Hot weather can severely damage hair, yet a study reveals that up to two-thirds of women neglect protecting their locks from UV exposure, according to Pantene Scientific Communications Director Dr Cedric Callens. While many women diligently apply sunscreen to their skin, hair often remains unprotected, leading to dryness, brittleness, and increased breakage.
Study Reveals Widespread Neglect of Hair Protection
Research from Pantene shows that 76% of women regularly protect their skin, but only 38% do the same for their hair. The consequences are already evident: 41% of women report that their hair is always more damaged in summer, and 42% accept summer hair damage as inevitable. Half of women (50%) say their hair bothers them more in warmer months, with frizz (40%), dryness (39%), and a dry or irritated scalp (36%) topping the list of complaints.
Summer Activities and Hair Damage
The impact goes beyond appearance. Nearly four in ten women (39%) feel forced to choose between enjoying summer activities and maintaining healthy hair. Holidays are a major damage trigger, with pools (57%), the sea (48%), and sun exposure (48%) seen as the biggest causes. Fear of damage holds women back: a third avoid swimming altogether due to hair damage worries, while one in five skip outdoor exercise for the same reason.
More than half of women (52%) did not realise that UV exposure can damage hair, leading many to act only after damage is done. As a result, 29% have bought repair treatments, 23% changed their hair colour, and 20% chopped off more than planned in a post-summer haircut.
Expert Tips for Summer Hair Protection
Dr Cedric Callens shares eight essential tips to protect hair from the 'summer damage cocktail' of UV rays, saltwater, chlorine, and humidity:
1. Protect Hair First and Regularly
"Summer hair damage is cumulative, not instant. By the time you notice dryness, frizz and dullness the damage has often been building for weeks," Dr Cedric explains. Consistent, everyday protection is key to avoiding end-of-season damage.
2. Protect the Hair Surface Before Swimming
"Chlorine and salt don't just 'dry hair out', they disrupt how the hair fibres interact with water and roughen the cuticle," he says. A specialised UV, salt, and chlorine protective spray helps reduce friction and keep hair smoother.
3. Take UV Exposure Seriously
"Hair doesn't burn like skin, but UV still breaks down surface lipids and proteins, leading to dryness, dullness, and colour fade," Dr Cedric warns. Regular UV protection in haircare is essential, especially for fine, coloured, or highlighted hair.
4. Use Leave-In Care Daily
A leave-in treatment supports hair throughout the day, smoothing fibres, reducing friction, and retaining moisture for hydrated, glossy strands.
5. Be Smarter with Heat Styling
"Heat accelerates water loss and increases the risk of roughness, dryness and breakage," he notes. A heat protective leave-in cream can protect against frizz and humidity up to 230°C.
6. Use Masks Strategically
"Hair masks aren't a punishment for damage, they're a targeted conditioning boost," Dr Cedric says. Use a mask when hair feels harder to detangle or rougher after washing.
7. Use an Oil for Everyday Protection in Humidity
Lightweight oils like keratin oils reduce friction, smooth the surface, and limit swelling caused by humidity, especially for porous or frizz-prone hair.
8. Nourish Your Scalp
"Healthy-looking hair starts at the scalp," he emphasises. A targeted scalp serum can help keep the scalp supported against UV, salt water, and sweat.
