Spending hours under the sun, diving into the sea water and lying down again like a lizard. The vacation routine, repetitive and relaxing, is the maximum expression of dolce far niente. Ironically, the routines of the winter season are forgotten in this effort to disconnect from the city and the office, including hair care. And it is precisely, and ironically again, the time of year in which our hair suffers the most.
The chlorine in the pool, spending hours in the wet and exposing yourself excessively under the August sun dries out the hair and, for those with highlights or dyed hair, breaks it. This is confirmed by Wen, the founder of the successful Barcelona hairdressing salon Salón By Wen. This hair expert, who designs shiny golden hair to contrast with the flattering tan, warns that in summer “you have to take care of your hair more than ever” and that for this there is a simple routine.
“There is still no treatment or routine against chlorine that can combat it,” he says. However, as far as sea water is concerned, there is a preventive routine to hydrate the hair: “we are very used to getting out of the water and combing. But when the hair is dry due to sea salt, brushing breaks the layers of the hair” .
If you don’t want to cut your long hair -which is also an option- when you return from vacation, this stylist recommends moisturizing your hair during the summer, not just after. In fact, to regain the shine and color of your hair, that is to say dye it again in September, it is crucial to go through a prior hydration treatment so as not to punish damaged hair with the dye.
“During the summer, as soon as you step foot on the beach, moisten your hair with fresh water and apply a mask, cream or oil to hydrate it and protect it from sea salt. When you get out of the water, moisten it again with fresh water and then brush it” , Explain.
In short, although the popular beach weaves -the natural waves that remain after a day at the beach- favor and give our hair a carefree appearance, their long-term effect is counterproductive for those who want soft and hydrated hair.