Summer is often synonymous with holidays, beaches, swimming, and sunshine. However, this period can quickly weaken hair. After a few weeks of exposure, hair can become drier, duller, more difficult to detangle, or brittle.
The sun, sea salt, chlorine from swimming pools, and more frequent washing gradually attack the hair fiber. Even hair that is usually soft and shiny can lose its softness during the summer.
Curly, coily, colored, or sensitized hair is generally the most affected because it is naturally more fragile when faced with dehydration.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can effectively protect your hair throughout the summer.
In this article, discover how to protect your hair from the sun, sea, and pool, what treatments to use before and after swimming, and how to maintain soft and shiny hair all summer long.
Why does summer weaken hair?
During the summer, hair is subjected to several aggressions simultaneously.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not only the sun that weakens the hair fiber. The combination of UV, salt, chlorine, wind, and high temperatures creates a particularly drying environment.
Result:
- hair gradually loses its moisture
- hair becomes rougher
- ends break more easily
- hair tangles more
- curls sometimes lose their definition
- colored hair dulls more quickly
Aggressions are often progressive. Hair may seem normal after an initial exposure but become drier over the weeks.
The effects of the sun on hair
Like skin, hair is affected by UV rays.
Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the keratin present in the hair fiber.
What UV rays do to hair
UV rays can lead to:
- dehydration of the fiber
- loss of shine
- duller hair
- rougher hair
- increased susceptibility to breakage
- faster alteration of colored hair
Textured hair is often the most vulnerable because its shape prevents sebum from distributing evenly along the hair shaft.
Ends then become particularly sensitive during the summer.
To learn more, also read our article: Colored Hair and Sun: What to Do?
Does sea salt really damage hair?
After several swims in the sea, hair often becomes drier and more difficult to style.
Salt naturally has absorbent properties. When it remains on the hair fiber, it absorbs some of the water present in the hair.
The effects of salt on hair
Repeated exposure to salt can cause:
- drier hair
- rough hair
- more frequent tangles
- loss of flexibility
- more brittle ends
Some people appreciate the "wavy" effect of seawater, but this effect is often accompanied by progressive drying.
Hair already weakened by coloring or heat styling tools is generally the most sensitive.
Also discover: Does Salt Really Damage Hair?
Why does chlorine weaken hair?
Chlorine used in swimming pools helps disinfect the water, but it can also progressively weaken the hair fiber.
The consequences of chlorine on hair
Chlorine can:
- remove part of the hair's natural protective film
- dry out hair
- sensitize the scalp
- make hair more porous
- alter colored hair
Light or bleached hair can sometimes develop unwanted tints after repeated exposure.
To delve deeper into this topic, also consult: Is Chlorine Dangerous for Hair?
How to protect your hair before the beach or pool?
Hair protection begins even before exposure.
Adopting a few simple habits can significantly limit damage caused by the sun, salt, and chlorine.
1. Wet your hair before swimming
This gesture is often underestimated yet it is one of the most effective methods.
Hair acts like a sponge. When dry, it absorbs more salty or chlorinated water.
Conversely, hair that is already wet absorbs fewer aggressive substances.
Before swimming:
- rinse hair with clear water
- thoroughly moisten the lengths
- apply a light treatment if necessary
This simple step helps limit dryness.
To learn more, also discover: Should You Wet Your Hair Before Swimming?
2. Use a protective treatment before exposure
Leave-in treatments and hair oils create a protective barrier around the hair fiber.
Shaeri Treatment Oil helps to:
- nourish hair
- protect ends
- limit dehydration
- preserve hair's suppleness
- reduce friction
Its light texture allows for daily use without weighing down hair.
Shaeri Daily Treatment can be used before sun exposure to maintain hair moisture.
It helps to:
- keep hair supple
- facilitate detangling
- limit frizz
- protect hair from drying out
3. Tie your hair up during the summer
Protective hairstyles reduce friction, tangles, and breakage.
They are particularly useful at the beach or on very hot days.
The most suitable hairstyles for summer
You can opt for:
- loose braids
- twists
- low buns
- loose ponytails
These hairstyles help protect the ends and limit friction from wind or sand.
What steps to take after the beach or pool?
After swimming, hair needs to be quickly rid of salt and chlorine.
Rinse hair immediately
Rinsing is essential.
Even without shampoo, rinsing hair with clear water allows:
- to eliminate some of the salt
- to remove chlorine residue
- to limit dehydration
- to prevent hair from becoming rough
The quicker the rinse, the more limited the damage.
Use a suitable gentle shampoo
In summer, hair needs effective yet gentle cleansing.
Shampoos that are too harsh risk accentuating dryness.
Shaeri Purifying Shampoo helps to purify the scalp after swimming.
It allows to:
- eliminate residues
- cleanse without aggressing
- limit excess sebum
- refresh the scalp
Shaeri Nourishing Shampoo helps cleanse hair while preserving its natural hydration.
It is particularly suitable for dry, curly, or sensitized hair.
Rehydrate hair after exposure
After sun and swimming, hair needs nourishment and hydration.
Shaeri Intense Mask Treatment helps to:
- nourish dry hair
- repair sensitized hair
- improve hair suppleness
- restore softness
- limit breakage
For a lighter daily routine, Shaeri Detangling Treatment helps to facilitate styling without weighing down hair.
How to avoid dry hair during the summer?
Certain habits significantly worsen hair dehydration.
The most frequent mistakes
In summer, it is best to avoid:
- letting salt dry on hair
- using overly stripping shampoos
- excessive use of heat styling tools
- neglecting moisturizing treatments
- tying hair too tightly
- forgetting to protect the ends
Adopt a simple but regular summer routine
An effective routine doesn't necessarily require many products.
The key is to maintain consistency.
A good summer routine often relies on:
- a gentle shampoo
- a hydrating treatment
- a leave-in treatment
- a protective oil
Also discover: How to Hydrate Your Hair in Summer?
What hair routine to adopt on holiday?
During holidays, hair primarily needs simplicity.
The goal is to protect the hair without overloading the hair fiber.
The ideal summer routine
- Rinse hair after each swim
- Use a gentle shampoo if necessary
- Hydrate hair regularly
- Protect ends with a light oil
- Limit heat styling tools
For a simplified version, also discover: Minimalist Hair Routine on Holiday
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the sun lighten hair?
Yes, UV rays can naturally lighten hair and accelerate the fading of colored hair.
Can you put oil in your hair before swimming?
Yes, applying a light oil before swimming helps protect hair from chlorine and salt.
Is curly hair more fragile in summer?
Yes, curly and coily hair is naturally drier and requires more hydration during the summer.
Should you wash your hair after every swim?
After the pool, a gentle wash is recommended. After the sea, rinsing with clear water is essential, even without shampoo.
How to avoid "straw-like" hair in summer?
It is important to protect hair before exposure, hydrate it well, and avoid overly harsh shampoos.
Can you protect your hair without using many products?
Yes, a simple routine with a few suitable treatments is often enough to keep hair supple and shiny all summer long.
