Summer Hair Care: How to Keep Your Hair Healthy  

Why does your hair get more damaged in summer?

During the warmer months, your hair is exposed to elements that can cause damage.  

UV rays

Just like your skin, your hair can burn when it’s exposed to UV – the rays from the sun can damage the structure of your hair, making it brittle and dry. It also breaks down pigment, which can cause your colour to fade. 

Sweat

When it’s hot, you sweat more, and the salt in your sweat can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp. 

Salt water

Swimming in the sea may feel great, but the salt can disrupt your hair’s natural moisture balance, making it coarse and brittle. 

Chlorine

Pools contain chlorine to keep the water clean, but the chemical can be harsh on your hair, stripping away natural oils and even giving blonde hair a greenish tint. 

Common summer hair problems and how to spot them

You might experience several hair issues in summer: 

• Dry and brittle hair. Your hair feels rough, breaks easily and is harder to brush. 

• Frizz. Caused by moisture loss or high humidity.  

• Oily scalp. Sweat and frequent washing can throw your scalp out of balance, making it oilier.

• Faded colour. Both natural and dyed hair colour can fade faster in the sun.  

• Split ends. Dry ends split more easily, especially if you swim or sunbathe a lot. 

Recognising these signs early helps you act before more damage occurs. 

Your summer hair care routine 

A good summer hair care routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but it may take a bit more effort than usual.

1. Wash your hair with gentle products

Choose a mild shampoo without harsh sulphates. This helps remove sweat, salt and chlorine without stripping your hair’s natural oils. Don’t wash too often – two to three times a week is usually enough. 

 2. Hydrate

Use a nourishing conditioner after every wash and apply a hydrating mask once or twice a week to restore moisture. 

3. Protect your hair from UV rays

Use a leave-in conditioner or hair serum with UV filters to protect hair fibres and prevent colour fading. 

4. Rinse your hair

After swimming in the sea or pool, rinse your hair with fresh water, saturating it to limit chlorine and saltwater damage. 

5. Be gentle

Comb or brush your hair gently, starting at the ends to avoid breakage.  

Protective products and ingredients to look for  

In summer, choose styling products that offer specific protection. Look for ingredients like: 

• UV filters to shield against harmful sun rays. 

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for hydration and repair. 

• Argan oil and coconut oil for deep nourishment. 

• Silicones to form a protective barrier against salt and chlorine.  

A leave-in spray with these ingredients is ideal for summer-long use. 

Summer hair tips for styling  

Many people use straighteners, blow dryers or curling irons year-round, but these can stress your hair even more in summer. Follow these tips to keep your hair as healthy as possible: 

• Limit the use of heat styling tools. 

• Always use a heat protectant spray.

• Let your hair air-dry or towel-dry it first to reduce blow-drying time.

• Set your styling tools to a lower temperature – 150 to 160°C is enough.

Caring for coloured or chemically treated hair in summer  

Dyed, bleached or chemically treated hair can be extra vulnerable in summer. UV rays and chlorine can weaken the colour and structure of your hair. Follow these steps to protect your hair against the season: 

• Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically for coloured hair. 

• Limit direct sun exposure, or wear a hat or cap.

• Rinse your hair thoroughly before and after swimming.

• Use a leave-in product with colour-sealing technology.

Easy summer hairstyles that minimise damage

Tight buns or braids may be practical, but they can cause more damage when combined with dry, fragile hair. Instead, opt for looser styles like:

• A low, loose braid. 

• A relaxed bun.

• A ponytail with a soft scrunchie. 

• Hair clips instead of elastics to reduce friction and pressure on your hair, lowering the risk of split ends.  

Dyson tools to help you style your hair in summer  

Dyson styling tools are an excellent choice for all your summer styling needs. The Dyson Airwrap™ is especially ideal for summer, styling with Coanda airflow instead of heat to help retain moisture. You can use the Dyson Airwrap™ to curl, straighten or add volume without causing unnecessary damage to your strands.

Final tips: Keep your hair healthy all summer 

Here are a few final practical tips to protect your hair in warm weather: 

• Wear a hat or cover your head when you’re exposed to the sun. 

• Drink plenty of water.

• Schedule colour treatments outside the peak summer months to reduce drastic fading.

• Get a trim at the start of summer or have regular trims throughout the season to prevent split ends. 

• Massage your scalp to improve hair health.

With a little extra care, your hair can look great all summer. With a solid routine, smart products and good hair habits, you’ll be ready for whatever season has in store.