Exact time you should wash your hair in summer – tips for a ‘healthy scalp’

The school summer holidays are in full swing so if you’re thinking about planning a trip with the kids or even better going away on a staycation then you might want to make note. 

As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to ensure that you’re thoroughly looking after your hair this summer.

Warm temperatures and humid conditions can make your hair more susceptible to damage, so as well as protecting your skin from the sun, it’s also crucial to be mindful of your hair care over the next few months.

Rising temperatures can cause hair to become frizzy, damaged, and discoloured. To prevent any lasting damage this summer, experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, have created a guide on protecting your hair during the warmer temperatures ahead.

These are the steps you need to take for a lovely looking mane. 

Avoid daily hair washes

While it’s incredibly tempting to wash your hair after a long day in the sun, experts recommend that you resist this urge over the next few months. Washing your hair daily over the summer can strip it of natural oils, making it extra dry.

Experts advised “Because of this, your hair will become more susceptible to damage and breakage, such as split ends. As the sun is already drying out your hair enough this summer, experts advise you to wash your hair every other day during the warmer months ahead.”

Don’t skip the conditioner

Hydration is essential over the next few months to prevent your hair from becoming dry and damaged.

As the temperatures rise, the warm weather can strip away the hair’s natural moisture, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re not skipping out the conditioner in your hair-care routine.

The experts said: “Deep conditioning treatments can prevent the hair from looking dried out and will defend against any breakage, keeping your hair sufficiently hydrated this summer.”

Try out a hydrating hair mask

Hair masks can also boost your hair’s hydration, making them an essential part of your summer hair care routine.

It’s advised that a hydrating hair mask should be used around once a week during the warmer weather to prevent dry and brittle hair.

Fresha recommended: “The products contain restorative ingredients and should be applied directly after shampooing for maximum benefits. When using your hair mask, generously apply the product from the roots to the tips and focus on gently massaging it into your scalp. Once applied, leave the hair mask on for about 3-5 minutes before rinsing as usual.

“For very dehydrated hair, you can leave the product on longer, around 10-15 minutes. However, it’s important not to leave the product on overnight with wet hair as this can result in oily-looking hair.”

Hair masks work to strengthen and hydrate hair, reducing the appearance of frizz. Because of this, it’s worth trying one out this summer if the product isn’t already part of your hair-care routine.

Use sun-protecting products

It’s not just your skin that needs protecting this summer; intense UV rays can also significantly damage your hair and scalp.

Experts said: “A badly sunburnt scalp can result in typical symptoms of sun poisoning, such as headaches and nausea. To prevent this, it is essential to use scalp suncream when working on your tan over the next few months. Wearing a hat in the warm weather will also effectively protect your hair and scalp from any nasty sun damage.”

After-sun shampoo products are also essential to pack with you on holiday this summer. The products contain UV filters, which aid rehydration after sun exposure, making them a necessary part of your summer hair-care routine.

Various UV sprays are also hugely beneficial to try out this summer. The leave-in product protects hair from harmful sun exposure, maintaining healthy-looking hair in warmer weather.

Ditch the straighteners

Over the next few months, it’s heavily advised to ditch the heated styling tools and embrace your natural hair type.

Fresha said: “Hair straighteners and curling irons can apply extra stress to hair during summer, resulting in split ends and dry-looking hair. After being out in the sun all day, heated appliances exemplify sun damage, so opting for natural styling techniques over the warmer months ahead is better.”

Protect your hair before heading off for a swim

While there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the pool to cool down, chlorine and salt water can cause significant hair damage. Saltwater can cause your hair to become incredibly dry, while the chlorine chemicals place your hair at risk of becoming discoloured.

Experts advised: “To prevent these risks, it is recommended to wash your hair in cool, fresh water before and after swimming. Pre-soaking your hair reduces the amount of chlorine or saltwater it absorbs. Applying water directly after swimming also helps to rehydrate the hair as quickly as possible, which is essential after swimming in the sea.

“It’s also advised to try out a conditioning hair spray after swimming. This helps restore moisture to your hair, preventing split ends and breakage. You can also make your own conditioner spray at home by mixing fresh water with your daily conditioner, which works to restore healthy-looking hair as soon as possible.”

Invest in a silk pillowcase

As the humidity rises, it’s natural for your hair to start feeling slightly frizzy. However, to keep the frizz under control, experts recommend using a silk pillowcase at night.

Silk absorbs less moisture than other materials, preventing your hair from becoming dehydrated.

Fresha recommended: “Sleeping on a silk pillowcase at night can effectively reduce frizz, resulting in smoother and softer-looking hair. The product is also hugely beneficial for your skin, making it a worthwhile investment for the summer.”

A spokesperson for Fresha has commented: “Looking after your hair in the warmer months ahead is hugely important if you want to reduce the appearance of frizz and brittle-looking hair. It’s time to start making conscious decisions about protecting your hair against harsh UV rays.

“Prioritising your hair care routine this summer is essential, as it’s not just your skin that can be affected by sun damage in the warmer months ahead. It’s also important not to underestimate the importance of staying hydrated during the warmer weather, as not drinking enough water can create weak and brittle hair.

“Actively drinking more water and investing in products to rehydrate your hair are great ways to start on your hair care journey this summer.”