Hair experts advise summer care to prevent damage and loss

Dermatologist Dr Prakruthi KN explained that humidity weakens hydrogen bonds in keratin, causing hair to revert to its natural curl pattern and become frizzy. UV radiation, chlorine, and salt water further strip moisture, leading to brittleness and colour fading. Experts recommend pre‑wetting hair before swimming, using UV‑protectant sprays, and applying leave‑in conditioners or protective oils to seal moisture. Philip Kingsley suggests a pre‑shampoo treatment to restore elasticity and a water‑resistant mask before pool or sea exposure. Balea’s affordable UV‑spray and various “aftersun” shampoos (e.g., Invigo Sun, Wella Professionals) are marketed to cleanse salt and chlorine residues while hydrating the fiber. General tips include reducing heat‑styling, air‑drying, regular trims, and deep‑conditioning masks to maintain softness.

In the UK, skin‑and‑hair specialist Sam Cinkir warned that higher summer temperatures can increase hair shedding due to lower melatonin and higher testosterone levels, compounded by dehydration and scalp oil build‑up. He advises extra protein and biotin intake, sunscreen for scalp and hair, and the same moisture‑focused routine to counter seasonal loss. "The summer months can be a challenging time for hair," Cinkir said, adding that proper diet and avoiding wet‑hair sleeping can help reduce breakage.