Summer Hair Care Tips: How to Keep Your Scalp and Strands Healthy All Season Long

Summer is officially here, bringing with it long days, high heat, UV exposure, and plenty of time in the pool, lake, or ocean. While most people are vigilant about sun protection for their skin, your scalp and hair need just as much seasonal care. Hot weather, sun, chlorine, salt water, and even air conditioning can dehydrate and damage your strands if you're not proactive.

Here’s how to prep, protect, and nourish your hair and scalp through the summer months, plus my top product picks to keep your hair looking and feeling its best.

Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable

Just like your face, your scalp is skin, and it’s especially vulnerable if you have thinning areas or a visible part line.

What to do:

• Wear a hat whenever you’ll be out in the sun for extended periods. Wide-brimmed styles offer great coverage for both your scalp and ends.

• Use a mineral sunscreen on your scalp, especially along your part or in areas with less hair density. Pro tip: Choose a formula with zinc oxide rather than titanium dioxide, which can be irritating to the scalp.

• Mist your ends with a UV protectant spray to prevent dryness, discoloration, and breakage.

• If you do get a scalp sunburn, treat it gently with pure aloe vera and a hypochlorous acid spray to reduce inflammation and support healing.

Before You Swim: Prep Like a Pro

Whether you're diving into the pool, lake, or ocean, your hair is at risk of absorbing chlorine, salt, and hard minerals, all of which can cause damage, discoloration, or dryness.

Here’s how to protect your strands:

• Always wet your hair first. Hair that's already saturated with clean water won’t absorb as much chlorine or salt.

• Apply a leave-in conditioner before and after swimming to provide a barrier and lock in moisture.

• Lap swimmer? Your best bet: Wet hair + leave-in conditioner + swim cap. This trio offers the most effective protection, especially for color-treated or fragile hair.

Healthy Habits for Happy Summer Hair

Beyond the pool and beach, how you treat your hair daily makes a big difference.

• Air dry when possible, but if your scalp tends to get itchy or irritated, give your roots a quick blow dry. Leaving the scalp damp for too long can cause microbial imbalances.

• Stay hydrated. Your hair is made up of water-rich keratin proteins, so your internal hydration directly impacts hair health. Aim for steady water intake throughout the day.

• Protect your hair while you sleep. Swap cotton pillowcases for silk, or wear a bonnet to reduce friction and moisture loss. I love the silk options from Quince and Blissy.

My Top Summer Product Recommendations

These are tried-and-true favorites I recommend for clients looking to protect their scalp and strands from seasonal stressors.

Mineral Sunscreen for Scalp

• Roe Wellness Mineral Powder

• Suntegrity Mineral Powder

• Kinfield Daily Dew

  Note: Avoid sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide when applying to the scalp. Zinc Oxide is a safer, gentler option.

UV Protectant for Ends

• Lock Rx BioBalance

• Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier

Detangler

• Unite 7 Seconds Leave-In Conditioner

Hypochlorous Acid Spray

• Lock Rx Calm Spray

• Magic Molecule

Hydrating Conditioner

• Rahua Hydration Conditioner

• Pattern conditioners (especially for textured hair)

The Takeaway for Healthier Summer Hair

Summer hair care isn’t just about beauty; it’s about scalp health, protection, and long-term maintenance. With a few simple adjustments and the right products, you can keep your hair strong, hydrated, and resilient no matter how high the temps climb.

Wishing you a season of good hair days and great adventures. Happy Summer!