Summer season calls for a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, however, the harsh sun can take a toll on your hair. Sun exposure, humidity, and warm breeze can leave your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It's important to take extra care of your hair during the summer months to prevent damage and maintain healthy, beautiful locks. From using protective hair products to changing up your styling routine, there are many ways to keep your hair looking its best all summer long. Read on to learn some useful tips for summer hair care.

1. Protect Hair Against Sun Damage

To protect your hair from sun damage, wear a wide-brimmed hat and keep your hair covered when outdoors. It’s advisable to avoid peak hours of sun exposure, usually from 10 am to 2 pm. Additionally, many hair care products such as leave-in conditioners, powders, and sprays contain sun protection factor (SPF) that shields hair from sun damage and prevents colour-processed hair from fading.

2. Avoid Getting Hair Coloured Before a Vacation

Frequently getting your hair highlighted or coloured in lighter shades causes your hair to get exposed to a bleaching process. This process makes your hair more vulnerable to damage from the sun’s rays and chlorine. It is recommended to avoid colouring before a vacation that involves a lot of outdoor activities and swimming to protect your hair. 

3. Always Wear a Swimming Cap in the Pool

To protect your hair from damage caused by chlorine in swimming pools, it is advisable to wear a swim cap to create a barrier. If you find wearing a swim cap uncomfortable, then applying oil or a leave-in conditioner can help keep your hair safe from chlorine. Also, rinse your hair immediately and wash them with a swimmer's shampoo to remove chlorine after swimming. Finally, use a deep conditioner to restore moisture to your hair.

4. Use a Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner

During summers, frequent washing of hair is necessary to get rid of sweat and dirt. To prevent product build-up and remove chemicals, use clarifying or anti-residue shampoo once a week. However, always remember to follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

5. Use Hair Styling Tools Wisely

Styling tools such as blow dryers can be your go-to option for achieving your desired hairstyle. However, frequent use of these tools can result in hair damage, especially when used on greasy or dirty hair. To minimise damage, apply hair serum before using styling tools and avoid using them on dirty hair. Keep the temperature of the tools low and limit their usage. Air drying your hair after rinsing is also recommended. 

6. Try to Reduce Sebum Production on the Scalp

The scalp produces natural oils to keep your hair and scalp moisturised and hydrated, however, some people have oily scalp, which makes their hair greasy and sticky. Those with oily skin tend to have an oily scalp, which can worsen during summer. It is important to keep track of your hair cleansing routine and wash your hair more frequently during the summer months to prevent excessive oil build-up.

7. Try Summer Hairstyles

During the summer months, leaving your hair down can result in tangling and increased hair loss. Opting for different hairstyles can make a significant difference in managing your hair during the hot season. Buns, loose ponytails, and other summer hairstyles can help in keeping your hair manageable and stylish while preventing damage and hair loss.

8. Be Careful of Dehydration

Dehydration, commonly experienced during the hot and humid summer months, can also cause hair damage. It can lead to increased hair breakage, shedding, thinning, and split ends. To maintain healthy hair, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. This will help strengthen the hair and prevent damage caused by dehydration.

9. Apply Hair Serum

During summers, using a good quality hair serum is essential for healthy hair. Notably, hair serum forms a protective layer around your hair, shielding them from damage and dirt. It also helps prevent fly-away and protects hair from the heat of styling tools. It is recommended to apply hair serum after rinsing your hair, before going out, or when styling your hair.

By following these summer hair care tips, you can protect your hair from damage and keep them healthy, shiny, and manageable throughout the hot and humid season. For more tips, talk to the experts.

Consult Apollo's Expert Dermatologists

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.