Protecting Your Hair From Sun & Chlorine
At Afrotherapy Hair Salon, summer is one of the most common times clients ask how to keep their hair healthy while enjoying holidays, swimming and sunshine. Warmer weather is wonderful, but sun, chlorine and sea salt can quickly leave curls, coils and multi-textured hair feeling dry, dull and fragile.
If you want your hair to stay healthy, shiny and manageable through the warmer months, here are our expert summer hair care tips.
To book an appointment, call our friendly team on 020 8345 5621 or book online.
Please note: A skin test is required at least 48 hours before any hair colouring appointment.
Why Summer Can Be Tough On Curly & Afro Hair
Curly and textured hair is naturally more prone to dryness because oils from the scalp travel more slowly down the hair shaft. Add summer heat, UV rays, chlorine and salt water, and moisture can disappear even faster.
Common summer hair concerns we see in the salon:
*Increased dryness and frizz
*Tangling and breakage
*Colour fading faster than usual
*Rough or dull texture
*Split ends appearing more quickly
The good news? With the right care and personalised advice, your hair can thrive all summer long. At our Edmonton Salon, we look at the condition of your hair as a whole and build a personalised plan to keep it healthy throughout the summer months. With the right combination of in-salon care and at-home routine, your hair can stay soft, defined, and healthy all season long, even with sun, sea and swimming in the mix.
During your visit, we can:
*Carry out a detailed hair and scalp assessment to understand your hair’s exact needs
*Recommend targeted in-salon treatments to restore moisture, strength and elasticity
*Refresh or adjust your colour to help it stay vibrant for longer in the sun
*Create a tailored hydration and maintenance plan for your curls, coils or textured hair type
*Suggest professional take-home products that support your hair between appointments
*The goal is not just to repair summer stress, but to help prevent it before it starts.
Will The Sun Damage My Hair?
Yes. The sun can absolutely affect your hair.
UV rays break down the protein structure of the hair and degrade colour pigments. Over time this can lead to:
*Faded colour and brassiness
*Weakened strands and breakage
*Dry, rough texture
*Loss of shine and elasticity
*For natural and textured hair, which already needs more moisture, sun exposure can quickly lead to brittleness and tangling.
How to protect hair from the sun
*Wear a hat or headwrap whenever possible
*Use SPF or UV-protective hair products
*Keep hair moisturised with leave-in conditioners and oils. Hydration is everything, summer heat pulls moisture from your hair fast, so replacing it consistently is key.
*Refresh colour before holidays with a personalised consultation
How Can I Protect My Hair When Swimming?
A dip in the sea or pool is one of summer’s greatest joys. Unfortunately, both chlorine and salt water can cause dryness, tangling and colour fade. Chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils, which can leave curls feeling rough, dry, and more prone to tangling. Salt water lifts the hair cuticle, which leads to moisture loss, knots and tangles, increased frizz, and faster colour fading. This is why protective preparation and deep hydration treatments are especially important during the summer months.
Before you swim
Wet your hair with clean water first. Hair acts like a sponge, if it’s already full of fresh water, it absorbs less chlorine or salt.
Apply a conditioning spray or leave-in conditioner to fill the hair cuticle and create a protective barrier.
If possible, wear a swim cap.
After you swim
Rinse hair as soon as you can with fresh water.
Avoid shampooing immediately every single time, over-washing can increase dryness.
Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo when it is wash day.
These simple steps help reduce long-term damage and keep your hair feeling soft and manageable throughout summer.
Free Hair Consultations
Our free 30-minute consultations, (in salon or via video) are designed to understand your hair goals, assess your hair’s condition, and create a realistic plan that fits your budget. Bring inspiration photos so we can align with your vision from day one, and enjoy honest, expert advice tailored to your hair type and lifestyle.
Book Your Appointment Online Today
Call 020 8345 5621 or book online.
Can the sun actually change my curl pattern?
«It can, especially with repeated exposure. UV rays weaken the protein bonds that help curls spring back into shape. Over time, this can leave curls looser, frizzier, or harder to define. Think of it as “sun fatigue” for your curls. Regular strengthening treatments and protein/moisture balance can help bring bounce back.
Is hair sunscreen really necessary?
«Hair doesn’t burn like skin, but UV still damages it. They help prevent colour fading, dryness, and brittle ends. If you colour your hair, they’re especially useful because UV breaks down dye molecules quickly.
Why does my hair feel ‘hard’ after swimming?
«That stiff feeling is usually mineral build-up from pool chemicals or seawater, not dryness alone. A gentle clarifying wash (occasionally) removes mineral residue so conditioners can actually penetrate again.
Does sun and chlorine affect natural hair differently from coloured hair?
«Yes. Coloured hair fades faster, but natural hair often feels the damage sooner because moisture loss is more noticeable. Coloured hair tends to show visible fading; natural hair tends to show frizz, dullness, and tangling first.
How should I prep my hair before a beach holiday?
«Think of it like skincare before a sunny holiday: prep first, protect while away, repair after.
Pre-holiday trims, strengthening treatments, and hydration appointments can reduce breakage and make your holiday routine far easier.
Do silk bonnets and pillowcases matter more in summer?
«Yes! Summer sweat and humidity increase friction overnight. Silk or satin reduces breakage, preserves moisture, and helps your hair last longer between wash days.