Essential tips for maintaining the best in your summer hair

We are midway through the summer season when our hair is most vulnerable. The ocean invites us, causing salt to seep into our hair, and if you choose a swimming pool, chlorine poses a completely different problem.

This topic is currently a major focus of conversation in the salon: "How can I protect my hair & scalp during the summer?"

The summer sun in Aotearoa is undoubtedly quite strong.

Being an island nation, the wind can mask the intense heat. Our UV index is higher than that of many other countries, resulting in shorter burn times, which can be just a few minutes, particularly between the peak hours of 10am and 4pm.

Lets start at the root of the theme.

The Scalp. Unprotected, it burns. I believe we've all felt that sensitive, scalp-tingling heat from the intense summer sun. Next comes the flaking skin.

Ultimately, the best protection is exactly what mum says "wear a hat!"

The next best option is a sunscreen for hair and scalp. There are numerous professional hair products that contain UVA/UVB filters.

Scalp sprays come with a nozzle applicator so you can spray directly onto the scalp. Dedicated UV protection Shampoo, conditioner and leave in hair treatments will activate while in use.

Sun

Over time, exposure to the sun's rays will weaken the outer layer of the hair. This loss of moisture can lead to breakage, split ends, and dryness, resulting in dull, frizzy hair. UV radiation will cause both natural and coloured hair to fade. Sun damage also speeds up the aging process of our hair.

Salt

This is a significant topic given that we reside next to the most stunning coastline in Aotearoa.

Although the ocean's rich mineral salt offers numerous benefits to our human cells, it can also dry out the hair if we don't take certain steps to maximize its advantages.

Spending extended periods in the sea can dehydrate your hair. To avoid weakening your hair, rinse with cool water and apply a conditioner & a leave-in treatment afterwards.

To maintain beach waves, gently scrunch your hair with a towel working from the ends upwards to absorb the water and form the natural movement of the hair, gently apply your choice of hair treatment and you're ready to go.

To maintain your healthy hair, having regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks and following a professional haircare routine which balances scalp care, moisture, and protein for strength will significantly enhance the appearance of your summer hair.

Chlorine

The effect of chlorine on your hair depends on how often you swim in chlorinated water. An occasional swim won't significantly impact your hair, just rinse with fresh, cool water before and after swimming, and use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized.

However, if you swim frequently, are training for an event, or are perfecting your manu technique, putting in extra effort will help maintain your hair's health. Chlorine can weaken hair, leading to breakage, lift the hair's cuticle, causing frizz and brittleness, and irritate the scalp, resulting in itching and flaking. Using a clarifying shampoo weekly will remove the pools chemicals, while a swimming cap can provide a protective barrier. Additionally, using a nourishing conditioner and leave-in treatment, similar to when dealing with salt, will help.

Chlorine will signifcantly fade tinted haircolour, lighten natural or highlighted hair and potentionly leave a green hue in blonde hair, use of a hard water shampoo can prevent this from happening.

Sauna

It is a hot topic and we talk a lot about the many bennefits during our hair chair chats.

I often receive questions about whether sauna heat affects hair. The impact largely depends on the type of sauna you choose. Infrared saunas are the gentlest on hair strands, as they heat the body instead of the surrounding air. However, if hair isn't well-protected, it can become dry. Dry saunas can dehydrate hair due to low humidity, and extended exposure can damage coloured, highlighted, or naturally dry hair, leading to frizz and breakage. Although steam saunas have higher humidity, they can cause hair to swell and frizz, and the combination of heat and humidity may weaken the hair.

A little preparation can have long term benefits for keeping your hair healthy while enjoying the sauna. The time spent inside is perfect for a hair treatment, as the heat opens the cuticle, promoting nourishment directly into the hair. Sauna hats act as a barrier against drying out the hair in intense heat, helping to retain natural oils and prevent brittleness and breakage.

The advantages of swimming, enjoying saunas, and the quality time spent savoring summer will complement how we feel internally, with some time dedicated to caring for our hair and skin externally. The Vitamin D from the sun, minerals from the ocean, and cooling off in a pool or simply relaxing in a sauna all contribute to this experience. Research and technology have developed products to address any potential damage that might occur.

I highly suggest trying the Angel en Provence range to care for your hair this season.

Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask

• Helichrysum for dry, damaged hair. Rich in vitamins A & E, offering UV protection to encourage colour longevity and reduce breakage.

• Orange flower for coloured hair. Protects against colour fading and UV damage, hydrates to reduce frizz, prevents split ends, leaving the hair soft, shiny, and vibrant.

• Lavender Violet Tone for blonde hair. While reducing brassy tones it with strengthen and enhance shine. Provides environmental protection against UVA & UVB rays.

Leave-in Treatment

• Helichrysum Wakening Hydration Cream. Enriched with Helichrysum active ingredients, rejuvenating and revitalizing damaged hair caused by heated tools, chemicals, and environmental elements. A leave-in formula enhances UV protection, preventing dehydration and damage. Protection from split ends and frizz.

• Camillia Versatile Cream. Helps to repair split ends and moisturise leaving hair smooth and shiny.