Essential care to protect hair from the sun, sea and swimming pool in summer

Summary
Experts warn against damage to hair from sun, sea and swimming pools in summer, recommending care such as hydration, UV protection, use of hats and adequate washing to maintain hair health.

It’s a fact: warmer days mean more ocean swimming, swimming pools and more sun exposure, a combination that can seriously compromise the health of your hair. Solar radiation, salt and chlorine are responsible for damage such as intense dryness, breakage, loss of shine and discoloration. Additionally, high temperatures stimulate sebum production on the scalp, creating an environment conducive to inflammation and discomfort.

In the hottest time of the year, the hair fiber suffers from excessive cuticle opening, which facilitates the loss of water and nutrients. Chlorine from swimming pools and sea salt weaken hair strands, making them more fragile, opaque and porous. For those who dye their hair, the risk is even greater: the color fades more quickly under the combined action of the sun and water.

According to dermatologist Fátima Tubini, prevention is the main weapon against damage. “Hair needs protection as much as skin. Direct exposure to the sun degrades important proteins, such as keratin, and compromises the integrity of the hair. The use of products with a UV filter is therefore essential during the summer,” explains the specialist.

Recommended care to protect your hair

Among the main measures to preserve hair health during the season, some of them are:

Frequent hydration: The use of nourishing and hydrating masks replaces water and lipids, restoring softness and resistance to hair.

Thermal and solar protection: leave-in products with UV protection form a barrier that minimizes the impacts of radiation.

Before and after the dive: Before entering the swimming pool or the sea, applying a protective cream helps reduce the absorption of salt and chlorine. After diving, the ideal is to rinse and wash your hair immediately.

Gentle, anti-residue shampoos: helps remove chlorine, salt and accumulated residue without damaging the scalp.

Use of accessories: Hats, scarves and visors are important allies in reducing the direct impact of the sun.

According to Fátima Tubini, the combination of these precautions is essential to avoid common seasonal problems. “An increase in oiliness on the scalp is expected in summer, but in the event of insufficient hygiene, it can develop into seborrheic dermatitis. Likewise, a lack of hydration promotes breakage and frizz. A structured care routine prevents a large part of this damage,” explains Tubini.

Most common damages and effective solutions

Wire breakage: caused by extreme dryness and fragility of the hair fiber. For a solution it is necessary to carry out hydration and reconstruction with proteins.

Discoloration: UV rays degrade pigments. Using hair sunscreen and specific products for colored hair can solve this problem.

Dryness and porosity: consequence of loss of humidity. With nourishing masks with vegetable oils, butters and restorative active ingredients, these causes will be reduced.

Excessive creaminess: high temperatures stimulate sebum production. Use balancing shampoos and regular cleansing to prevent excess oil in your hair.

“The secret is to combine protection, hydration and consistent daily care. Well-treated, hair goes through the summer healthy and beautiful,” reinforces Tubini.