Your Summer Hair Guide: Chlorine and Sun Protection

Beaches, pools, boardwalks—oh my! Summer is here, and that means plenty of time spent out and about under the sun. While you likely already know that protecting your skin from the sun is a must, chances are good, you’ve overlooked something else that can be impacted by the sun’s harmful rays: your hair.

That’s right, the sun and your strands aren’t exactly a match made in heaven—sun protection for hair is a must. In fact, summer calls for a revamped hair care routine that offers not only sun protection but also ways to prevent another major hair concern: green hair from chlorine. Below, we’re sharing nine hair care tips to help you score healthy-looking hair all summer long.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #1: COVER YOUR STRANDS

We get it—the sun is shining, and you’re dying to spend every minute outdoors. That’s totally expected, but make sure to cover up! According to the Cleveland Clinic, when your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun, UVA and UVB rays can damage the outside cover of the hair strand, which is called the cuticle. Whether you wear a broad-brimmed hat, a trendy head wrap, or sit under an umbrella for sun protection—just try to keep your strands covered up when you’re going to be out in the sun for longer periods of time.

It’s also important to cover up when swimming. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests wearing a tight-fitting swim cap to avoid damage, which could include green hair from chlorine.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #2: USE A MOISTURIZING HAIR CARE SYSTEM

The AAD recommends protecting your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine by wetting and conditioning your hair before swimming. Try following this chlorine hair protection tip with help from a moisturizing hair care system, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #3: OPT FOR A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

When it comes to sun protection for hair, the right leave-in conditioner formula could be just what your routine needs. We count on the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion all summer long. Formulated with goji, this offering strengthens fragile hair, protects against breakage, and forms a protective shield that defends against UV rays.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #4: ROCK A PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLE

This one is both a hair care and hairstyling tip: Consider wearing a protective hairstyle during the summer. Not only are there plenty of cute and trendy protective hairstyles to choose from, but these hairstyles will also help protect your strands from elements in your environment. Protective hairstyles can also be beneficial when you’re more active, which many of us tend to be in the summer. Here are The 30 Best Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #5: REACH FOR A DEEP CONDITIONER

We mentioned earlier that your hair might need a little TLC in the moisturizing department come summer, so a deep conditioner is something you can’t pass up on! More specifically, the AAD suggests using a deep conditioner after swimming to replace lost moisture. Try the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner, which is formulated to revive hair for less breakage and deep condition with a shine-enhancing, rich formula. Use it in place of regular conditioner, after shampooing, and leave it on for one minute before rinsing.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #6 ADD A HAIR MASK TO YOUR ROUTINE

Another great way to level up your hair care routine this summer? A hair mask! Known as one of the holy grail hair products, hair masks work wonders to nourish and hydrate your strands. After a dip in the pool, consider picking up the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask if you have curly strands. This mask works to re-nourish and redefine curls and eliminate dryness with one wash. Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Conditioner to achieve your desired results.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #7: SHOWER POST-SWIM

Don’t put off a shower after swimming! The Cleveland Clinic states that if you swim in a chlorinated pool, it’s essential to make sure you rinse the pool water—which contains salt and chlorine—out of your hair with clear water to prevent a headful of frizzy, dull, and damaged hair.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #8: AVOID HEAT TOOLS

As a rule of thumb, consider sticking to heat-free hairstyles during the summer as much as possible. The Cleveland Clinic shares that hot flat irons or rollers can make your mane more vulnerable to the summer stresses of the heat and sun, as they can damage hair’s keratin. The damaged keratin allows the sun to more easily penetrate your strands, leading to fragile, damaged locks.

SUMMER HAIR PROTECTION TIP #9: PICK THE RIGHT TIMING

There’s a right time for everything, and exposing your hair to the sun is no exception. The Cleveland Clinic recommends going out early or later in the day to protect your strands from unwanted sun damage. Not sure what time falls under those categories? For optimal precaution, treat your hair as you would your skin. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s the perfect time to head back inside, get lunch, and give yourself a break from the heat!

Next, let’s talk about skin. Read our article, Which Sunscreen is Best? Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen, for the scoop.