Summer is one of the best times of the year sunshine, holidays, swimming pools and beach days. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the toughest seasons for your hair.
The good news? A few simple changes can make all the difference. Here are eight common mistakes we see every summer, and how you can avoid them.
1. Jumping Into the Pool With Dry Hair
Think of your hair like a sponge. Dry hair will absorb whatever it comes into contact with first including chlorinated or mineral-rich pool water.
Before you swim, thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water. This helps reduce how much chlorine and copper your hair absorbs.
2. Not Rinsing Your Hair After Swimming
Once you’ve finished swimming, rinse your hair with clean water as soon as possible.
Leaving chlorine, salt or pool minerals sitting on the hair for hours can lead to dryness, colour fade and even the dreaded green tinge on blonde hair.
3. Sitting in the Sun Without UV Protection
Most of us wouldn’t dream of spending hours in the sun without sunscreen on our skin, yet we often forget our hair.
UV rays can:
- Fade your colour
- Dry out the hair
- Damage the cuticle
- Make hair feel rough and brittle
Using a leave-in product with UV protection is one of the easiest ways to keep your hair looking healthier throughout summer.
4. Overusing Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is brilliant when it’s used correctly, but during summer we often see people reaching for it after every wash.
Too much purple shampoo can actually leave blonde hair feeling dry and dull because it isn’t designed to replace your regular shampoo.
Use it once every week or two, depending on your hair, and always follow with a nourishing conditioner or mask.
5. Forgetting Your Scalp
Your scalp is skin too!
A burnt scalp isn’t just uncomfortable it can peel, become irritated and even affect healthy hair growth over time.
If you’ll be outdoors for long periods, wear a hat or dab an SPF product along your parting.
6. Leaving Your Hair Wet for Hours
Many people skip the hairdryer during summer thinking it’s healthier.
In reality, hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. Leaving it damp for long periods allows the cuticle to stay swollen, making it more vulnerable to damage and tangling.
7. Using the Same Haircare You Use in Winter
Your hair has different needs in different seasons.
During summer it usually needs:
- More hydration
- UV protection
- Colour protection
- Clarifying products to remove chlorine and sunscreen build-up
Changing just one or two products can make a huge difference.
8. Skipping Your Holiday Trim
It might seem sensible to wait until after your holiday, but having a trim beforehand removes damaged ends that are more likely to split further in the sun.
Healthier ends cope much better with swimming, sunshine and styling.
Keep Your Hair Happy This Summer
Your hair works hard all year, but summer throws a few extra challenges its way. With the right products, regular trims and a little extra care, you can enjoy sunshine without sacrificing healthy, beautiful hair.
If you’re unsure which products are right for your hair, our team would be happy to help you create the perfect summer routine.
