How to protect your hair from the sun and other damage caused during summer

Environmental stressors such as UV exposure alongside lifestyle changes during the warmer weather can impact hair health

Experts' guide to looking after hair during the summer months. Getty Images

From the scorching sun to chlorine-filled pools, the hot summer months can leave hair dry, brittle and prone to damage.

But the good news is, there are steps we can take to protect and restore tresses and reduce any impact from chemicals, UV light or dehydration.

Here, The National speaks to experts in the field to uncover their top tips for haircare in the summer season.

Keep hair hydrated

As with our overall health, staying hydrated by drinking enough water in high temperatures can also aid our hair health. “Remember, the ends of the hair are four to five years old, so treat them as you would silk – lots of moisture and nourishment," says Maria Dowling, founder of Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.

If hair is particularly dry, she recommends "opting for in-salon moisturising treatments before and after sun exposure" and ensuring your at-home products have moisturising properties. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners infused with natural oils such as argan, coconut or jojoba can aid in locking in moisture.

Avoid direct sunlight

Advice on protecting the skin from the sun includes avoiding direct exposure during peak hours, and the same can be said for your tresses. A study published in the National Library of Medicine concluded: "Excessive sun exposition is the most frequent cause of hair shaft's structural impairment.

"UVB radiation is responsible for hair protein loss, and UVA radiation is responsible for colour changes." Proteins such as keratin provide structural integrity to the hair, meaning that without them, locks are more prone to being brittle and easily damaged.

During summer months, a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf can help shield your hair from direct sun exposure, as can wearing it in an up-do. Avoiding excessive use of heated hair tools is also advisable.

"Do not use hot hair tools as the hair will likely already be overprocessed from the sun’s heat, and you don’t want to compromise its health," explains Barry Kane, co-founder of Grafton Hair Dubai.

Invest in heat-protecting products

If exposure can't be avoided, then applying a UV shield or heat protection products can help to minimise sun damage.

As using SPF designed for skin on hair can impact its colour, Dowling advises opting for specific products, and she recommends the Keratase sun range, which includes Soleil Creme UV Sublime Hair Cream (Dh147 for 150ml), a leave-in cream with UV filters to minimise the sun's impact and added vitamin E to aid hair hydration. Other options include Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil (Dh159 for 100ml) and Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent Spray (Dh115 for 160ml).

Try intensive treatments

Depending on the natural texture of your hair, environmental stressors during summer may impact some more than others, sometimes causing frizz. And alongside the heat, Dowling adds, "If you spend a lot of time indoors with the AC on, you will need to moisturise your hair as the AC can dry it out, too."

If frizz is a concern when the temperatures soar and humidity arrives, adding a leave-in conditioner may help. "Using leave-in treatment products such as Olaplex no. 6 [Dh156 for 100ml] will minimise the look of frizz and nourish the hair," explains Dowling.

“The Colour Wow Dream Coat [Dh122 for 200ml] or Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime [Dh174 for 150ml] are also brilliant choices as they have advanced anti-frizz formulas that leave hair super glossy, glassy and ultra-smooth. The Kerastase product also has heat protection."

Post-swim hair routine

Summer sun means more time at the pool, right? While it may help you to cool off, the added chlorine can also impact your hair health, as it can strip away natural oils.

“If you are swimming a lot over the summer, I would suggest a deep cleanse shampoo after being in the pool to ensure all chlorine is removed," explains celebrity hairstylist Jamilla Paul.

“There are many options but I love Authentic Beauty Concept's Deep Cleansing Shampoo [Dh128 for 300ml] as it is a natural vegan product that is free from harmful chemicals. Many deep cleansers contain chemicals that can be very harmful to the structure of the hair so opting for a more natural product with a rice extract that acts as a soft exfoliator will support the scalp and hair after swimming,” Paul adds.

Curlsmith Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo (Dh104 for 237ml) can also help remove build-up and protect scalp health, while Umberto Giannini Swim Proof Leave-in Protection Hair Cream (Dh41 for 150ml) can defend hair against chlorine, salt water, and UV rays.

Protecting blonde hair colour

Kane adds that while sea swimming can help create the effortless beach wave look, pool water can also, "have a detrimental effect on coloured hair, especially blondes."

“Always use a colour-specific shampoo, as this will lock in the colour and prevent fading," advises Dowling. Colour protection and purple shampoos and conditioners, such as Noughty Purple Reign Shampoo and Conditioner (Dh55 each for 250ml), L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect Anti-Brassiness Shampoo Purple (Dh23.30 for 200ml), and Hask Blonde Care Purple Toning Deep Conditioner (Dh11.50 for 50g), can help neutralise blonde hair tones.

Darker tones can also use colour-protect products to ensure longevity after dying their tresses.