Summer can be tough on hair, with sun, sea, and heat causing dullness and dryness. Tina Farey, Editorial Director at Rush Hair, shares her top tips to keep hair healthy and protected while on holiday.
Don't go green in the pool
"A dip in the pool can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dull, damaged and dehydrated," says Farey. "The chemicals in the water can open the cuticle and allow a cocktail of chlorine and metals to seep into the hair, creating unwanted green or dull tones for those with blonde locks."
To avoid this, she recommends tying hair up when swimming or rinsing it immediately after being in the pool, especially if you've recently colored your hair.
SPF for hair
"SPF has become an essential this summer, but protecting your hair from the sun's harmful rays is just as important!" says Farey. "UV rays can penetrate the hair's protective barrier, leaving your hair open to fading and breakage."
She advises avoiding the sun during peak hours and investing in quality haircare that nourishes the hair, similar to using after-sun but for your hair. Farey recommends the Kérastase Soleil Sun Protection Collection, formulated with UV filters, coconut water, and vitamin E.
The 6 to 8 week rule
"Getting a trim every 6-8 weeks prevents any split ends from travelling further up the hair shaft, which weakens the hair's overall structure and leads to more breakage," says Farey. She suggests trimming at the start of summer to revitalize hair before the heat and at the end to remove dead ends before autumn.
This depends on hair type, length, and styling habits, but even an inch off the ends can transform hair's appearance.
Bottoms up!
"When it comes to budget hacks for nourishing your hair in the summer months, my top tip would be stay hydrated!" says Farey. "If you're dehydrated, not only will you suffer from the effects of the sun, but your hair will also feel the consequences!" Drinking plenty of water ensures strands are hydrated from the inside and the scalp stays moisturized.
Stop colour fade
"Colourists spend time perfecting your colour and if you don't look after it, it won't last as long!" says Farey. She advises wearing a hat to prevent fading and using high-quality products like the Chroma Absolu Collection by Kérastase, which protects colored hair from the inside out.
Farey also suggests dialling down on heat styling, as excessive use can wreak havoc on color.
