How to Keep Your Hair Healthy All Summer, According to an Expert

While we look forward to laying in our bathing suits beachside pretty much all year, all that time spent soaking up the sun can cause some serious damage. Between UV rays, salt water, and chlorine-filled pools, the season can wreak havoc on your hair. To figure out the best ways to keep your strands healthy and happy all summer long, we speak with celebrity hairstylist Anthony Cristiano, whose extensive client list includes Adriana Lima, Gigi Hadid, Olivia Culpo, and a slew of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models.

Unfortunately, many warm-weather elements can negatively affect your hair. "Prolonged exposure to sun, saltwater and chlorine can damage the cuticle, making the hair dry and brittle," says Cristiano. "Saltwater and chlorine are especially drying and can also cause discoloration and depletion of natural oils in the hair."

"You can protect your hair by limiting your exposure to the sun," Cristiano states. "This can be done by wearing scarves or hats and also using products with UV protection. I recommend Phyto Plage Sun Veil which is a transparent spray used to finish the hair while also protecting it from dehydration and oxidation." To learn how to apply sunscreen to your scalp, check out L'OFFICIEL's guide to sun protection, as well as our recommendations for hair SPF.  

The way you wear your hair can also help prevent the summer elements from doing harm. Updos are going to be your best friend this summer for keeping you cool and keeping damage at bay. "During the summer time the best hair styles to wear when you're outside would be braids, a chignon, and top knots," says Cristiano. "Each of these hairstyles limit direct sun exposure."

The key to fixing any sun or salt damage, and the resulting dry and frizzy hair, is tons of moisture. "In any case of damage, I always recommend deep conditioning treatments, getting frequent haircuts in order to trim off split ends, as well as using a protein rich hair mask which can repair cuticle damage," Cristiano shares.

"Colored hair is more susceptible to damage due to its higher porosity rate whereas untreated hair has more natural sun protection because the cuticle is intact," Cristiano says. This is especially true for dyed blondes, who should look into UV protection for their hair to keep the look from going brassy, as well as making sure to tone with purple shampoo as needed. 

"Whether it be swimming in a pool or the ocean, I recommend the same steps as follows: first pre-soak your hair thoroughly with water to prevent your hair from absorbing contaminants like chlorine and saltwater," Cristiano advises. "Next, apply a hydrating oil or leave in conditioner for added protection. After contact with chlorine or saltwater, it is important to immediately and thoroughly rinse your hair and also to reapply hydrating oils and leave in conditioners, preferably ones with UV protection."