Heading on Holiday? Don’t Forget To Pack Our Healthy Hair Hacks!
Ah, summer—the season of sunshine, beach days, and Instagram-worthy adventures.
Or, in Ireland, the season of unpredictable showers, intermittent sunshine, and the occasional glorious heatwave 😅
While we love soaking up those rare rays and splashing in the sea when the weather permits, our hair might not be as keen on the festivities. Sun, salt water, and chlorine can all wreak havoc on our locks, leaving them dry, brittle, and screaming for a little TLC.
But fear not! With a few expert tips and the right tools (um, hi! 👋), you can keep your tresses stress-free all summer. Let’s dive in! 🌊
SPF for your hair?! 👀
Yep! Just like we slather on SPF for our skin, our hair needs protection too. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage hair, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Studies have shown that UV radiation can degrade hair proteins, leading to significant structural damage.
Before hitting the beach or pool, prep your locks by applying a leave-in conditioner or a UV protection spray. This shields your strands from harsh UV rays and locks in moisture, preventing that dreaded straw-like texture.
Rinse, dive, repeat 🔁
Here’s a quick pro tip: rinse your hair with fresh water before taking the plunge into salty or chlorinated waters. This simple step saturates your hair to absorb less damaging chemicals or salt. Think of it as a preemptive strike against dryness and breakage!
When your hair is already wet with fresh water, it acts like a sponge and is less likely to soak up chlorinated or salty water, which can strip away natural oils and cause damage. Experts agree that chlorine can make hair dry and brittle, while saltwater can dehydrate and roughen the hair cuticle. Rinsing your hair beforehand helps maintain its natural moisture balance and overall health.
Keep it tangle-free 🪮
We get it—brushing your hair might seem like a no-brainer, but hear us out. Using a brush designed to tackle tangles like our travel-sized Detangler Brush removes those pesky knots and distributes your hair’s natural oils from root to tip. This extra oil love helps protect your strands from sun and water damage, keeping them strong and shiny.
Brushing before you head out into the sun or water can help prevent tangles from getting worse. Afterwards, brushing again ensures your natural oils, which protect your hair, are evenly spread. Plus, regular brushing can get the blood flowing in your scalp, which is great for hair growth. So, adding this simple step to your routine can really help keep your hair looking and feeling awesome.
Embrace the on-trend hat life 👒
Hats are more than just a fashion statement—they're vital for protecting your scalp and hair from harmful UV radiation. Dermatologists say wearing a hat can reduce UV exposure by up to 80%.
Right now, several hat styles are trending. Bucket hats have made a huge comeback, adding a casual-cool vibe to your outfit. They're lightweight, easy to pack, and available in various fun patterns and colours. If you aim for a more sophisticated look, consider fedora or floppy hats.
By embracing the hat life, you can stay on-trend while protecting your hair from UV damage. It's a win-win!
Give your scalp some summer lovin’♥️
Hot weather can leave your scalp feeling dry and itchy, so treat yourself to a soothing massage with a nourishing oil and our paddle brush. A healthy scalp is crucial for hair growth, and research shows that massaging your scalp can increase blood flow, potentially promoting hair thickness and growth.
Oils like coconut and argan are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that moisturise and nourish your scalp, preventing dryness and flakiness. Giving your scalp extra attention during those hot summer days will keep your scalp and hair healthy and happy.
Let your hair chill —lay off the hot tools 🔥
We get it—those beachy waves or sleek styles are tempting. But in summer, give your hot tools a vacation, too. Heat combined with sun exposure can fry your strands faster than you can say “summer selfie.” Embrace your natural texture and opt for heat-free styles like braids and buns, or let your hair air dry for those effortless beach waves.
Studies have shown that excessive heat styling can weaken hair’s keratin structure, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. Instead, try braids, buns, or twists to keep your hair looking chic without the heat. Air drying can enhance your natural waves and give you that laid-back, beachy look. Plus, reducing heat exposure helps maintain your hair’s moisture and elasticity, keeping it healthier in the long run. So, let your hair chill this summer and enjoy the benefits of going heat-free.
Treat your hair to post-swim TLC 💆🏻♀️
After a dip in the ocean or pool, show your hair some post-swim love. Rinse it with fresh water (remember step 2?), then follow up with a hydrating mask to replenish moisture.
Chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. According to hair care experts, using a hydrating mask can restore the moisture balance in your hair, making it softer and more manageable.
Pssst… our one-minute hydration mask is PERFECT for this! It’s packed with nourishing ingredients that penetrate deeply to repair and hydrate your strands quickly. Adding this quick and easy step into your routine can counteract the drying effects of swimming and keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy all summer.
Trim before your trip ✂️
Summer is the perfect excuse for a trim. Say goodbye to those pesky split ends! Regular trims keep your hair looking healthy and bouncy and prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, ensuring your mane stays in top-notch condition all season long.
Experts recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain optimal hair health. A fresh cut can give your hair a light, airy feel, perfect for the warm summer. So, before you embark on your summer adventures, ensure your hair is ready to shine!
Hydrate like your hair depends on it (Because it kinda does!)
Last but definitely not least, remember to hydrate from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin glowing and helps maintain healthy hair growth.
Water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair, and staying hydrated helps maintain that moisture balance. When you’re well-hydrated, your body can support the healthy growth and repair of hair cells, leading to stronger, shinier hair.
Experts suggest drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, especially during the hot summer months when you’re more likely to get dehydrated. So, keep that water bottle handy and prioritise hydration for luscious locks and overall well-being.
So, there you have it—your go-to expert guide for keeping your hair happy and healthy all summer long 🙌
Have a summer hair hack you’d like to share with the FARO community?
We’d love to hear from you! 👇
Until next time,
Team FARO x