Why Summer Can Be Just as Tough on Your Hair as Winter

What's really going on between May and September — and what actually helps

By Laura | Notes from the Chair

We tend to think of winter as the season that's hard on hair. But summer brings its own set of challenges — and if your hair feels drier, more brittle, or harder to manage in the warmer months, there's usually a good reason for it.

Here's what's often going on, and what actually makes a difference.

Sun damage is real — and most people don't think about it

Just like your skin, your hair is affected by UV exposure. Prolonged time in the sun can break down the proteins in your hair, leaving it feeling dry, weakened and rougher in texture. Colour-treated hair is particularly vulnerable — UV rays are one of the main reasons colour fades faster in summer.

A UV protective spray or leave-in treatment is one of the simplest things you can do. It's the SPF equivalent for your hair, and it's genuinely worth it if you're spending a lot of time outdoors.

Chlorine and salt water are doing more than you realise

Swimming is brilliant — but both chlorine and salt water are harsh on hair. Chlorine strips moisture and can affect colour significantly, while salt water dries hair out and roughens the cuticle, making it more prone to tangling and breakage.

The easiest fix? Rinse your hair with clean water before you swim. Hair that's already saturated absorbs far less chlorine or salt. And always rinse thoroughly afterwards, ideally with a hydrating shampoo.

Your scalp needs attention in summer too

Sweat, sun exposure and more frequent washing can all affect scalp health in the warmer months. If you find yourself washing your hair more often because of the heat, it's worth switching to a gentler shampoo to avoid stripping your scalp of the oils it needs.

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair — and summer is one of the times it needs a little more thought.

Colour behaves differently in the heat

If your colour seems to fade faster between appointments in summer, you're not imagining it. Sun exposure, more frequent washing, and the effects of swimming all play a part. A gloss or toning treatment mid-summer can refresh things without putting extra stress on your hair — and it's something I'd always suggest if colour longevity matters to you.

What actually helps

A few things that genuinely make a difference through summer:

• Use a UV protective spray or leave-in treatment before sun exposure

• Rinse hair before and after swimming — it makes more difference than you'd think

• Switch to a more hydrating shampoo and conditioner for the season

• Use a weekly hair mask to keep moisture levels up

• Turn the heat down on your tools — your hair is already under enough stress

• Book a conditioning treatment if things are feeling particularly dry or damaged

When to come and see me

If your hair is feeling really dry, your colour is fading quickly, or you've noticed more breakage than usual this summer — it's worth coming in for a chat. Sometimes a treatment sets things right. Sometimes your hair just needs a slightly different approach for the season.

Either way, I'd rather help you get ahead of it than wait until it becomes a bigger problem.

Wondering whether your hair could do with a little summer care?