The summer haircare routine to follow after a day of sun, sea and pool For restored, healthy hair
After a day spent in the sun, at the beach or by the pool, the only thing we all want to do is go home, give ourselves a quick rinse and collapse on the sofa. Too bad that, after hours of UV exposure, salt water and chlorine, hair needs a little extra care. Just like the skin, the hair also needs a recovery routine to restore hydration, softness and shine, avoiding reaching September with hair that looks more like straw than anything else.
The summer haircare routine to follow after a day in the sun, at the beach and pool
Step one: removing salt or chlorine
How beautiful is hair right after coming out of the sea? Those beach waves that even show up on straight hair, the kind that normally won’t hold a style even if you drown it in hairspray. The temptation to just let it air-dry like that is strong, but it’s better to resist. Salt water and chlorine, in fact, keep dehydrating the hair fiber even after you’re out of the water, leaving hair drier and duller. That’s why the first thing to do as soon as possible is a fresh water rinse, to remove salt and chlorine before they keep acting. Once home, start the routine with a gentle shampoo, able to remove all residue without further stressing or drying out the hair.
Step two: hydration
We all know it by heart by now: sun, salt water and chlorine strip moisture from the hair, making it weaker, drier and more prone to frizz. That’s why, after every wash, conditioner becomes basically non-negotiable, the more nourishing, the better. Once or twice a week, it’s worth treating yourself to a hair mask left on for a few extra minutes than usual, giving it time to really do its job. If you’re choosing which one to buy, check the INCI: ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba, glycerin and panthenol help restore softness and elasticity to the hair fiber, fighting that annoying dry, rough feeling that inevitably shows up after a day in the sun.
Step three: leave-in
If there’s one product that deserves way more attention, it’s the leave-in. Whether it’s a detangling spray, a cream or a serum: any formula works, as long as it’s designed to be applied to damp hair and left in without rinsing. Besides locking in hydration, it helps control frizz, makes styling easier and protects the hair fiber, there’s really no reason not to start using it. And there’s more: many leave-ins also include UV filters and heat protection, making them the perfect product to keep in your beauty case all summer long.
Step four: pay attention to drying
After a day in the sun, hair is already pretty stressed. Adding a high-heat blow-dry, straightener or curling iron is not exactly what it needs. So, if possible, it’s better to let it air dry or use the hairdryer on a low, warm setting. Also avoid rubbing it aggressively with a towel unless your goal is broken hair. Much better to gently pat it dry, preferably with a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt, which are much kinder to the hair.
Step five: oil
The final step can really make a difference, especially if you have bleached, curly or particularly dry hair. Apply a few drops of oil to the lengths and ends to lock in hydration, reduce frizz and instantly add more shine. The key is not to overdo it and to apply it when the hair is still slightly damp, so you properly seal in moisture.
