The rules of the perfect summer hair care routine
How to protect hair and scalp from the sun
G-Club
July 3rd, 2024
July 3rd, 2024
Finally, summer has arrived! As beauty addicts, we have updated our makeup kits, ditching the foundation, choosing lighter creams with SPF, stocking up on blush for an even more sun-kissed look, adding every new item for body care, and essentials for a hair-free, ingrown hair-free experience. We spend hours doing scrubs and pedicures, buying anti-chafing products, and following nail trends. But what do we do to keep our hair healthy, strong, soft, and shiny? This season, our hair is subjected to a lot of stress. Prolonged sun exposure can cause scalp sunburn; UVA and UVB rays, salt, and chlorine damage hair, making it dull, fragile, dry, frizzy, and more prone to breakage. Increased temperatures lead to increased sweating, causing issues like dandruff and split ends. To avoid these damages, just follow a few simple tips: wear a hat or choose a protective hairstyle, and most importantly, use the right products, from restructuring treatments to protective sprays. Here are some rules.
Never Forget UV Protection
Just like with skin, sun protection is essential for hair. High temperatures and heat can strip hair, causing cuticles to lift and open, allowing UVA and UVB rays to penetrate the cortex and cause dehydration, burns, and fading. As advised by Dr. Biancamaria Mancini, biologist and R&D manager at Istituto Helvetico Sanders, choose lightweight products that don't weigh hair down but create an effective barrier. Apply them gently by hand without using brushes or combs. Remember to reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating heavily.
Choose a Gentle Shampoo
During summer, experts recommend using gentle formulations, after-sun or specific formulas designed to aid regeneration. Detox shampoos are particularly effective as they remove metal residues from hard, salty, or chlorinated water while hydrating and nourishing the hair. Don't overdo it with the amount. A tip? End with a cold water rinse to stimulate circulation, seal cuticles, and reduce frizz, giving your hair a healthy shine.
Always Rinse Hair with Fresh Water
Chlorine from pools and sea salt can weaken hair. After each dip in the sea, always rinse your hair with fresh water to remove salt and chlorine residues. It's important to do this as soon as possible to combat dehydration. Afterward, remember to reapply protectants.
REVLON PROFESSIONAL - Sun Protection Bi-Phase Detangling Conditioner
10,07€
AUGUSTINUS BADER - The Rich Shampoo
50€
GISOU - Honey infused hair
22€
SUPERGOOP! - (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder
32€
DAVINES - SU Milk
22,40€
KERASTASE - Soleil Masque Après
49€
AVEDA - Sun Care Hair Mask After-Sun Treatment
15,95€
AESOP - Rose Hair & Scalp Moisturising Masque
35€
GYADA COSMETICS - Protective Hair Sun Oil
12,90€
Apply a Protective Hair Oil or Spray
The sun burns the cuticles that surround and protect the strands, stripping them of the natural oils needed to retain moisture. Therefore, it is a good practice to apply a protective hair oil that creates a protective barrier against UV rays, salt, chlorine, and other external agents, maintaining hydration within the hair fiber, preventing dryness, and loss of softness. Among the must-haves are coconut oil and argan oil, which nourish, hydrate, soften, and add shine.
Embrace Extra Hydration
During this season, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking the appropriate amount of water, following a balanced diet, and applying creams to the face and body. Hair is also subjected to stress and dehydration, so it's essential to deeply nourish it with intensive conditioners formulated to repair strands from within, and weekly treatments and masks. Continue with extra hydration even after the holidays as suggested by Victoria Beckham's trusted hairstylist, Jason Collier: "To have healthy hair after the holidays, nourishment and recovery are essential. Use a pre-shampoo treatment and a nourishing mask for a few weeks after the trip."
Avoid Excessive Heat
Prolonged sun exposure subjects hair to thermal shock, so it's better to avoid using hair dryers, straighteners, or curling irons. Opt for natural drying. If you can't, at least protect your hair with heat protectants.
Purify the Scalp
Especially for those with oily scalps, it's advisable to use a purifying scrub or try a pre-wash oil. According to Jonathan Van Ness, hairstylist and founder of JVN Hair, this product can help support hair growth and decongest and repair the scalp. He recommends leaving it on for 15 minutes before washing it off in the shower. The result? Shiny hair that doesn't fade quickly and holds its style longer.
Protect the Color
Chlorine, seawater, and sun can ruin hair color. To keep it vibrant throughout the summer, use products specifically formulated for colored hair. Alternatively or additionally, it's always a good idea to cover your hair with a hat or scarf when you're in the sun.
Tie Up Your Hair
It's advisable to adopt updos to minimize hair exposure to external aggressions and sunburn. Go for ponytails, braids, and buns, but choose the right elastics that won't break your strands. Why not try a soft scrunchie?
A Salon Treatment is an Investment
To avoid split ends and maintain healthy hair, regular trims are ideal. Just a light trim at the salon before going on vacation is enough. And why not add an intensive treatment that repairs, deeply nourishes, and strengthens your hair to your salon appointment?