It is well known that the sun damages our skin, but does it damage our hair as well? Scientific research says yes. Further, chlorine and saltwater will also take a toll on our luscious locks we work so hard to keep soft and healthy. The not-so-pleasant outcome: a few weeks into summer, hair that was once shiny and easily managed looks and feels as stiff and crunchy as a McDonald french-fry. “The ultraviolet rays of the sun actually cook the hair shaft” says world-renowned Hair Restoration Specialist, Dr. Yazdan.
Whether color-treated or all natural, your hair will suffer from sun-induced stress at some point this season. Those UV rays dry out the hair and thrashes our normally smooth cuticle, or outer layer, of the hair shaft. With summer’s pleasant weather and sun-bathing days…our hair and skin undoubtedly pay the price! In this article we’ll discuss some of summer’s biggest threats to our hair and ways to prevent it this season.
Humidity
The dryer and more dehydrated the hair is, the more likely it is to suffer from a summer plague that’s even more aggravating than a back full of mosquito bites. That’s because parched hair soaks up the extra humidity in the air, causing the shaft to swell and in turn, leads to breaks in the cuticle. Hair then puffs up like a puffer fish and goes every which way but smooth and straight.
Swimming (saltwater or chlorine)
Unless you’re swimming in a pool full of Evian water, swimming beats up your hair, too. Take a plunge and while you’re doing your backstrokes, chlorine is stripping your hair of its natural protective oils that are essential for healthy hair. Additionally, if you’re a blonde, you may find your tresses taking on an unflattering greenish tinge. Ah! That’s a result of the copper molecules and other pool chemicals that bind to the protein in the hair shaft.
Let’s not forget to mention our coastal friends…but a dip in the ocean stresses hair in another way causing immediate trauma. “The copious salt content in seawater draws water out of your hair and skin. That’s why we end up with prune-y fingers, a salty body and parched hair” explains Dr. Yazdan.
Tips & Tricks for Healthy & Luxurious Summer Hair
Summer doesn’t have to be the season of unruly hair days. With a little extra TLC, your hair can still look great on some of summers stickiest days. Below are some stuffy-weather mane-taming tips!
Begin summer with a trim – You’ll rid your hair of split ends and revamp your style this season for a fresh, new and improved look.
Guard your strands from the sun – Make a habit out of applying a hair care product that contains heat protective ingredients such as GroMD’s Follicle Activator Spray enriched with Argan Oil – a powerhouse when it comes to being heat-resistant!
Saturate your strands before taking a dip – If your hair is drenched with clean water or leave-in conditioner, it won’t absorb nearly as much saltwater or pool chemicals than dry hair will.
Switch to a moisturizing shampoo & conditioner –  You may be washing your hair more often to deal with summer’s sweat, grime and water-related activities. Dr. Yazdan recommends using a clarifying, anti-residue shampoo enhanced with argan oil and tea tree oil like GroMD Shampoo to deeply hydrate, and clear away product buildup and chemicals followed by a deep-conditioning treatment.
Skip the hot tools – Ok ladies, we understand this is a difficult one but at least once or twice a week – give your hair some rest and recovery from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. At Modena, we recommend washing your hair at night and bunching it up in a bun, a braid, or ponytail before you head to bed. When you wake up, you’ll have those nice beachy waves. It’s makes the perfect look for summer weekends and vacation vibes.
Outwit frizz – Hair that’s healthy and well-maintained is your best defense against frizz. Along with regular trims and deep-conditioning, a drop or two (or 3 or 4 for longer hair) of an anti-frizz oil or serum can revive your hair with sleekness and shine. Again, we recommend hair products like GroMD that use the world’s most expensive oil – argan oil!
But let’s face it, sometimes we’re in a pickle and barely have time to drink a second cup of coffee in the morning. Alternatively, find an easy ‘go-to’ hairdo like a slick pony, high bun (whether sleek or messy), or side braid for those high-humidity days – your hair will thank you later!
For all matters hair contact one of our offices at 888-717-5273 or visit Modenahair.com.

Dr. Amir Yazdan, MD, is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, expert guest on Dr. Phil and The Doctors, creator of the GroMD hair restoration product line, ISHRS member, and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yazdan or read rave reviews from his patients.