Start by taking a break from all heat-styling tools. Opt for restorative treatments rich in plant oils, ceramides and keratin-like active ingredients. Once your hair has regained a healthy appearance, protect it with a heat-protective serum before every blow-dry or use of heat-styling tools.
Our tips for repairing your hair after the summer
Has your seaside holiday left your hair damaged and as dry as a bale of straw? You can still try to turn things around with natural solutions. To repair your hair after the summer, you need to smooth the cuticle, but also target the cortex. This is where you can use biomimetic approaches, with products and active ingredients that help strengthen the hair’s structure, which has been damaged by environmental stressors. One of our favourite repairing active ingredients is phytokeratin.
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Keratin AA Active Ingredient
Moisturising
Hair strengthening
£5.00
10 ml
Keratin AA, Peptides & Hyaluronic Acid Hair Serum
Hair strengthening
£12.50
50 ml
Hair Complex - 60 Capsules
Anti-hair loss
£18.00
33.5 g
Organic Guinean Shea Butter
Protective
Repairing
£10.00
200 ml
£5.50
250 ml
Why is hair damaged after the summer?
Summer is high season for several sources of damage to hair fibres, which can accumulate throughout the season. Here are the main ones.
The sun and UV rays
UV rays break down melanin, the hair’s natural pigment, which explains the gradual lightening of exposed lengths and the accelerated fading of coloured or highlighted hair. They also weaken keratin by oxidising the sulphur-containing amino acids of which it is made, particularly cysteine – much like a coat of varnish that begins to peal after repeated sun exposure. Hair becomes more porous, colour fades more quickly and the lengths lose their shine. This effect is exacerbated by prolonged exposure without protection, or on hair that is already fine or otherwise sensitised.
Chlorine and sea salt
Swimming pool water and sea water dry out the hair fibre on a deep level. They strip away part of the hair’s protective lipid film (known scientifically as '18-MEA'), a thin layer of fatty acids which naturally coats each cuticle and allows it to glide smoothly without snagging. Once this film is damaged, the cuticles become rougher, less tightly bound together and allow water to escape more easily from inside the hair: this is what gives that straw-like feel when you return from the beach or the swimming pool. Chlorine, in particular, has an oxidising effect which can also dull the colour and give greenish tints to light or bleached hair.
Hair bonds put under severe strain
Your hair fibre has dried out because it has undergone a sort of stripping process: it has been deprived of some of its natural protective oils, somewhat like removing nail varnish with nail varnish remover. The hair bonds, located in the cortex, having been left overexposed to external damage, will have eventually worn down or even broken. The internal structure of the hair (composed of keratin chains linked by disulphide bridges, hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds) [1] is therefore damaged. Add to this the use of hair dryers, often used in summer to tame frizz as soon as there is a little humidity in the air, and you end up with hair that is weakened, brittle and less shiny when you return from holiday.
Good to know: Hair that’s already dry, coloured or has extensions is even more vulnerable to these stress factors. To avoid having to repair your hair after the summer, it’s best to protect it starting from the very first days of sun exposure.
What are the characteristics of damaged hair?
Dry: to the touch, hair fibres feel coarse, lack suppleness and seem to snag at the slightest touch
Dull: the lengths look dark and lacklustre, as if they no longer reflect light, even after a treatment
Brittle: styling leaves more hair in the brush, and small pieces of broken hair appear on the floor or on clothing
Split ends: the ends look stringy, frayed and lifeless, sometimes with several micro-split ends on a single strand
Tangled: knots are more frequent, form more quickly after washing and become harder to untangle without pulling
Unmanageable: frizz appears as soon as there is a little moisture in the air, often indicating excessive porosity of the hair fibre
Lack of bounce: curls appear looser, less bouncy and less defined, and don’t last as long throughout the day
Length growth has stalled: growth isn’t actually slowing down; it’s the ends that break regularly, giving the impression that your hair isn’t growing any longer.
If several of these signs sound familiar, head over to our article on mistakes to avoid with brittle hair to identify what, in your routine, might be contributing to the problem.
How should you look after your hair during the summer?
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure… and your hair will tell you that protection is definitely better than repair! Here are the habits to adopt to get through the summer with complete peace of mind:
Protect your hair lengths before any sun exposure. Apply a protective oil to dry or damp hair before sun exposure or swimming; it will form a barrier against UV rays, salt and chlorine.
Rinse your hair with clean water after swimming in the pool or the sea. This helps to remove much of the salt and chlorine before they dry out hair fibres deep down.
Limit the use of heat and heated styling tools. Prioritise air-drying; your hair is already under enough strain from the sun.
Opt for protective hairstyles. Braids, a loose bun or a silk scarf minimise friction and direct exposure of the lengths.
Moisturise and nourish regularly. A leave-in treatment applied during your holiday will prevent your hair from becoming dry by the end of your break.
What should your post-summer hair care routine look like?
Step 1 – Cleanse the hair
Step 2 – Detangle & Repair Hair Lengths
Step 3 – Repair & Strengthen the Hair Fibre
Step 4 – Nourish Hair from Within
Why repair your hair after the summer?
Despite all the precautions you took over the summer, your hair might still have suffered: between the sun, salt, chlorine and repeated swimming, hair fibres are put under a lot of strain.
So, what happened this summer? Your hair shaft dried out because it has undergone a sort of stripping process. It was stripped of some of its natural protective oils, a bit like removing nail varnish with nail varnish remover. Your hair bonds, located in the cortex, were left overexposed to external damage and eventually wore down or even broke. The internal structure of your hair (composed of keratin chains linked by disulphide bonds, hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds) is therefore now damaged.
The result when, you return from holiday, is that your hair is weakened and brittle. It needs to be ‘repaired’ to regain its strength, shine and softness.
Our tips for looking after your hair after the summer
A few simple daily habits can help maintain your results and prevent breakage from returning the next time your hair is exposed to damage.
Avoid chemical treatments: your hairdresser will probably refuse to colour, bleach or straighten your hair if they consider it to be too damaged
Put heat styling tools away in the cupboard: there’s no need to further damage your hair with straighteners, curling irons or a hairdryer; let your hair air-dry
Space out your washes: go easy on the surfactants; try ‘co-washing’ (washing with conditioner) every other wash if your hair is really very dry
Opt for protective hairstyles: braids, plaits, a loose bun or a silk scarf protect the lengths from external damage and minimise friction; choose your summer and post-summer hairstyles carefully – they should be protective and not too tight
Try a silk pillowcase: it reduces friction, breakage and drying out of the hair fibre compared to cotton; a silk nightcap or bonnet works using the same principle
Pay attention to your diet: prioritise sources of vitamin C and B vitamins, as well as foods rich in sulphur-containing amino acids and iron – substances that play an important role in the synthesis of your hair’s proteins
Trim the ends regularly: a trim every 2 to 3 months prevents split ends from travelling up the length of your hair.
To find out more about each step, do take a look at our article on the best anti-breakage ingredients and our article on how to repair split ends naturally.
What post-summer hair care should you use to repair brittle and damaged hair?
Plant-based butters and oils: to deeply nourish the hair
Organic shea butter: it can be mixed with other haircare products or active ingredientsto create an intensive repair mask and forms a barrier against dehydration that effectively protects damaged hair and split ends. To be used only on the lengths and ends: if applied in excess to the roots, it can weigh down fine hair or scalps prone to oiliness.
Organic coconut oil: thanks to its high lauric acid content, it has excellent affinity with the hair fibre. It’s best used in an oil treatment combined with other plant-based oils, depending on your hair’s needs.
Organic desert date oil: particularly beneficial after repeated exposure to the sun, it helps improve the appearance of dry ends and weakened lengths. It can be mixed with a blend of plant-based oils or added to a nourishing treatment. Just make sure to avoid contact with the eyes when applying it.
Cosmetic active ingredients: to strengthen the hair’s structure
Phytokeratin: derived from hydrolysed wheat proteins, it provides amino acids similar to those naturally found in the hair’s keratin. It is always incorporated into a hair care product in diluted form, generally at a concentration of between 1 and 5 per cent.
Keratin’Protect: Derived from brown seaweed, this water-soluble active ingredient blends easily into your water-based formulations, such as shampoos, conditioners or homemade hair masks. It is generally used at a concentration of between 1 and 5 per cent of the total weight of the formulation.
Plant-based ceramides: known for their lipid-replenishing properties, they help to smooth the hair cuticle and strengthen the hair fibre’s lipid barrier. They should always be incorporated in diluted form into a shampoo, conditioner or hair mask to fully benefit from their properties.
Dietary supplements and superfoods, to look after your hair from the inside out
Organic alfalfa powder: naturally rich in proteins and minerals, it is traditionally used to promote hair vitality. It should be taken at a rate of one teaspoon per day in a drink or sprinkled over a cold dish. Its use is not recommended for those on anticoagulant treatment.
Contraindications: Not recommended for children or for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer. This is because alfalfa contains plant compounds known as isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens; it is advisable to limit consumption of these in cases of hormone-dependent conditions. Not recommended for people suffering from lupus erythematosus. If you are taking anticoagulant medication, consult your doctor before consuming alfalfa on a regular basis.
Enriched brewer’s yeast: often chosen during seasonal changes, it is used in treatment programmes designed to care for hair and nails. For adult use only; avoid if you have a known sensitivity to yeast.
Contraindications: Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This food supplement contains biotin (vitamin B8). Biotin may interfere with thyroid hormone tests; please discuss this with your GP.
Precautions for use
The haircare products and active ingredients mentioned in this content may not be suitable for everyone. We advise you to consult our product information sheets before use. Carry out a sensitivity test on the inside of your elbow 48 hours before your first application. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if in doubt. Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Expert advice
Don’t forget to pay attention to your diet. Try to adopt a healthy, balanced diet to keep your hair looking its best when you return from holiday. Our hair follicles primarily need sulphur-containing amino acids to produce the keratin that makes up our hair. These are particularly abundant in meat and dairy products. Make sure you also get plenty of vitamins (B vitamins, as well as vitamins C and A) to promote hair growth.
Find out more
How can you repair heat-damaged hair?
How can you repair heat-damaged hair?
How can you repair heat-damaged hair?
How can you get rid of that straw-like texture in your hair?
How can you get rid of that straw-like texture in your hair?
How can you get rid of that straw-like texture in your hair?
To minimise the ‘straw-like’ effect, opt for nourishing plant-based oils such as argan, avocado or shea, as well as moisturising ingredients like aloe vera or honey. When it comes to your routine, cut down on the use of heat styling tools, protect your hair from the sun and regularly apply nourishing hair masks to restore softness and suppleness to the lengths.
What’s the best nourishing hair mask for very dry hair?
What’s the best nourishing hair mask for very dry hair?
What’s the best nourishing hair mask for very dry hair?
A good hair mask for very dry hair usually combines several complementary ingredients. Shea butter provides intense nourishment and helps prevent dehydration, whilst coconut oil and avocado oil help soften the hair fibre. Honey, a natural humectant, helps to lock in moisture deep within the hair. To further strengthen weakened lengths, you can add active ingredients such as phytokeratin or plant-based ceramides to your mixture, always ensuring you follow the recommended dosages.
Focus on Our Writer, Hélène Betoux
Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in web media. Every day she writes tips, advice and guides to help consumers choose the right beauty products. With a strong interest in natural, organic and clean cosmetics, she analyses and shares trends and innovations in the sector.
Associated recipe
Pre-shampoo treatments and masks
Bibliography
1
S. Breakspear, B. Nöcker, C. Popescu. Chemical bonds and hair behaviour: a review. 11 May 2024, International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12967
2
UV damage to the hair. (1 October 2008). PubMed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/
3
Kaushik, V., Kumar, A., Gosvami, N. N., Gode, V., Mhaskar, S., & Kamath, Y. (2022). Benefit of coconut‐based hair oil via hair porosity quantification. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 44(3), 289–298.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12774
