How to protect your hair this summer

If you’re lucky, you may get the chance to enjoy some downtime in the sun this summer, perhaps cooling off with the occasional dip in the pool or paddle in the sea. But while hopefully you will be regularly slapping on the sunscreen to protect your skin, how much thought will you give to your hair?

Thanks to the damaging effects of the sun, chlorine and salt water, summer fun can really take its toll on your hair and scalp, causing damage, colour fade, breakage and scalp irritation. But help is at hand. Read on to discover how to keep you hair looking and feeling healthy and vibrant in the sunshine. 

Use a UV protectant
Just as you wouldn’t sit out in the sun without having first applied sunscreen, your hair needs the same protection. UV rays can break down the protein structure in the hair, causing it to become dry, brittle and more prone to breakage and split ends, with chemically treated hair even more susceptible. Look for leave-in conditioners, deep conditioning masks and products with UV protection that will help shield your locks from sun exposure. We love Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, £32; a lightweight, water-resistant mist that provides 16 hours of sun protection. 

Wear a hat
A wide brimmed hat not only protects your face from the sun, but also your hair and scalp. Your parting is especially prone to burning, so covering it up is a must. Choose a hat or a chic head scarf made from a tightly woven fabric for maximum protection. 

Rinse and repeat
A swim is great way to cool off when the heat is on, but chlorine and salt water can both leave your hair dry and straw-like. Your hair is like a sponge, ready to absorb any moisture it comes into contact with. Wetting your hair with fresh cold water before taking a dip will limit how much of the harsh chemicals from the pool or drying salt water it can absorb. Be sure to rinse your hair throughly after your swim too, to remove any residue. Slathering on a creamy leave-in conditioner like Aveda’s Nutriplenish Daily Moisturizing Treatment, £35, before you take the plunge will also help swim-proof your hair, creating a protective barrier and nourishing it throughout the day. 

Take a break from heat-styling
Holidays are all about relaxing and taking a break from your daily routine, and that should go for your hair styling regime, too. Limit summer hair damage and put your hairdryer and styling tools down if you can. Now is the time to embrace your natural texture. For tousled, beachy waves, scrunch some Aveda Texture Tonic, £24.50, into wet clean hair and leave to air-dry. 

Soothe your scalp
Like your skin, your scalp will produce more oil when it’s warm. Remove excess oil, dead skin cells, impurities and product build up from the scalp without irritating the skin barrier with a gentle scalp exfoliating treatment like Aveda’s Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £39. Simply massage into wet or dry scalp before shampooing. Not only will it make your hair and scalp instantly healthier, it has a lovely cooling sensation is pure bliss after a day in the sun.

Hydrate from within
It won’t be news to anyone to hear that you need to up your water intake in the heat. But did you know that staying hydrated keeps your hair healthy, too? Drinking plenty of water helps to promote blood circulation to the scalp, supporting the balance of natural oils and nourishing the hair follicles to prevent dryness and scalp irritation. Remember drinking water regularly throughout the day isn’t the only way to boost your hydration levels. Cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes and courgette are all moisture-rich foods that will keep you refreshed on balmy days. 

Switch up your haircare
Swap your usual shampoo and conditioner for extra moisturising formulas when you’re in the sun and swimming regularly. Enriched with tamanu oil and organic coconut oil, Aveda’s Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, £31, gently removes chlorine, salt and residue and helps maintain moisture balance. And then there’s our very own Shine Shampoo Bar, £9.50. Made from natural ingredients and with an uplifting citrus aroma, it creates a rich lather just like a liquid shampoo, but is lightweight, long-lasting and perfect for travelling, with no plastic packaging. Follow with a leave-in treatment like Aveda’s Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-in Treatment, £35.50, to reduce frizz, smooth and repair.

Aftercare
Post-holiday, it’s all about repair and recovery. Using a nourishing hair mask like Aveda’s Botanical Repair Intensive Strengthening Masque: Rich, £48, once a week for a few weeks after your trip will reverse visible signs of damage and help bring sun-parched locks back to their former glory. Now is also the time to book in for a trim, to get rid of dry, split ends and get your hair looking healthy again. 

What we’re loving this month… 

  • With the Euros, Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics all on our screens, armchair sports enthusiasts have got plenty to keep them happy this month. For the rest of us, let’s celebrate that Jeremy Allen White and the rest of the cast have finally returned for a third season of the brilliant show, The Bear. 

  • Forget dinner or drinks when you’re planning your next night out. How about enjoying a live DJ set while you swim in a heated open air pool, right on the beach? Keep an eye on Sea Lanes Brighton’s Instagram for future Sundowner Swims dates. 

  • Getting excited for Brighton & Hove Pride, 3rd-4th August, when the likes of Girls Aloud, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Mika and Billy Porter will be in town. 

That’s all for this month. Book your next appointment with us online, by email or over the phone. Hope to see you soon!

Jonathan Harries