Summer is all about sunshine, beach days, and poolside lounging — but while you're out soaking up the sun, your hair might be soaking up some serious damage. Between UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and dry heat, summer can be tough on your strands. Just like your skin, your hair and scalp need extra love and protection during the warmer months. Whether you're planning a tropical getaway or just spending more time outdoors, these simple summer hair care tips will help you keep your locks looking shiny, healthy, and strong.
Use SPF for Your Hair and Scalp (It’s Not Just for Skin!)
Most of us know the importance of applying SPF to our face and body, but did you know your scalp and hair need sun protection too?
Your scalp is skin — and like the rest of your body, it can burn from UV exposure. A sunburned scalp is not only painful, but it can also lead to dryness, flaking, and even hair thinning over time. And your hair? Prolonged sun exposure can weaken strands, fade color, and cause split ends and dryness.
Luckily, there are lightweight SPF sprays and mists made specifically for hair. These protect both your scalp and strands from harmful UV rays without leaving a greasy residue. Some even double as styling products!
Pro Tip: Look for a hair SPF that’s water-resistant if you’ll be swimming. Spray it along your part, hairline, and on the ends of your hair for full coverage. Reapply if you're out all day, just like you would with your skin.
Saturate Your Hair With Clean Water Before Swimming
Before diving into the pool or ocean, take a moment to drench your hair with fresh, clean water.
Why? Because when your hair is dry, it acts like a sponge, eagerly soaking up chlorine or saltwater — both of which can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause dryness, discoloration, or breakage. By saturating your strands beforehand, you’re essentially filling them with clean water so they absorb less of the bad stuff.
Think of it like a base coat for your hair — you’re creating a barrier that helps reduce damage before it starts. Many swimmers even keep a spray bottle of water in their beach bag to spritz their hair before getting in.
Rinse & Deep Condition After Swimming
You wouldn’t leave saltwater or chlorine on your skin, so don’t leave it in your hair either. After a swim, rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible. This helps wash away any lingering salt, chlorine, or other chemicals that can dry out or damage your strands.
Once you’re home, follow up with a deep conditioner or hydrating hair mask. Swimming — especially frequently — strips your hair of moisture, so giving it a replenishing treatment is key to keeping it soft, shiny, and strong.
Bonus Tip: Keep a deep conditioner or leave-in treatment in your beach bag and apply it post-swim to lock in moisture on the go. There are even UV-protectant conditioners made just for summer.
Braid Your Hair While Swimming
We get it — you want to live your best mermaid life this summer. But letting your hair float free in the water can actually lead to major tangles and breakage, especially if your hair is long or prone to frizz.
The best way to protect your hair while swimming? Braid it up!
A loose braid helps minimize the surface area exposed to chlorine or saltwater while keeping strands from knotting together. It’s also a cute and easy style that keeps your hair under control during beach days or poolside lounging.
Prefer buns or ponytails? Go for it — just avoid super-tight styles when your hair is wet, as that can cause breakage. And remember: silk or satin scrunchies are gentler than traditional hair ties, especially when wet.
Wear a Hat to Shield Your Scalp & Strands
The easiest (and most stylish!) way to protect your hair from the sun? Throw on a hat.
Wide-brimmed hats, baseball caps, and bucket hats all offer physical protection from UV rays. They help prevent your scalp from burning and shield your strands from the drying effects of the sun — especially if you have color-treated hair, which fades faster with sun exposure.
Wearing a hat not only adds a chic summer touch to your outfit but also helps retain your hair’s moisture and shine.
No hat handy? A lightweight scarf or head wrap works just as well and adds a fun pop of color to your look.
Healthy summer hair doesn’t happen by accident — it’s all about forming a few smart habits that go a long way. Your hair is an investment — keep it shining all summer long with a little extra care outside the salon! 🌞✨ Small habits = big results. 💛
Need personalized product recommendations or a deep conditioning treatment? Ask your stylist during your next appointment — we’re here to help your hair stay beautiful all year long. Reserve that time now!