How to Protect Your Hair Health in Summer

Irish summers might not be scorching, but that doesn’t mean your hair gets off easy. Between rare sunny spells, humidity, and increased outdoor time, your hair is still exposed to a range of elements that can leave it dry, frizzy, or just plain unmanageable.

While we’re all quick to protect our skin with SPF when the sun appears, our hair and scalp often get overlooked. And yet, they face just as much stress from UV rays, heat, humidity, and even salt or chlorinated water if you're lucky enough to head to the coast.

At FARO, we know that healthy hair is about consistency, smart choices, and understanding what your hair really needs, especially in summer. This isn’t about overcomplicating things or buying a million new products. It’s about small, smart changes that keep your hair looking and feeling its best, even when the weather throws curveballs.

Why summer affects your hair more than you think 👀

We might not be basking in 30-degree heatwaves every week, but even the softer Irish summer can take its toll on your hair. It’s not just about the rare scorchers; your hair faces a mix of subtle, but damaging, environmental stressors that can leave it dry, dull, and far from its best.

Here's a closer look at what’s really happening when the seasons change:

UV damage: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can sneak through and weaken the proteins in your hair, especially keratin, which gives your hair its strength and structure. Think of it like fabric fading in the sun: your hair can lose vibrancy, become more fragile, and, if coloured, fade faster. Fine or light hair is even more susceptible, but all hair types can suffer from sun-induced dryness and brittleness if left unprotected.
Humidity: Irish humidity is no joke. Even when the skies are grey, moisture in the air causes the cuticle (the outer layer of your hair) to lift, making hair swell and frizz. If your hair is already thirsty, it will try to absorb moisture from the air, leading to that all-too-familiar halo of flyaways. Frizz isn’t just an aesthetic issue, it’s a sign that your hair is struggling to retain moisture.
Heat and sweat: On warmer days, it’s not just your hair that suffers; your scalp takes a hit too. More heat means more sweat, and sweat can mix with oils and products, clogging the pores on your scalp. This can leave it feeling itchy, irritated, or even greasy. And here’s the key: a stressed scalp can lead to weaker hair growth, so what’s happening at the root level matters more than you might think.
Salt or chlorine: Whether you’re enjoying a dip in the sea in Salthill or doing laps in your local pool, saltwater and chlorine can be a hidden cause of summer hair woes. Salt draws moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Chlorine, on the other hand, can alter your hair’s texture and colour, particularly if your hair is chemically treated or naturally light. Both strip your strands of natural oils, the ones that keep your hair soft, shiny, and strong.

These elements don’t just mess with your hairstyle; they impact your hair’s long-term health. Dryness, frizz, and scalp irritation can lead to increased breakage, slower hair growth, and harder-to-manage hair overall. The good news? When you know what you’re up against, it’s easier to stay ahead of the damage. Let’s start with the following targeted, simple steps 👇

6 simple tips to protect your hair health this summer

Between UV rays, humidity, saltwater, and heat, your strands can quickly go from smooth to stressed. The good news? A little care goes a long way. These six practical tips will help you protect your hair from summer’s most common challenges, so you can enjoy the season without worrying about frizz, dryness, or damage.

1. Your hair needs sun protection too (yes, even in Ireland!)

Sure, sunshine might be a rare guest in Ireland, but when it does show up, it brings some serious UV intensity. Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage, even on overcast days. UV rays can break down the proteins in your hair, weakening the outer layer (the cuticle) and leading to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading, especially if your hair is fine, coloured, or naturally on the dry side.

The good news? A few simple habits go a long way. Leave-in conditioners or sprays with built-in UV protection act like sunscreen for your strands, creating an invisible barrier against damage. And don’t underestimate the power of a good hat or scarf - it’s one of the easiest ways to shield your hair and scalp, particularly during peak sun hours.

💡 Pro Tip: Before stepping outside, lightly spritz your hair with a UV-protectant and brush it through using your FARO Detangler Brush to ensure every strand gets covered. It’s quick but makes a noticeable difference.

2. Prep your hair before swimming

You don’t need a Mediterranean holiday for salt or chlorine to damage your hair. Even a quick swim at your local beach or pool can strip your hair of essential moisture, leaving it dry, rough, and more prone to breakage. Saltwater dehydrates, while chlorine, especially in pools, can lead to dullness or even discolouration in lighter hair tones.

One simple trick? Wet your hair with clean water before swimming. Hair can only absorb so much, so if it’s already saturated with fresh water, it’s less likely to soak up damaging salt or chlorine. Applying a light leave-in conditioner or natural oil beforehand also helps create a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and keeping the worst of the elements out.

💡 Pro Tip: Before swimming, brush through your damp hair with your FARO Mini Glide Brush after applying conditioner or oil. This ensures every strand is prepped and protected, reducing post-swim damage and tangling.

3. Practice post-sun hair hydration

Just like your skin, your hair needs to be rehydrated after a day in the sun. The heat, UV rays, and even wind can leave your hair feeling parched, making it more vulnerable to breakage, frizz, and split ends.

To restore moisture, make deep conditioning a weekly habit during summer. Rich, nourishing masks like our one-minute hydration mask can help repair and replenish your strands. For daily care, lightweight leave-in conditioners or hydrating sprays keep your hair soft, manageable, and protected from further moisture loss.

💡 Pro Tip: After washing, apply your hydrating mask and use your FARO Detangler Brush to comb it through evenly in the shower. This not only ensures full coverage but also helps the conditioner penetrate deeper for longer-lasting hydration.

4. Cut back on heat styling

With warmer weather already stressing your strands, summer is a great time to be gentle with heat styling tools. Straighteners, curling wands, and even frequent blow-drying can double up the damage when your hair is already battling sun and humidity.

Instead, let your hair air-dry naturally as much as possible. But don’t leave it dripping wet for too long; hair is at its weakest when wet. Aim to air-dry about 60-70%, then finish with a quick blast of cool or low heat if needed. And if you do reach for the heat tools, always use a heat protectant spray to shield your strands.

💡 Pro Tip: After towel drying, use your FARO Paddle Brush to gently detangle and smooth the cuticles. This speeds up air-drying and helps your natural texture look its best with minimal effort.

**5. Frizz fixes (that actually work!)**

Frizz tends to rear its head the moment humidity levels rise, and we know that even cloudy days in Ireland can be surprisingly humid. When hair lacks moisture, it tries to pull it from the air, causing the cuticle to swell and frizz out.

The key to managing frizz is hydration and sealing. Hydrated hair is less likely to react to humidity, and lightweight oils or serums can help lock in moisture. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, so stick to washing 2-3 times a week if possible, using a sulphate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a light hydrating mist or oil on hand to refresh your hair throughout the day. A few strokes with your FARO Detangler Brush can quickly smooth frizz and help you maintain control without weighing down your hair.

6. Don’t forget about your scalp!

When we talk about summer hair care, it’s easy to focus on your strands and forget about your scalp. But the scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, and in summer, it can become irritated, oily, or clogged from sweat, sunscreen, and product buildup.

A burnt or irritated scalp can even slow down hair growth, so give it some love, too. If you're out in direct sun, consider a scalp-specific SPF spray or wear a hat to avoid burns. Weekly gentle exfoliation helps remove buildup, keeping your scalp clear and balanced.

💡 Pro Tip: Daily scalp massages with your FARO Paddle Brush not only feel great but also stimulate circulation, promoting healthier hair growth and keeping your scalp in top condition through the warmer months.

The Takeaway

Protecting your hair in summer isn’t about overhauling your entire routine; it’s about being mindful of how the season affects it and making small tweaks that keep your hair strong, healthy, and easy to manage. With a few simple swaps and the right tools (like your trusted FARO brushes), you can enjoy everything summer has to offer without sacrificing your hair’s health.

Ready to upgrade your summer haircare routine? Discover & shop our full collection and see the difference expert-designed, kind-to-you-hair brushes can make for your hair health.

Till next time,

The FARO Team x