5 Ways To Repair Your Hair From Summer Elements

Beauty — Aug 27

Courtesy of Olivia Palermo's hair gurus, Abby Haliti and Andre Davis. Beauty — Aug 27

Photo: Arthur Elgort/Condé Nast via Getty Images.

Sure, summer is cool and all — the rooftop soirées, the fruits, the glow. But have you ever had a hair sunburn? (Sorry for the buzzkill.) Alright, your hair can’t technically get sunburnt like your skin, but UVA and UVB rays can damage your hair in the same ways. Though, that’s not the only drawback to summer locks that we look forward to and end up regretting: There are consequences to chlorine and ocean, too. Even salt — yes, the natural resource that gives your hair effortless suspension and has inspired so many must-have products — can be the bad guy.

Though most stylists insist we treat our hair like our skin when it comes to sun exposure (and we should), the same people will tell you to wear a hat/ minimize time under the sun in general and avoid chlorine like the plague. But, since it’s summer after all and we basically just spent all winter doing exactly that, we’ve called upon Olivia Palermo’s trusty hair gurus Abby Haliti and Andre Davis to provide some alternatives. It turns out that hair, though it contains dead cells, is incredibly complex and deserves a second thought.

Ahead, we’ve got the pro-tips on how to protect your locks all summer long.

Yes, Hair Sunscreen Is A Thing
Abby Haliti: “There are an abundance of products out there that aim to protect hair from the sun and heat. Our hair deserves the same care we give to our skin and bodies. My favorite product is Davines SU Hair Milk. It’s an awesome leave-in treatment that works by using UV filters to maintain hair moisture and color during sun exposure. It’s a great lightweight formula and also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. An at-home trick I’ve heard of is applying a bit of coconut oil to your hair, which would help lock in moisture and keep hair safe during sun-exposure.”

Andre Davis: “Hot oil treatments are great, and you can even use virgin olive oil.”

The Biggest Misconceptions About Hair
AD: “Some [stylists] say if your hair is thicker, you incur less damage; yes, some hair is stronger than others as far as texture and finer hair is more subject to breakage and becoming dry — but all hair must be cared for and protected from the sun.”

AH: “A common misconception that I frequently run into is that the sun won’t harm your scalp/hair. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s important to remember that your hair grows from the skin on your head, a.k.a your scalp. Many of us wouldn’t leave the house without sunscreen on our faces, so why stop there?”

Photo:  Francois Le Diascorn/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.

Going For A Dip? Don’t Forget These Tips
AH: “An at-home trick I’ve heard of is applying a bit of coconut oil to your hair, which would help lock in moisture and keep hair safe during sun-exposure. Another trick is to wear a ‘protective’ hairstyle if you’re at the pool or beach: just put your hair into a braid or bun! Also, wet your hair before hopping into the water for a swim; this seals your hair cuticle so the chlorine won’t be absorbed.”

AD: “Keep your ends trimmed every 5-6 weeks and deep condition every other week. And make sure to use clarifying shampoo after [swimming].”

The Great Salt Debate
AD: “Salt is not as bad as chlorine but [don’t forget that] you are still getting exposure to the sun; simplicity it always the best.”

AH: “I would recommend Davines OI All-in-One Milk (it helps with heat protection, locks in moisture, gives hair volume, softens, and enhances shine). I would recommend any product that moisturizes and gives volume to the hair without weighing it down.”

Confront Chlorine Head-On
AH: “People should know that whether or not you’ve had your hair colored, chlorine can leave your hair feeling dry, which can lead to split-ends and hair breakage. Chlorine is absorbed by your hair shaft and leads to your hair being stripped of its natural oils. Chlorine can also be a nightmare for those who have hair that has been colored as it can strip your color or even change it. “Make sure your hair cuticle is sealed with a hair mask before jumping in the pool, wear an actual hair-mask over your head when you go for a swim, or simply: wet your hair before hopping into the water (the chlorine won’t be absorbed).”

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