Summer Hair Care: How to Protect Your Hair from Sun, Salt, and Chlorine

March 29, 2025

Summer Hair Care: How to Protect Your Hair from Sun, Salt, and Chlorine

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
29 March, 2025

Summer Hair Care: How to Protect Your Hair from Sun, Salt, and Chlorine

Summers can mean high temperatures, more humidity and having to deal with more sweat and dirt than ever. This can damage not just your skin but your hair and scalp too. This means you should take good care of your hair too and it is not very hard either. We have super handy tips listed in this blog, to help you deal with frizzy, dry or brittle hair and oily scalp issues. The problem with summer is like how hair can get frizzy, the scalp can be a little all over the place too. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which prevents damage to hair. Collagen helps improve texture and hair structure while hyaluronic acid functions as an effective humectant which attracts moisture, banishing dry hair woes.

How To Protect Hair From Sun Damage In Summer?

Just like how sunscreen needs to be used for protecting your skin, your scalp and hair needs to be protected too. Fortunately these days, you get hair sprays which have active ingredients which are protective in nature. You can also get hair masks or serums which contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, collagen and oils like coconut oil, castor oil or sesame oil which can penetrate the hair shaft and afford some extra protection. These measures will help you prevent hair dryness from saltwater and beach trips too, but since there is water exposure, you should rinse your hair before and after your swimming trip. We also recommend that you stay away from heat styling tools, which can cause more damage to your hair.

How To Keep Coloured Hair Safe From Sun And Chlorine?

Summer also means it is time to experiment with different hairstyles and go wild with vibrant colours. But, for the dye to get into the hair and coat it, bleach is used. This will get rid of the natural dark pigment we Indians are blessed with, leaving the hair shaft more frayed than usual. The darker the hair, the longer it needs to be bleached. Also, which colour you go for is also important. If you want lighter highlights, then more bleach is needed too. After you get your hair coloured, you should wash your hair only with products that contain hyaluronic acid and keratin. These two ingredients will help improve texture and prevent more damage. You can also keep trimming the ends every month or two and install a filter on your showerhead, so that heavy metals or chlorine don’t cause further damage

DIY Hair Masks For Sun And Chlorine Protection

You can combine aloe vera gel, coconut oil and egg whites for a great mask which is very moisturizing. Rice water is amazing too for your hair. Applying any oil before you go for a swim means it will naturally repel water away from your scalp and hair.

Conclusion

Hair care can seem challenging in the summer as the scalp can get oily while your ends are dry and brittle. This is also why you need to wash your hair more often, but NOT with hot or cold water. Cool water is the best here and this will help your scalp feel clean. Dirt, sweat and dead skin cells can be scrubbed away with ease. You should also remember to cover your hair every time you go for a swim- use a cap. Tie your hair up into a ponytail or bun for better protection. You can finally wash your hair well after that refreshing swim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to protect hair from chlorine in swimming pools?

Your tresses can get severely abused in the summer, which means you should look for ways to protect them from lasting damage. Do that by applying oil, massaging your scalp and then wet your hair really well before you enter the pool. Allow your hair to air dry and don’t style it relentlessly with a curler or any instrument which will heat and further damage your hair. If you have long hair, then a ponytail is your best friend. Embrace the frizz this season, it’s ok. You’ll look sunkissed and beachy and there is nothing wrong with that effortless look. If it looks really bad, tame it with some serum or oil. You can also use a cap that fits well to prevent contact with chlorinated water. Also, never forget to wash your hair after a visit to the pool.

What type of shampoo and conditioner should I use in summer?

Use very gentle hair cleansers, shampoo and don’t forget to use conditioner on the ends of your hair. Shampoo and conditioner should have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to help restore the moisture and protect your hair.

Is it necessary to wear a hat or scarf to protect hair from the sun?

Yes, a cap or a scarf can help prevent UV damage to your hair. An umbrella would also work really well. They help protect your scalp too, use hair care products which also function like sunscreens, use braids, buns or other hairstyles which don’t involve leaving your hair open.

How often should I wash my hair during summer to keep it healthy?

Washing your hair at least 3 times a week can greatly help remove the sweat and dirt that gets accumulated during the day. Don’t wash too often or every day as it can dry your hair further.

How do I care for colour-treated hair in the summer heat?

You should use products that help protect the hair colour and hair too in such scenarios. Hyaluronic acid and keratin containing shampoos and conditioners are great for this purpose. Try not to heat style your hair often and see if you can use cool water to wash your hair. You can also trim any split ends so that your hair quality is better.