Summer-proof hair: how to protect your locks from sun, sea and pool
Sun, sea and swimming pools: great for you, but a challenge for your hair! They can seriously dry out and damage your locks. Give your hair some extra love: with these simple tips, you’ll have your hair summer-proof in no time.
Why sun protection for your hair is important
It may come as no surprise, but the sun has the same damaging effects on your hair as it does on your skin. UV rays can dry out your hair, leading to breakage. This applies to all hair types, but especially to coloured hair. It’s important to protect your locks to maintain both the colour and the quality of your hair. So how do you do that? Simple: use products that protect your hair from UV rays. Think of leave-in conditioners with SPF: they create a protective barrier on your hair and help prevent that rough feeling after swimming.
Protect your hair from sea salt and chlorine
Cooling off in the sea or pool feels great, but it can really dry out your hair. Sea salt strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle. Chlorine can affect your hair colour and often leaves a dull tone and split ends. To prevent this, use a protective leave-in spray or oil. This helps keep damaging substances from penetrating your hair.
3 must-have products for protection and repair
Summer-proof hair calls for the right products to both protect and repair. In our salon, we love to work with products from the brand Oway. Their special Sunway line is developed to protect your hair from sun, sea and chlorine. Ask our specialists which products suit your hair type best. At the very least, make sure these three essentials are in your summer routine and your hair will shine all season long:
Moisturising shampoo
The power of a good shampoo is often underestimated, but it’s extra important as the foundation of your hair routine. Choose a mild, hydrating shampoo with ingredients like aloe vera, rice proteins or oils. These ingredients help retain moisture and protect your hair from external influences. A great example is the Oway Sunway After-Sun Hair. This multitasker gently cleanses both your hair and scalp. Thanks to ingredients like babassu oil, your hair will feel soft and nourished again.
Leave-in conditioner with SPF for sun protection
This is the key to protecting your hair from the sun. Choose a leave-in conditioner with SPF to shield your hair from UV rays. This prevents discolouration and dryness.
Pro tip: spray it again halfway through the day for extra protection.
Restorative hair mask
After a day full of sun, sea and pool water, your hair deserves a boost. A nourishing hair mask helps restore softness and strength. Opt for a mask that hydrates and repairs. A great choice is the Oway Sunway After-Sun Hair Mask, packed with avocado oil and plant extracts to help restore and nourish your hair after a sunny day.
Extra tips for summer-proof hair
Besides using the right products, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your hair:
Rinse your hair after swimming
If you’ve had a refreshing dip in sea or chlorinated water, rinse your hair with clean water straight after. This prevents salt and chlorine from building up in your hair and drying it out even more in combination with sunlight. Don’t forget to reapply your leave-in conditioner with SPF afterwards for protection.
Wear a hat or cap
A hat or cap helps protect your hair from direct sunlight. Your hair (and scalp!) will thank you.
Avoid heat styling
In the summer months, try to avoid using curling irons, straighteners or blow dryers. Let your hair air dry instead. Want to style it anyway? Use the cold setting on your blow dryer or go for heat-free styling like heatless curls or loose braids for effortless beachy waves.
Fancy a new summer look? Feel free to drop by our salon in Rotterdam for styling and advice.