Summer Haircare

Summer is arguably the most damaging time of year for our hair. Everyone is going to be hitting the beach or pools, and most people are aware of using proper sun protection for the skin, but summer hair care is often overlooked. Common issues that affect every hair type during summer are UV rays, saltwater from the ocean, chlorine from pools, increased humidity, and even pollution. This article is going to break down the different effects of these damaging factors, and how to prevent further damage so that you can have the healthiest hair possible despite all of this increased damage exposure.

Sun, Salt, and Chlorine on Hair

Sun Exposure

Light radiation has been shown to cause hair protein hair degradation which in turn weakens the hair. Similarly prolonged exposure to UV rays has been shown to decrease the lipid content in the surface layers of the hair. Another thing to note is that the color of your hair also plays a part in how sensitive it is to sun exposure. Just like the skin, the hair contains melanin that protects hair proteins. This also means that people with darker hair may be less prone to hair damage due to sun exposure, while people with lighter colored hair are going to be more vulnerable to damage due to having less melanin in their hair.

Protection and care:

Physically cover your head, which you can easily do by wearing those big floppy beach hats. But if that isn’t exactly your style, a smaller beach hat, bucket hat, or a simple baseball cap will do. This protects both your hair and scalp. Scalp health isn’t tackled enough, but it is actually very important as your scalp is also skin, and can get sunburnt too if you do not protect it.

Carry an umbrella and sit under when you are by the beach or pool. This offers physical protection from the sun which prevents you from sunburn and hair damage from the heat and harmful UV rays.

Apply sun protection to your scalp. Spray and powder formula sunscreens are now available specifically for the hair. Apply these generously to the roots of your hair as well as the lengths and ends to optimize sun protection. Remember to reapply every hour throughout the day, or even every 45 minutes if the sun is very harsh.

Saltwater & Chlorine

Saltwater poses risks for the integrity of our hair for many different reasons. One of those reasons is because of all the chemicals and minerals present in the ocean that our hair can absorb when we swim in it. Another reason is that the pH level of the ocean may be too alkaline for our hair. Some studies tested the effects of ocean water on hair color and cuticle pattern of the hair. Results showed a change in color when the hair was submerged in ocean water that had a pH level higher than 8. This means that swimming and submerging the hair in ocean water may actually alter the physical properties of the hair.

Then there is chlorinated water from swimming pools, which to no surprise contains a lot of chemicals and minerals as well. Some people with bleached hair have actually observed their hair turning green after swimming in a chlorinated swimming pool. This may be due to the fact that copper and iron are metals present in pools, and copper has been shown to observe more copper than non bleached hair, which as a result can turn the hair green. Chlorine may also strip the hair of natural sebum which can turn the hair dry and prone to breakage.

Protection and care:

Just like with protecting your hair from the sun, wearing physical protection from saltwater and pool water can help prevent damage. Swim caps may not be the most fashionable article of clothing, but if you are going to be submerged in water for long periods of time, its best to consider this tip if you want to keep your hair happy and healthy.

Avoid submerging your hair in water. Putting your hair up in a bun and only bathing your body when swimming can prevent your hair from drying out from the minerals and chemicals present in pool and ocean water.

Apply an oil or conditioner to the lengths and ends of your hair if you plan on submerging your hair in water. This is a tip that some swimmers go by. First get your hair wet then apply your choice of hair oil or conditioner. This way your hair is less susceptible to absorbing all the chemicals and acts as a barrier so that your hair doesn’t dry out.

There you have it! Simple yet effective tips to have the healthiest hair possible, while still being able to enjoy the summer sun. I hope you found this article helpful, and if you are interested in learning more about summer skin care protection feel free to read more about it in this anti-aging publication.