How to care for your hair in summer

Learn how to care for your hair in summer with 7 tips to help keep it healthy and in good condition into autumn.

During the summer, it is not only the skin that requires protection from external factors. Chlorine, salt water, high temperatures, sun exposure, sand and wind can also affect the hair. Some of the most common problems at this time of year are frizz, excessive dryness and trichoptilosis, more commonly known as split ends.

The following recommendations can help maintain hair health throughout the summer and reduce damage to the hair fibre.

7 tips for caring for your hair in summer

1. Sun protection

Solar radiation can damage the hair fibre, causing dryness, increasing fragility and contributing to the splitting and peeling of the hair shaft that we recognise as split ends. Although awareness of the importance of protecting the skin from the sun with specific products has increased considerably, sun protection for the hair is often overlooked.

Hair photoprotection products contain UV filters designed to reduce damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and may also provide additional conditioning or moisturising benefits, which can be useful during the summer months. These products can also help protect exposed areas of the scalp from sunburn. Avoiding scalp sunburn is important, particularly in people with underlying hair loss conditions.

2. Physical barriers

Hair photoprotection should be complemented with physical protection such as caps, hats and scarves, as hair-specific sun protection products do not provide the same level of protection as sunscreens formulated for the skin.

Wide-brimmed hats can also help protect the face, ears and neck, areas that are particularly vulnerable to sun exposure and are sometimes missed when sunscreen is applied.

Physical protection can also help reduce tangling, which is especially useful when the hair is more fragile. Hair that is dry or weakened may be more prone to breakage during detangling.

3. Hair straighteners and hairdryers

Take advantage of warmer weather to allow your hair to air-dry whenever possible and limit the use of curling irons, straighteners and hairdryers. The heat generated by these devices can damage the cuticle and dehydrate the hair fibre. This may leave the hair looking dull and contribute to split ends as a result of cuticle damage. When the cuticle is compromised, the hair fibre becomes less well protected and may begin to deteriorate, giving the ends a frayed appearance as the layers of the shaft separate.

It is also advisable to use a wide-toothed comb and avoid pulling the hair when detangling it, as summer hair may be more susceptible to breakage, particularly when wet or damp.

With regard to hair dye and highlights, it may be preferable to schedule these treatments before periods of intense sun exposure, as colouring processes can contribute to dryness of both the hair fibre and scalp and may make the hair more vulnerable to heat and ultraviolet radiation.

4. Hydration and conditioning

Maintaining adequate hydration is another important aspect of summer hair care. Keeping the hair appropriately conditioned can help reduce cuticle damage and deterioration of the hair fibre. Adequate fluid intake supports general health, while conditioners and hair masks can help improve the condition of the hair fibre externally. Hair masks can help smooth and protect the hair shaft, while conditioners make the hair easier to detangle and style, thereby reducing the risk of mechanical breakage.

5. After swimming

Chlorine from swimming pools and salt from seawater may affect the hair cuticle if they are left to dry on the hair after swimming. For this reason, it is advisable to rinse the hair with fresh water after each swim. After rinsing, physical sun protection such as a hat can be used again, as prolonged sun exposure while the hair is wet may contribute to further deterioration of the hair fibre and can also cause colour fading, particularly in dyed or highlighted hair.

6. Use a mild shampoo

It is common to wash the hair more frequently in summer because of greater exposure to sweat, salt, chlorine and other external factors. Contrary to a widespread belief, frequent washing is not inherently harmful to the hair. However, if the hair is washed often, it is advisable to use mild products that do not irritate the scalp or excessively disrupt the lipid layer that helps protect the hair fibre.

The original article also recommends rinsing the hair with cool water. This can feel more comfortable in warm weather and may help reduce exposure of the scalp and hair fibre to excessive heat.

7. Scalp exfoliation

The scalp can accumulate residues from the products used in daily hair care, together with dead skin cells and natural oils. Periodic scalp exfoliation may help remove some of this build-up.

However, exfoliation should not be overly frequent or aggressive, as excessive exfoliation may irritate the scalp and disrupt the lipid barrier that helps maintain its hydration. The original article recommends spacing exfoliation sessions approximately 10 to 15 days apart. Any exfoliating product used on the scalp should be selected according to the individual’s scalp characteristics and tolerance.

With appropriate hair and scalp care, it is possible to reduce some of the damage associated with summer exposure and help maintain the hair fibre in better condition into autumn. If you have concerns about hair or scalp health, persistent shedding, changes in density or other symptoms, consult a dermatologist expert in hair disorders.

Post updated. First version published on 26 July 2022.

We invite you to share this article on how to care for your hair in summer with family and friends who may find it useful.