Summer is generally fun-filled. But the stress this season can inflict on your hair is far from fun. Summer sun and water exposure place unique demands on your hair and scalp.

Now, we're not suggesting you stay inside all summer to save your strands. However, if you don't want to let time spent poolside or on the beach ravage your hair, stick with us to learn how sun exposure, weather changes, chlorine from swimming pools, and ocean saltwater may exacerbate damage and hair shedding. Don't worry, we've also provided tips to help you enjoy the summer while navigating these seasonal hair stressors.

Sun + UV Damage

How does sun (UV) exposure damage hair and the scalp? While the sun's rays bake your skin into a deceptively healthy-looking tan, there is no upside for your hair and scalp when it comes to prolonged exposure to UV rays.

• Dehydration: UV rays parch strands, stripping hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dull, rough, frizzy, and lackluster, with flyaways and a straw-like feel.
• Breakage + elasticity loss: Dehydrated strands are brittle and prone to snapping rather than bending under stress, often leading to breakage and frayed split ends.

Did you know? Hair should stretch slightly when pulled and bounce back.

• Tangles: Roughened and raised hair cuticles cause strands to catch on one another, making tangles multiply.
• Health risk: Exposure to UV rays can make sun lovers' scalps vulnerable to various types of skin cancers.
• Scalp stress: Summer's sizzle can stress hair follicles, leaving the scalp tight, itchy, or flaky. Increased perspiration in response to heat and humidity, combined with surging oil production during the Summer, can create an unhealthy scalp environment.
• Color changes: Beyond drying the strands, the sun's rays can essentially bleach color from the hair, giving it the appearance of "sun-bleached hay."

Ah, if only we could be as carefree as we were before we knew more about the effects of UV damage.

Pool (Chlorine) Damage

How does chlorine damage hair, and can it lead to hair loss? Chlorine is a harsh oxidizing agent that damages the hair and scalp on multiple levels.

• Lipid barrier dissolution: Chlorine not only strips away hair's natural oils, but it also dissolves the hair's natural lipid (aka fatty) seal.
• Compounded cuticle damage: Without an intact lipid barrier to keep moisture within the hair shaft, the protective outer layer, aka the cuticle, becomes dry and porous, leaving strands vulnerable to damage. The cuticle scales lift and become rough, creating friction and tangles, trapping dirt, product, and hard-water mineral buildup, dulling hair's shine.
• Structural protein breakdown: Chlorine triggers chemical reactions that compromise hair's structural integrity. It degrades crucial (cysteine-rich) bonds essential for hair elasticity and strength, causing hair to weaken, lose its natural resilience, and become fragile, brittle, and prone to split ends and breakage.
• Hair color changes: Does your hair "turn" green when you swim? That "Swimmer's Green" tinge your hair takes on after a swim or two isn't just due to chlorine. Pool water often contains trace minerals like copper, iron, or manganese. When chlorine oxidizes these metals, they take on a greenish hue and deposit onto the hair, which is most visible on light-colored or bleached hair.
• Scalp microbiome imbalance: Chlorine, a powerful disinfectant, doesn't ask what type of bacteria it's killing. Unfortunately, the beneficial microbes living on your scalp are collateral damage, disrupting the scalp's microbiome and causing the scalp to feel tight, dry, dehydrated, itchy, irritated, and flaky.

While by all accounts chlorine appears to be plotting against your hair, the good news is that it doesn't actually cause baldness.

Ocean (Saltwater) Damage

How does saltwater affect the hair and scalp? Saltwater offers several benefits for your scalp and hair, but can negatively impact your strands.

• Mineral support: Mineral-rich saltwater contains magnesium, calcium, and potassium. According to research published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (PubMed), bathing in a magnesium-rich salt solution improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation. (Remember, your scalp is skin with hair on it!) An article on the effectiveness of seawater baths and mineral therapies for the skin, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that saltwater also had significant clinical efficacy in the following areas:

• • Reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis
  • Improving skin barrier function
  • Increasing stratum corneum hydration
  • Reducing microbial colonization

And according to an article published in Medical News Today, seawater can effectively soothe and improve eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and scalp irritation, thanks to its high concentration of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Lastly, it is also found to gently exfoliate and absorb oil, making it an excellent natural "support system" for the scalp.

• Volume booster: The salt and minerals boost hair fullness and texture, creating post-swim "beachy waves" that can make you feel like a free summer spirit.
• Dehydrator: Saltwater can make your hair feel like a tumbleweed. Because salt is highly hygroscopic, it draws moisture out of your hair strands, strips away hair's natural oils, and damages protein bonds, leading to dryness, frizz, cuticle damage, color fading, tangles, and snapping.

So, can swimming in the ocean cause hair loss or breakage? For hair loss, no. But, for breakage, yes. One too many dips in the sea could make your hair snap off faster than a weak rubber band.

Seasonal Shedding

Is it true that too much sun can make my hair pack up and leave for good? As summer draws to a close and the leaves begin to turn and fall, your hair might follow suit. It is widely accepted dermatological knowledge that late summer through early fall, think August-October, is the most significant period for hair shedding.

The general consensus among dermatologists is that changes in daylight, temperature, and hormones influence significant increases in the number of hair follicles entering the resting phase, aka the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. The changing seasons can also be a trigger for diffuse telogen effluvium.

A 2009 study published in the journal Dermatology found that hair loss patterns in women often show seasonal variations, with a higher proportion of hair follicles entering the telogen phase in the summer months. Because the telogen phase lasts approximately 100 days (roughly three months), this cycle explains why many people notice a peak in hair shedding during the transition into autumn.

Now, does sun exposure cause permanent hair loss or thinning? No, fortunately this is not a "temp-to-perm" position, but rather a naturally short-term shift.

Summer Damage Prevention and Repair

Unless a flat, lifeless appearance was the look you were going for, you've got to have a plan to overcome the summer weather changes. With the right precautions, you can preserve your hair's health and integrity.

Think of the hair shaft much like your skin's barrier—once it is compromised, it requires a "repair and seal" approach. And everyone knows repair is tougher than prevention, right? So, what is the best way to protect your hair from the sun and water this summer? Here are some tips to help stop the UV rays, chlorinated pools, and saltwater from damaging your gorgeous strands:

• Pre-soak: Is it necessary to wet my hair with fresh water before getting into the pool or ocean? Although not "necessary", wetting your hair before swimming is an excellent practice for hair health. It reduces how much saltwater your strands can absorb, as it can only absorb so much.
• Put your guard up: How can I prevent my color-treated hair (e.g., highlights or blonde hair) from fading or turning green in the pool? If you nearly sprout gills during the summer while embracing your inner Ariel, Aquaman, or Mr. Limpet, create a barrier with a pre-swim treatment (like a leave-in conditioner or light oil) and/or a snug swim cap to help keep your hair from absorbing harsh pool or ocean water and experiencing color changes and other myriad ill effects.
• Rinse off: What is the best way to thoroughly remove chlorine residue, salt, and sweat from my hair? We understand wanting to take a power washer to that crunchy residue but, better yet, rinse your hair immediately after swimming to remove salt or chlorine. Then, as soon as possible, use a hydrating clarifying shampoo to help remove trapped salt, chlorine, and sweat followed by a deep hydrating conditioner to restore hair's moisture.
• Top it off: What headwear protects hair from the sun? A wide-brimmed hat or silk scarf will help protect your scalp and strands from direct sun and wind damage. The best hats and scarves for the beach are made with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric for maximum UV protection.
• Defend it: Should I use a UV protection spray for hair? 100%! Scalp and hair sunscreen are a great way to shield your scalp and strands from harsh UV rays and help your color stay true all season. This is especially key for those whose hair is thinning, as they have less defense against sun damage. Remember to reapply every couple of hours.
• Styling saves: What types of hairstyles are best for the beach or pool? The best beach hairstyles are zero-fuss braids, loose buns, low ponytails, and half-up/half-down looks with claw clips to preserve follicle health. These beach-friendly looks will contain your strands, keep hair off your face and neck, and help prevent tangles and humidity frizz.
• Beat humidity: Use a humidity-shielding spray to calm down frizz.
• Go deep: How can I fix or restore dry and brittle hair from summer water exposure? Make sure you are using a moisturizing, hair strengthening conditioner proven to moisturize and repair damaged strands, leaving hair smoother and shinier.

DEKOHAIR: Your Protection Partner

Make DEKOHAIR your ride-or-die this summer. A little-known secret about our clinically backed serum for thinning hair is that the advanced ARBAX™ complex, featuring Arginine and Babassu Oil, acts as a natural UV filter and helps protect against chlorine and saltwater damage, as well as excessive seasonal shedding. Remember to apply it the night before you plan to be in the sun to help extend your protection.

Whether heading to the beach or the pool this year, make a point to adopt these healthy hair habits and let CHARISMO help maintain your hair's health, strength, and resilience, so that you can enjoy sun-soaked fun without hair-related regrets.

Disclaimer: Always consult a professional for a proper diagnosis when dealing with hair loss.