How to protect your hair against UV, salt, and chlorine, according to experts
Updated
Beach days are well and truly back. And while we’re thrilled to be back lazing and lounging in the sun (safely, of course), this year we’re intent on keeping our skin and hair healthy and protecting them against sun, salt, and chlorine.
So, before we head to the beach, we went on the hunt for expert advice on how to protect our hair. We spoke with Shark Beauty Ambassador, Daniel Jianing and principal trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) at the Australian Trichology Centre, Chelcey Salinger to get their top haircare tips.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Preventive summer care
The most effective strategy in summer haircare is to start before the damage occurs. Instead of trying to reverse months of sun, salt, and chlorine exposure, the experts agree that it’s all about prevention. Getting your hair into its healthiest condition before peak summer is crucial to help protect it against the elements.
While quality ingredients can smooth and shield hair, they can’t biologically heal the hair shaft once it’s damaged. Bleached or coloured hair is typically more porous, meaning that it loses moisture quickly, leaving it vulnerable to UV rays, salt water, heat styling, etc. Jianing recommends using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask because it works to help repair damage within the hair, rather than simply coating it.
For natural or less processed hair, the focus can be more on maintaining hydration, reducing UV and heat exposure and preventing dryness before it starts.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask K18
Beating humidity and frizz
For humidity and frizz, Salinger recommends focusing on the conditioner rather than the shampoo.
When it comes to protecting your hair against heat, while also keeping it hydrated, Jianing says that antioxidants and nourishing oils can be really useful additions. His top picks are Eleven Australia Miracle Hair Treatment for an easy multitasker for summer, the Kevin Murphy Heated Defense for a great lightweight option ahead of using hot tools, and the Kevin Murphy Ever Smooth for anyone whose biggest issue is humidity and frizz.
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sodium Chloride-Free Conditioner
Redken Frizz Dismiss Sodium Chloride-Free Conditioner Redken
John Frieda Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Conditioner
John Frieda Frizz Ease Infinite Smooth Conditioner John Frieda
Kevin Murphy Heated Defense
Kevin Murphy Heated Defense Kevin Murphy
The ultimate swim routine
The hair acts like a sponge, so saturating it with clean water before jumping in the pool or the sea fills the hair shaft, helping it to absorb less salt and chlorine. Salinger highlights this as crucial for porous, colour-treated, or damaged hair, while Jianing calls it one of the single best free habits for summer.
Plus, applying a leave-in conditioner or water-resistant swim mask through the hair’s mid-lengths creates a physical barrier against mineral absorption and dehydration. As soon as you’re out of the water, the experts recommend rinsing the hair with clean water and using a gentle shampoo and rich conditioner when possible. For frequent swimmers, using a detox shampoo once a week helps to strip chlorine build up without over-drying the hair.
The experts also emphasise how fragile the hair is when wet. Jianing recommends detangling the hair with a wet brush or a wide-tooth comb from the ends upwards, and instead of tight elastics or pulled-back buns, to opt for loose braids and soft scrunchies – and to never sleep with wet hair (guilty!).
Options to shop:
Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask
Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask Philip Kingsley
Trihard Swimmers Shampoo Extra Boost + Pre & Post Swim Conditioner
Trihard Swimmers Shampoo Extra Boost + Pre & Post Swim Conditioner Trihard
Eleven Australia Miracle Hair Treatment
Eleven Australia Miracle Hair Treatment Eleven
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo K18
Scalp health
The scalp is skin, and exposed areas such as the part line, hairline and areas of thinning hair can burn just like skin elsewhere on the body, says Salinger.
A hat is ideal wherever possible, particularly during prolonged outdoor exposure, together with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ or preferably SPF 50+ sunscreen on exposed areas of the scalp.
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Cetaphil
We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ We Are Feel Good Inc