Summer is the season of salt-sprayed skin, sun-drenched days, and endless swims — but it can also be the season your hair fears most. Between the salt from the ocean, chlorine from the pool, and UV rays from the sun, your strands face a triple threat. The result? Dryness, breakage, dull colour, and that unmistakable “summer stiffness.”
But the good news, with the right rituals, you can enjoy every sun-kissed moment without sacrificing your hair’s health. Here’s your ultimate guide to protecting your hair from summer’s harshest elements.
The sea: Salt water 101
Salt water naturally dehydrates the hair, lifting the cuticle and leaving your strands rough and brittle. Great for beachy waves, not so great for long-term hair health.
How to protect your hair from the ocean
Pre-hydrate before your swim
Think of it like a primer. Wet your hair thoroughly with clean water before diving into the sea. Saturated hair absorbs less salt.
Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil
A nourishing leave-in creates a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and warding off dryness. Coconut oil, argan oil, or a silicone-free serum works beautifully.
Post-swim rinse ASAP
If a shower isn’t nearby, even a water bottle rinse helps remove salt before it crystallises on your strands.
Pool water: The chlorine culprit
Chlorine is notorious for stripping hair of natural oils and binding to the proteins in your strands. The result? Faded colour, a rough texture, and for blondes — a hint of green.
How to protect your hair from chlorine
Wet your hair before swimming (yes, again)
Just like with seawater, freshly-wet hair absorbs far less chlorine.
Coat your hair with conditioner
A lightweight, silicone-free conditioner forms a barrier against chlorine and prevents it from penetrating deeply.
Wear a swim cap for heavy swimming days
Not glamorous, but extremely effective — especially for bleached or chemically-treated hair.
Use a clarifying shampoo once a week
This removes chlorine buildup without stripping your hair daily.
The sun: Your hair’s UV enemy
Just like your skin, your hair suffers from sun exposure. UV rays weaken the protein structure, fade colour, and dry out the cuticle — especially on hairlines and the top layer.
How to protect your hair from sun damage
SPF for your hair is a thing — use it
UV-protectant sprays shield your strands from protein breakdown and colour fade. Reapply like you would sunscreen.
Wear a hat or scarf
The simplest, chicest, and most effective method. Bonus: protects your scalp, too.
Avoid midday sun
This is when UV intensity peaks, making hair more vulnerable to damage.
Deep-condition weekly
Sunlight pulls moisture from your strands. A weekly mask replenishes softness and keeps hair flexible.
Your ultimate summer hair routine
For the healthiest mane all summer long:
• Before swim: Wet hair, apply leave-in conditioner or oil, braid for protection.
• After swim: Rinse, apply moisturising spray, let it air-dry when possible.
• Daily protection: Use UV-protectant spray and wear hats during peak sun.
• Weekly care: Deep-conditioning mask and clarifying shampoo once a week if swimming often.
Summer doesn’t have to equal straw-like strands or faded colour. With a little preparation and a few mindful habits, your hair can stay glossy, soft, and healthy — even after long days in the sun and sea. Protect it now, and it will reward you every season after.
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Featured Image: DupePhoto
