By August, your hair has usually seen more holidays than you have. It’s survived afternoons floating in the sea, chlorine-soaked laps, taxi rides with the windows down and enough UV exposure to rival your skincare routine.
While summer might be your favourite season, your hair rarely agrees. We rarely leave the house without applying SPF to our skin, yet our hair is exposed to many of the same environmental stressors.
It’s easy to blame the frizz on humidity alone, but summer damage is usually the result of several things happening at once. Salt water draws moisture from the hair, chlorine leaves strands feeling rough and brittle, while UV rays gradually weaken the hair’s outer layer and fade colour over time.
Together, they leave hair feeling drier, tangling more easily and looking noticeably duller. With studies reporting that UV exposure increases hair porosity, making strands more vulnerable to breakage and dehydration over time.
The good news? Most of it is preventable. Looking after your hair during summer isn’t about carrying an entire salon in your beach bag. A handful of clever habits before and after swimming can make all the difference.
LET YOUR HAIR HAVE A DRINK FIRST
Preparation starts long before your first dip. Your hair is surprisingly greedy. If it heads into the sea or pool already saturated with fresh water, it has less capacity to soak up salt water or chlorine afterwards.
Think of it as filling a sponge before dropping it into a bucket. Rinse your hair in the beach shower first, then follow with a leave-in conditioner, lightweight oil or UV mist to create an extra layer between your strands and the elements.
If you’re spending the entire day outdoors, a loose braid and a wide-brimmed hat will also reduce tangling, mechanical breakage and direct UV exposure.
YOUR SCALP DESERVES SPF TOO
The top of your head has quietly been getting away with murder.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, yet it’s often the first thing overlooked during summer.
If you’ve ever come home with a bright red parting, you’ll know your scalp burns just as easily as the rest of your skin. Sweat, sunscreen and salt can also build up throughout the day, so give your scalp the same attention you give your face.
Cover exposed partings with SPF or a hat. Afterwards, cleanse thoroughly to remove salt, chlorine and excess oils before they have the chance to accumulate.
REBUILD YOUR POST-BEACH ROUTINE
Summer haircare doesn’t stop once you’ve towelled off. You can’t reverse existing damage completely, but you can replenish moisture, reinforce weakened strands and stop small problems turning into split ends.
Swap harsh shampoos for something nourishing, follow with a rich conditioner and reach for a bond-building treatment once a week if your hair is coloured or heat styled. These formulas work by supporting weakened keratin structures and improving the hair’s overall resilience rather than reversing existing damage.
FOR HEAVY HEAT USERS
L’Oréal’s Absolut Repair Molecular Bi-Phase Oil
Best For: Dry, colour-treated hair
A lightweight finishing oil that smooths flyaways, adds shine and offers heat protection without weighing hair down.
Our take: Better for prevention than intensive repair. This won’t replace a mask treatment.
FOR BEACH WAVES
Kérastase’s Soleil Huile Sirène Hair Oil Mist
Toss it in your beach bag. This bi-phase mist softens hair while helping defend against the drying effects of sun, salt and chlorine.
Our take: Best applied before spending time outdoors. More preventative than reparative.
FOR AVID SWIMMER
Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap Water-Resistant Mask
Think of it as sunscreen for your strands. Apply before swimming to help minimise chlorine and salt water damage before it starts.
Our take: For this product to work best, apply before heading into the water.
FOR BREAKS AND BRITTLE ENDS
Olaplex‘s No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Deeply hydrating with the added bonus of bond-building technology. Use it weekly to keep thirsty hair feeling soft.
Our take: Works best as a weekly treatment – definitely not a one-hit wonder.
FOR THE ULTIMATE SCALP SPA DAY
The Hair Addict‘s LoveBond Deep Conditioner + Love Bond & Boost Duo
A homegrown duo that cares for both lengths and roots, proving healthy hair starts at the scalp.
Our take: Requires consistent use for best results – you’ve got to trust the process here.
FOR A HYDRATION BOOST
Color Wow’s Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner
Feather-light hydration that leaves hair glossy and silky without flattening volume – a rare combination.
Our take: Great if you want a low maintenance fix, but won’t fit the bill if you’re combatting extremely damaged hair.
