Your summer survival guide to hair and skin protection

During the warmer months, looking after your hair and complexion is more important than ever.

Whether you're a sun-worshipper or shade-seeker, on holiday or at home, it's not just UV rays that can cause damage and dryness.

Heat, humidity and swimming can also play havoc with your locks, which is why it's crucial to understand these elements and take the right precautions.

By following a few simple steps you can prevent damage before it happens, which is much easier than trying to repair faded or straw-like strands - something our team often see in the salon during holiday season!

Here, our experts explain everything you need to know about summer hair and skin protection…

HOW DO SUN EXPOSURE AND HEAT EFFECT HAIR?

Bright sunshine and high temperatures go hand in hand during summer, but it's important to differentiate between how these factors impact hair strands.

"Sun exposure can actually lift your colour out - for example, making bright red hair fade - or make natural hair lighter," says creative director Jennie Manzi.

"It can be drying on your hair, particularly if you've had pretty lightener i.e. bleach on your hair, or if it's curly, because the hair follicle is raised so it often feels dryer anyway."

Heat, whether that's a hot day or the result of styling tools, has a similar effect, but it can be more pronounced when you're talking about temperatures of 180 degrees or more.

"If you haven't got a heat protector in your hair and your're styling it with hot tongs or straighteners you can burn your hair, frazzle it almost," Jennie warns.

"In summer or on holiday you need to put UV protection on your hair as well. Kérastase does the Soleil range which is really good."

Apply UV spray like you would sunscreen: a generous helping before going out in the sun.

Alternatively, Jennie suggests using a moisturising hair mask for long hair on beach or pool days: "Damp your hair down in the morning, slather on a mask then plait your hair or leave it in a high bun so that you know it's going to be conditioned all day and then shampoo it out in the evening."

For a physical sunblock, wear a hat or chic silk scarf. Silk hair bands are great in summer too, Jennie adds: "When you use them for plaits or ponytails the silk will just glide in and out of the hair, you're not going to rip any strands as you take it out."

Find out how the revamped Color Lustre range from Shu Uemura uses fermented ingredients to lock in colour.

READ MORE

WHAT DOES HUMIDITY DO TO HAIR?

British summertime often brings with it our fair share of rain, or perhaps you're travelling to a humid destination such as South East Asia.

"With rain and dampness, moisture in the air lifts the hair cuticle which makes it frizzy and more uncontrollable," Jennie explains.

"An anti-frizz leave-in conditioner can help or you can have the long-lasting nanoSmooth treatment in salon to eliminate frizz and make the hair look glossier and shinier."

HOW DOES SWIMMING IMPACT HAIR?

A dip in the sea or pool feels so refreshing on your skin, but chlorinated and salty water can be extremely drying on hair.

"Blondes need to be careful on holiday because chlorine can change the colour of your hair and make it a bit green or khaki," Jennie says.

"You also need to be careful with extensions, especially blondes, as the strands can turn slightly pink. If this happens, come to the salon and the colour team can rectify those issues, and using purple shampoo such as Shu Uemura Yubi can help as well."

"To counteract the effects of swimming, wash your hair with specially formulated products: "Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore range gently cleanses, restores moistures, and protects hair from damage, making it suitable for hair exposed to chlorine and saltwater"

HOW DOES SUN EXPOSURE EFFECT SKIN?

On the one hand, sun exposure is beneficial (in small doses) as it is the catalyst for the chemical reaction that produces vitamin D in the skin, a nutrient essential for bone health and the immune system.

"The problem is, continued UV exposure creates an oxidative process where 'free radicals' can cause cells to deteriorate, affecting skin texture and structure, increasing the appearance of wrinkles" says head of beauty Yung Nguyen.

"Inflammation can also cause other skin concerns such as discolouration and hyperpigmentation. Excessive exposure to UV can cause permanent irreversible damage to new cell formation, which in extreme cases can cause melanoma, a form of cancer."

That's why experts recommend you wear sunscreen on your face all year round and use adequate protection on your body when you're more exposed during summer or on holiday.

 

"It doesn't matter what natural colour your skin is, you still need to protect yourself," Yung says. "If you are having any non-surgical treatments or have any cuts or stitches, you need to protect those areas too."

She recommends using SPF 30 or 50 as a minimum and applying liberally every two hours or after going in the water. How can you decide which sunblock is best?

"It's about analysing your skin initially identifying its texture and colour and then factoring in whether it is prone to either being oily, dry, pigmented or you have breakouts," Yung explains.

"Also think about your lifestyle. Are you going to be swimming? Will you be wearing make-up? Would prefer a spray format? All of these will help to determine what's right for you."

YUNG'S TOP 5 SUNSCREENS FOR FACE AND BODY:

Find out which summer skincare and hair essentials our team always packs for their holidays.

READ MORE

Jetting off somewhere sunny? Get your hair holiday ready with an appointment at Paul Edmonds London.