5 care tips for sun-damaged hair – how to keep it healthy, shiny and smooth

Excessive sun exposure, chlorine, and salt water take a toll on hair in the summer. The protective cuticle layer is damaged, leaving hair dry, straw-like, brittle, and lackluster – split ends and breakage are often the result. With the following tips, your summer hair will get the extra care it needs.

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Why sun, salt and chlorine damage your hair

Sunlight (UV light) bleaches your hair color, chlorinated water draws out moisture, and salt crystallizes on the hair's surface – both of which roughen the cuticle. The result: moisture loss, a dull appearance, and brittleness. However, targeted care products and gentle styling routines can significantly reduce the damage.

Tip 1 – Mild moisturizing shampoo for dry hair

After a day at the beach or pool, your hair needs a gently cleansing, moisturizing shampoo— free of harsh surfactants, silicones, and alcohol . A "squeaky clean" feeling after washing indicates excessively strong surfactants, which are destroying the protective fatty acid layer.

• Avoid: Sodium Coco Sulfate (unfortunately used as a primary surfactant in most natural cosmetic shampoos)
• Instead, look for: mild, plant-based amino acid surfactants (Sodium / Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate)

Mild shampoos based on plant amino acids maintain the protective lipid layer of the hair fiber and strengthen the hair structure.

Tip 2 – Vitalizing hair treatment

For dry, brittle summer hair, we recommend a deep-acting, emulsifier-free organic hair treatment—free of silicones, quats, emulsifiers, or alcohol. Shea butter, high-quality cold-pressed oils, and beta-glucan will increase your hair's elasticity. They smooth the hair's surface and strengthen its resilience.

Application:

1. Apply 1–2 pumps to the lengths (avoid the roots)
2. For severely damaged hair, use after every wash
3. Leave in hair (leave-in) or leave on for at least 30 minutes under a towel (then rinse briefly, no longer than 1 minute)

Tip 3 – Styling gel for heat protection & shine

An alcohol-free styling gel protects against dryness, UV damage, and heat. Plant proteins with a keratin-like effect prevent fading and provide softness, smooth frizz, and add shine.

Tip: Apply to your hair in the morning before a day at the beach and reapply as needed. Also, wear a hat to protect your hair from sunburn.

Tip 4 – Hair oil against split ends, frizz & static hair

A high-quality hair oil seals the ends, smooths frizz, and protects against moisture loss. Natural oils like macadamia, babassu, and jojoba oil have an antistatic effect, improve combability, and offer light UV protection.

Application:

1. Rub 2-3 drops in your hands and distribute over lengths/ends
2. Do not apply to the roots
3. For curls & wet look use a little more oil

Tip 5 – Time out for straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers

Heat puts additional strain on sun-damaged hair. It's best to let your hair air dry. If styling tools are necessary:

• Apply heat protection beforehand
• Use devices with ceramic coating, diffuser and low temperature
• Gently pat your hair dry with a towel – do not rub!

Conclusion: Healthy summer hair all year round

With a mild shampoo, a deep-acting conditioner, heat protectant, and sparing use of hair oil, your hair will stay shiny, smooth, and break-resistant even after exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt. Proper care for damaged summer hair isn't complicated—it just requires consistent, gentle care routines.

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❓ Frequently asked questions about sun-damaged hair

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