As we head into the summer, the beach and the pools await – but swimming hair protection is the last thing on our minds. If you want your tresses the survive the warmer weather, it’s important to look at what could potentially damage them.
Find out how to keep your locks shiny and smooth, from styling tips to protecting hair from chlorine.
Why does our hair suffer in the summer?
As the weather brightens up, we look for any excuse to get outside and enjoy the sun. You may notice the effects the warmer weather has on your hair. Though the sun tans the skin, it lightens the hair. This is because skin is living and hair is dead – the sun bleaches the melanin in your hair, oxidising strands and turning them into colourless compounds.
While you might love your blonder look, sun also damages the hair. Harmful UVA and UVB rays can damage the cuticle, so it’s important to know how to look after your hair.
Swimming damage
It’s not just the sun that gives your hair a hard time in summer. If you’re into surfing, seawater has a role to play, too. This is because saltwater dries your hair out. It makes the hair cuticle swell, which results in damaged and brittle locks.
And what about protecting hair from chlorine? While this chemical is found in small amounts in shower water, it’s in far higher concentrations in the pool. Chlorine removes the natural oils from the scalp, which stops your hair from keeping itself moist and supple. The end result, as with seawater, is brittle and damaged locks.
How can I protect my hair after swimming?
As with most things, swimming hair protection starts with prevention. You can minimise damage by wearing a swimming cap and keeping your hair dry. But we all know these aren’t always practical – or stylish!
Sun hats may work well for strolling around in the sun, but you should also invest in a good aftercare routine. For all-round haircare, a premium nourishing hair mask will smooth the hair fibre with mango butter and green tea.
Jumping in the pool after dyeing your hair? Beware! Chlorine can bond with the dye, causing the colour to dull. To look after your locks with added colour protection, massage a little colour fixation organic hair mask into your tresses.
What about hair care for sensitive skin?
It’s not just your locks that can suffer with the heat. Sun damage can affect your skin, too. If you’re prone to a sensitive scalp, your condition may be exacerbated by extremes of temperature. You can protect a sensitive scalp by investing in a henna shampoo. This offers natural anti-seborrheic properties to keep flakes at bay, while cooling the skin down. Likewise, there’s no need to bathe your hair in chemicals after you’ve finished washing. You can complete your routine with conditioners for sensitive scalp.
Dive in with swimming hair protection this summer
While summer afternoons can spell scary times for your hair, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the best of the British weather. Keep your locks strong, soft and supple with henna hair masks, shampoos and conditioners. For even better results, remember to:
- Wear sunhats, particularly between 11am and 3pm
- Dab your hair dry with organic materials, not rough towels
- Avoid overheating with styling – embrace those beach waves!
If you’re hitting the beach this summer, let us know how you’re keeping your hair beautiful with the whole itselixir range. For more tips on how to stay hair-healthy, check out our blog.