With summer’s arrival, protecting your hair from sun, sea, and chlorine becomes critical to prevent damage, experts warn. The beauty and wellness booking app Fresha has shared five essential tips to safeguard hair during warmer months, when ultraviolet (UV) rays, heat, and environmental factors can weaken hair protein, leading to dryness, breakage, and colour fading. These research-backed strategies, verified through reputable sources like dermatological studies and hair care experts, ensure your hair remains healthy and vibrant all season.

Expert tips to protect your hair this summer

1. Minimise heat exposure. UV rays weaken keratin, the hair protein responsible for strength, making strands brittle and prone to breakage. Daily use of hairdryers, straighteners, or curling tongs exacerbates this damage. To reduce harm, let hair air-dry whenever possible or use a hairdryer’s lowest heat setting. Reserve styling tools for special occasions or try heatless styling methods like sock curls, braids, or TikTok-famous robe-tie curls for damage-free waves.
2. Use UV-protective hair products. Just as skin needs sunscreen, hair requires protection from UV rays that strip colour and damage the hair shaft. Hair sunscreens, available from brands like Aveda and Bumble and Bumble, create a protective barrier. For colour-treated hair, which can fade up to four times faster in strong sunlight, use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for dyed hair. Apply hair SPF before swimming and reapply throughout the day, mirroring skin sunscreen routines.
3. Shampoo less frequently. Summer heat and sweat may tempt frequent washing, but shampooing strips natural oils that nourish and protect hair, increasing sun damage risk. Overwashing worsens dryness and frizz, particularly for textured or colour-treated hair. Rinse hair with water after swimming or sweating to refresh without oil loss. Aim to wash every two to three days, using lukewarm water to seal cuticles and lock in moisture. Dry shampoo can manage greasiness between washes.
4. Cover your hair. Wide-brimmed hats offer a stylish, effective shield against UV rays, protecting both scalp and strands. A 2024 Cancer Research UK study highlights that hats reduce scalp burns and flaking, which can lead to long-term damage, while also shielding vulnerable areas like ears and neck from skin cancer risks. Choose breathable materials like straw or cotton for comfort in summer heat, ensuring both hair and skin stay safe during prolonged sun exposure.
5. Prioritise after-sun care. Post-sun exposure care is vital for hair recovery. Weekly deep conditioning treatments, focusing on hair ends where damage is most severe, restore moisture lost to sun, chlorine, and saltwater. Masks with shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil, such as those from Moroccan oil, are recommended by trichologists for hydration. These ingredients repair sun-induced protein damage, enhancing shine and manageability.

Fresha’s spokesperson emphasised the importance of proactive care: “In summer, your hair faces a lot of challenges, so it’s important to take precautions to ensure your hair still thrives during the hotter months of the year. Although hair care is important year-round, summer means longer days, more sunshine, and for some, holidays away to hotter countries. If you don’t take care of your hair, it can lose moisture, become damaged, and look dull, which will most definitely bring down your summer mood. By protecting and moisturising your hair during summer, you help keep it healthy, shiny, and manageable despite the tough conditions.”

These steps, grounded in expert advice and scientific research, offer a comprehensive guide to combat summer hair damage. By integrating UV protection, reducing heat styling, and maintaining moisture, you can enjoy the season without compromising hair health. For additional tips, consult professionals via platforms like Fresha to tailor care to your hair type.