Chlorine, Salt & Hard Water: Our Tips to Combat Dullness & Dryness
As we warmly embrace this season’s heat and sunshine, our hair is presented with unique challenges to combat the elements.
From intense UV rays to saltwater and humidity, summer stressors can leave our hair feeling less than its best!
We’ve put together our remedies to support healthy hair in summer, with optimum thickness and shine.
1. Sunshine and UV Rays - The Summer Spotlight
Summer sun exposure can be harsh on hair, especially for those spending time outdoors. UV rays penetrate the hair cuticle, causing damage to its proteins and moisture content(1). This can lead to dryness, brittleness, and color fading over time.
Shield and Restore
Protect your hair from all-day UV damage by wearing a hat. After sun exposure, rinse hair with fresh water and apply a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Many choose to use our Vitamin Nourishing Conditioner as a leave-in mask to help restore moisture and hydration.
2. Salt Water - The Coastal Challenge
It’s tempting to style hair with salt (or saltwater) for that coveted beachy look. However, the high salt content can dehydrate our hair strands, leading them to feel rough and tangled. Some hair stylists have noted that prolonged exposure to saltwater can also lead to color fading.
Hydrate + Shield
Before hitting the waves, apply a leave-in conditioner or a protective spray. After swimming, rinse your hair with fresh water to remove salt and follow up with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to replenish lost moisture.
3. Humidity - The Harsh Heat
Summer humidity can wreak havoc on hair, causing it to be difficult to manage. This happens when high humidity levels penetrate hair fibers, causing them to swell and leading to increased frizz.
Control + Smooth
Choose products rich in natural oils, which can seal the hair cuticle and prevent moisture absorption from humidity. Opt for hairstyles that keep hair off the neck, and reduce your hair’s exposure to moisture.
4. Chlorine - The Poolside Peril
When we take a refreshing pool dip, chlorine bonds to the protein in our hair, stripping it of natural oils and leaving it dry and brittle. This chemical can also alter the hair's color (if you’ve ever had your blonde hair turn green!) and cause it to become more susceptible to breakage.
Protect + Restore:
Be sure to wet your hair with clean water before swimming. This helps reduce the amount of chlorine absorbed. Post-swim, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water and use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residual chlorine.
5. Hard Water - The Everyday Stressor
Hard water exists in the plumbing systems of our cities. It is high in mineral content like calcium and magnesium which leave a residue on our hair that makes it feel dry and dull. Over time, this mineral buildup can weigh down hair strands, making them more prone to breakage and reducing their natural shine.
Clarify + Soften
First step - add a filter to your shower head! Your hair and skin will absolutely thank you. Then, choose a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove mineral buildup from your hair. Look for products with cleansing properties that can bind to minerals and lift them away, without stripping your hair. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore softness and shine. Opting for natural products can help to rebalance your scalp's pH and remove residue left by hard water - our 2-Step Vitamin Haircare System was designed to do just that!
6. Nourish Your Hair From The Inside Out
Your hair health relies on an inside-out approach, so be sure to include these tips in your dream-hair regime:
- Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy hair growth and strength(2).
- Gentle Styling: Aim to minimize heat styling and use heat protectant products to prevent damage from hot tools. Choose a gentle detangling brush to remove knots with ease - like ours here.
- Regular Haircuts: Keep split ends at bay by scheduling regular trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain hair health and prevent breakage.
- Scalp Care: Maintain a healthy scalp environment by gently massaging it during shampooing to stimulate circulation and promote hair growth. Read more about how you can support your unique scalp type here.
- Supplements: For hair growth, health and thickness, consider a targeted supplement containing Iodine and Zinc.
References:
- Sebetić, K., Sjerobabski, Masnec I, Cavka, V., Biljan, D., Krolo, I. UV damage of the hair. (2008), pp. 63-5. PMID: 19138021.
- Almohanna, H.M., Ahmed, A.A., Tsatalis, J.P., Tosti, A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review (2019) pp. 51-70. PMID: 30547302; PMCID: PMC6380979.