Just like how you need to take proper care of your skin in the summer, too much exposure to the sun can also harm the health of your hair.
The warmer weather can dry out hair and change its colour, as well as, of course, bringing the risk of a burnt scalp. That’s why head and hair protection is key when spending time in the sunshine.
People are looking for help with sun protection in particular, with searches for ‘hair spf’ increasing by 400% over the last three months and ‘scalp sun protection’ up 90% year on year.
For those heading on holiday or planning to soak up the English sun, Eva Proudman, Trichologist at Absolute Collagen, has shared how to look after your hair this summer.
1. Protect your head
If you’re spending any length of time in the sun, you should always wear a hat or regularly apply sunscreen to your hair and scalp. However, many people forget to cover their scalp when applying sunscreen to their face and hairline, so pay special attention to the parting of your hair.
Spray sunscreens are a perfect way of covering this area, without making your hair greasy or heavy. When it comes to choosing a spray, mineral based sunscreens offer optimal protection as they reflect harmful rays before they can penetrate and damage the skin.
2. Tie it up
Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or the sea, we recommend tying up long hair to minimise its exposure to the chemicals, minerals and salts in the water. An updo will also keep you cooler outside of the water, protecting your head from the sun.
Once out of the water, you should wash your hair with a strengthening shampoo as soon as you can to remove any mineral deposits from your hair. If left untreated, mineral deposits cause hair dryness, damage, frizziness, and can even impact growth.
3. Take time to rehydrate
Similar to how you would apply moisturiser to your skin after a day of being in the sun, it is just as important to rehydrate your hair.
By using a strengthening conditioner on your hair, you can combat the drying effects of the sun and salty water. Simply massage the conditioner from the mid-length of your hair down to the ends, smoothing and replenishing the follicles’ natural moisture.
If you want to go the extra mile, pack a deep moisturising hair mask in your suitcase to use over the course of your holiday. This will give your hair some intense hydration while encouraging a smooth and glossy shine. Alternatively, if you don’t have a mask to hand, you can leave your conditioner on for 3-5 minutes after massaging it in, allowing for its full benefits to nourish your hair.
For some extra help in keeping your skin and hair looking full of life, consider a collagen supplement to give your appearance an extra boost.
4. Comb it gently
While it may be tempting to use a heavy hand to detangle your hair, especially after a dip in the sea, you may be causing lasting damage. This is especially true when your hair is wet or if it is thin or brittle, as it is more prone to snapping or splitting.
To help protect your hair, use a wide-tooth comb as this will reduce the friction between the strands of hair and ultimately save you from split ends.
5. Keep up the haircare post-holiday
Even when the holiday is over, your healthy haircare routine shouldn’t stop.
Consider popping to the salon for a quick trim to remove any damaged hair or split ends. This will remove any hair that has become brittle over your holiday, minimising tangling and giving you a fresh new look.
And while it may be tempting to get a colour refresh to match your new tan, we’d recommend waiting a few weeks before dying your hair. The harsh ingredients in the dye can dry your hair out, which already needs time to recover after exposure to the sun and sea.
So, there you have it, easy haircare tips to ensure you have smooth, shiny hair all summer. For more haircare advice and products, head to the Absolute Collagen website.
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