling.
• Scalp care: Pay particular attention to exposed part lines and thinning areas.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Seek a dermatology assessment for persistent dryness, itching, redness, scaling, scalp sores, or sudden or patchy hair loss despite changing your routine. An unhealed, bleeding or changing lesion on the scalp should also be examined without delay.

Expert source

American Academy of Dermatology – Summer hair-care recommendations

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or personalised medical advice.