Hair for women, men, and children is affected by seasonal climate changes. In summer, hair tends to dry out more due to heat and sun exposure, while in winter, it can become brittle and weak from the cold and indoor heating. So, since we have readers from both the Northern Hemisphere entering spring-summer and the Southern Hemisphere entering fall-winter, here are tips for everyone.

As a beauty expert, I can tell you that the best accessory anyone can flaunt is beautiful, well-maintained, luxurious hair. The good news is that everyone can achieve this goal with dedication and the right, high-quality products. We know that the sun, wind, and salty or chlorinated water can be quite harsh on hair, especially if it’s bleached or dyed; later in the note, I’ll explain why special care is needed.

These tips will help keep your hair healthy and shiny. And remember, these tips are not just for women; they apply to the whole family. Let’s get to it!

Intensive Hydration – Summer

The sun and saltwater can dehydrate your hair quickly. Before heading to the beach or pool, wet your hair and apply a deep moisturizing mask. I recommend one based on essential oils like coconut, macadamia, argan, among others.

Sun Protection for Hair – Especially in Summer

Extremely Important. Just as you protect your skin from the sun, your hair also needs protection. Needless to say, use a hat. Use hair products with UV protection. There are heat-protectant sprays that work perfectly to shield hair from the sun, and specific creams that form a barrier against UV rays, preventing damage.

Avoid Heat Tools: Summer/Winter

Try to minimize the use of heat tools like blow dryers and straighteners. If you must use them, apply a heat-protectant spray before using hot tools. The sun already adds enough heat, and adding more can damage your hair. And if you are in the cold, low temperatures can burn your hair, so always apply heat protectant before blow-drying. In summer, opt for natural styles and let your hair air-dry. Take this opportunity to flaunt your natural mane, and apply gels or styling creams with some hold to control frizz if necessary.

Rinse After Swimming: Summer

After swimming in the sea or pool, it's crucial to rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible. This helps remove salt and chlorine, which can leave your hair dry and brittle. I recommend carrying a spray bottle of water, so you don't have to look for a shower. Just spray enough water on your hair and towel dry, then apply a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing mask to continue protecting your hair while exposed to the sun. If you can, tie it up in a bun. Once home, wash it with a hydrating shampoo and apply conditioner.

Protective Hairstyles: Summer/Winter

For both summer and winter, use hairstyles that protect your hair from the sun and wind. Braids, buns, and high ponytails are excellent options that look chic and allow you to wear hats in summer and beanies in winter. 

Hydration from Within: Summer/Winter

 Don't forget that hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals that benefit your hair, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish. I recommend supplements like Biotin, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.

Protective Accessories: Summer/Winter

Use hats, scarves, or caps to protect your hair from direct sun and cold, rain, or snow. Besides being fashion accessories, they provide a physical barrier against harmful UV rays and the cold.

Regular Trims: Summer/Winter

Keep your hair ends healthy with regular trims. Sun and saltwater, low temperatures, and climate changes can cause split ends more quickly, so trim them every 6-8 weeks.

Avoid Products with Alcohol: Summer/Winter

 Many hair products contain alcohol, which can be extremely drying. Check the labels and avoid those with alcohol, opting for gentler and more natural formulas.

Overnight Treatments: Summer/Winter

Take advantage of the night to apply intensive treatments. Use natural oils like almond or jojoba, or products containing a blend of healing oils. Apply the treatment as follows: wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo, towel dry, apply the treatment cream, put on a plastic cap, and leave it on overnight. Rinse in the morning. The heat created by the plastic cap and the exposure time of the product will help keep your hair hydrated and strong.

If your hair is bleached or dyed, it is especially vulnerable to sun, chlorinated water, and saltwater damage, as well as intense cold, snow, and rain. Here’s why special attention is needed:

Increased Fragility

Bleaching breaks down hair proteins, leaving it weaker and more fragile. The process removes melanin, the protein responsible for natural color, weakening the hair structure and making it more susceptible to external damage.

Extreme Dehydration

Bleached hair tends to be more porous, losing moisture more quickly. Exposure to the sun or cold can exacerbate this condition, causing extreme dryness and split ends. UV rays damage the hair cuticle and penetrate more easily into the porous strands of bleached hair.

Chlorine Damage

Chlorinated water can react with the open cuticle of bleached hair, causing discoloration and a dry, brittle effect. Chlorine can interact with residual chemicals from bleaching, increasing the risk of damage. In extreme cases, chlorine can even give bleached hair a greenish tint.

Effects of Saltwater

Saltwater draws moisture from the hair due to its high salt concentration, leaving bleached hair even drier and more prone to breakage. Salt can also accumulate on the hair surface, making it difficult to absorb essential moisture and nutrients.

Oxidation and Color Loss

Sun exposure can cause oxidation, which particularly affects bleached hair, accelerating color loss and tone deterioration. UV rays can break down artificial pigments in dyed hair, leading to dull and uneven color. I recommend using a purple shampoo that eliminates orange-oxidized tones, which you can use once every three washes.

Increased Porosity

Bleaching increases hair porosity, making it easier for contaminants and harmful substances to penetrate. More porous hair not only loses moisture more easily but also absorbs harmful substances from saltwater and chlorine more quickly.

Loss of Elasticity

Bleached hair loses elasticity, making it more prone to breaking under physical stress like styling or exposure to harsh elements. Lack of elasticity means the hair cannot return to its original shape after being stretched, increasing the risk of mechanical damage. Use masks that restore elasticity, strength, and shine to your hair.

Need for Additional Care

Bleached hair requires specific care and products to maintain its health. These include moisturizing products, UV protectants, and repair treatments that can help mitigate the damaging effects of sun, chlorine, and salt.

By following these recommendations and understanding the risks, we can keep bleached hair in optimal condition, even during the most intense exposures to sun, saltwater, or chlorinated water, and extreme cold, snow, and rain.

The whole family needs to take care of their hair always, but especially those who have undergone any chemical processes.