Summer Hair Care Tips: What to Do Pre- and Post Swim, and All Season Long

Ah, summer! The season of “just one more swim” and the kind of sun that sticks around long after the tan lines fade. Beach days and pool dips make the best memories, but—between UV rays, salt, sweat, and chlorine—also make for the worst hair days if you don’t give your strands a little love.

One minute your hair feels soft and glossy, the next it’s dry, tangled, and screaming for moisture.

So in this guide, I’m sharing my go-to, no-fuss summer hair care tips to help you keep your strands soft, strong, and safe all season long, all without giving up the fun.

Why Summer Hair Suffers

Compared to other seasons, summer throws a rough mix of elements at your hair and scalp, and each one chips away at your hair’s moisture, strength, or balance in its own way:

• UV rays: Break down keratin and fade natural or dyed color, leaving strands dry, porous, and brittle.

• Sweat: Traps dirt, oil, and bacteria on the scalp, leading to buildup and inflammation if not washed off.

• Humidity: Swells the hair cuticle, which leads to puffiness, frizz, and loss of shape, especially for wavy or curly hair types.

• Saltwater: Pulls moisture out of the hair shaft, causing rough texture and split ends.

• Chlorine: Strips away protective oils and weakens protein bonds, making hair dry and prone to breakage.

• Dry indoor cooling (like AC): Dries out both scalp and strands, especially when you’re moving between hot sun and cold rooms.

Add them all together, and summer turns into the perfect storm for hair troubles—the kind that can stretch a simple “bad hair day” into weeks of dullness, frizz, and breakage if you’re not careful.

That’s why summer hair care isn’t optional. It’s necessary. And speaking of that, let’s walk through some of the smartest ways to keep your hair soft, strong, and thriving through the season.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Hair In Summer

Wash Less Often

It’s tempting to wash your hair more often in the summer because of sweat, oil, and buildup. But over-washing, especially with harsh shampoos, strips away your scalp’s natural oils — and those oils are crucial this season. They act as your built-in barrier against dryness, UV damage, and moisture loss.

That creates a domino effect. Once your strands are stripped dry, your scalp gets “confused” and overproduces sebum to compensate. The result? Greasy roots that do more harm than good.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Aim for 2–3 washes a week. If your scalp gets oily or sweaty fast, try rinsing with water and applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner instead of shampooing daily.

• Wash only when needed. Post-workout, post-beach, or after heavy product use makes sense. Otherwise, let your scalp rebalance.

• Listen to your scalp. If it starts to itch, feel flaky, or smell off, that’s your sign to cleanse. But when in doubt, skip the lather and stick to water or a gentle co-wash.

Use Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoos

Sulfates are strong detergents found in many commercial shampoos. In summer, when your hair is already vulnerable from sun, sweat, chlorine, and saltwater, sulfates can strip away even more moisture, leaving strands dry, rough, and more prone to breakage.

A sulfate-free formula, on the other hand, cleans without compromising your scalp barrier or depleting natural oils. It helps your hair stay hydrated and keeps the cuticle smooth, which is key to controlling frizz and preventing color fade during hotter months.

And one last thing: rinse thoroughly. Even gentle shampoos can leave residue behind, which can dull your hair or clog follicles if not washed out completely.

Use Chelating Shampoo Weekly

A chelating shampoo is formulated to bind and remove mineral and metal buildup from seawater, pool water, sweat, and even the hard water you often encounter in hotels.

If not washed out properly, these residues can weigh your hair down and block moisture from getting in.

Once a week of application is enough, ideally after long swim days or beach trips.

Apply Lightweight Leave In Conditioner

Leave in conditioners stay on long after rinsing, forming a protective coat that shields your strands from UV rays, frizz, salt, and chlorine while keeping them hydrated throughout the day.

If you have fine or low-porosity hair, go for water-based leave-ins labeled “non-greasy” or “spray formula,” since heavier creams can smother your strands in the heat.

Want to level it up? Add a few drops of a nourishing hair oil like batana infused with rosemary or lightweight argan oil after your leave-in. These oils are natural options that help seal in the moisture and smooth down flyaways, especially in humid weather.

Use Cold Water for Rinsing

Hot water might feel relaxing, but it’s not doing your summer hair any favors. It opens up the cuticle and makes it easier for moisture to escape, which is the last thing you want when your strands are already battling sun, chlorine, and salt.

Cold water, on the other hand, helps seal the cuticle, locking in moisture for longer and giving your hair that natural, healthy shine.

Wear Hats, Bandanas, or Scarves

If you’re spending the day outdoors—especially during midday hours—don’t forget your hat, bandana, or scarf. It might take up a bit of space in your bag, but your hair will thank you for the protection against harsh UV rays.

When it comes to head coverings, keep these reminders in mind:

• Pick tightly woven or UPF-rated fabric. Straw hats are breathable, but UV rays can slip through. Wide-brimmed hats give the best full coverage.

• Avoid rough materials. Choose soft cotton, silk, or satin linings inside bandanas or scarves to prevent friction and breakage.

• Cover your hair fully. Especially if your part or crown is exposed—scalp burns are real, and they hurt.

Honestly, this might be the easiest and most effective step in your routine because you’re literally blocking the damage before it starts. No product needed.

Trim Your Hair

Split ends might seem harmless sitting quietly at the bottom of your strands, but they can creep upward and cause more damage over time. And in summer, that process only speeds up. Sun, saltwater, and chlorine all give those ends more reason to fray.

Ideally, get a trim before summer starts, not when you’re already spotting breakage. You don’t need to chop off inches or go for a big, dramatic haircut. Even a simple dusting is enough to stop damage from traveling up.

Stay Hydrated

In the thick of summer, when you’re sweating more than usual, your hydration levels take a bigger hit. And when your body’s dehydrated, your scalp feels it first. Blood flow slows down, and that hampers how well nutrients reach your follicles.

In simple terms: dry body, dry scalp, dry hair.

So from time to time, ask yourself, “Have I had enough water today?” Water helps regulate sebum production, keeps your scalp balanced, and supports your strands’ natural elasticity.

Aside from drinking water, fill up on hydrating fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries. They help replenish fluids and deliver scalp-loving vitamins.

On the flip side, try to cut back on dehydrating habits like drinking too much caffeine or alcohol.

Sleep on Silk or Satin Pillowcases

If you wake up with hair that looks like a bird’s nest, your pillow might be to blame—specifically your cotton pillowcase.

Cotton may feel soft, but it creates friction as you toss and turn. Especially during summer, that friction leads to frizz, tangles, and eventually split ends. Even worse, it absorbs your hair’s natural oils and any moisture you worked hard to lock in.

Silk and satin pillowcases, on the other hand, let your hair glide smoothly. They help reduce breakage and keep protective styles intact longer. So yes, it’s absolutely worth making the switch.

Use Scalp-Safe SPF Mist or Powder

Your scalp is skin too, and just like your face or shoulders, it can burn under the sun. The problem is, most people forget about it until it’s red, itchy, or flaking. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to premature thinning and even permanent follicle damage.

That’s where scalp-safe sunscreen comes in. Sprays, mists, or powder-based SPFs help block UV rays without clogging pores or leaving your roots greasy.

Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas, ideally reef-safe, oil-free, or made specifically for the scalp. Powder SPF works especially well for oily scalps or layered hairstyles.

Focus on the areas most exposed, like your part line, crown, and hairline, and reapply every two hours if you’re out in the sun. Sweat, water, and heat can wear SPF away faster than you think.

Hair Care Tips Before and After Having a Swim

You can’t have a real summer without beach days and pool dips, but what most of us forget as we dive into those pearly, glittering waters is how harsh saltwater and chlorine can be on our strands. They strip away moisture, fade color, and leave your hair feeling like straw if you’re not careful.

Luckily, you can enjoy the water without wrecking your summer hair routine. Here’s how to protect your hair before and after a swim:

Pre-Swim

• Wear a swim cap. It's not the most glamorous, but a snug-fitting swim cap creates a physical barrier between your hair and the water. It blocks most of the chlorine and salt from even touching your strands.

• Soak your hair with clean water first. Hair absorbs less harmful water if it’s already soaked with clean tap water. This simple trick reduces how much chlorine or salt gets in.

• Apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Use a lightweight leave-in or natural oil to form a protective layer around the hair shaft. It helps repel waterborne chemicals and keeps your hair from drying out while you swim.

Post-Swim

• Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo. These shampoos are made to dissolve buildup from chlorine, salt, and hard water. Use them right after swimming to avoid residue sitting on your scalp.

• Follow with a deep conditioner. A rich, repairing conditioner or bond-building mask helps replenish hydration and reduce post-swim brittleness.

• Reapply leave-in conditioner. After towel-drying, mist on a light leave-in to detangle and add slip. This helps seal the cuticle and keep your hair soft, manageable, and protected from frizz as it dries.

Bad Hair Care Habits to Avoid During Summer

Avoid Applying Heat Tools

When your hair’s already under attack from the sun, humidity, and chlorine, the last thing it needs is more heat.

That's to say, as much as you can, try to avoid blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Take note of these tips instead.

• Air-dry your hair whenever possible. Pat with a microfiber towel to remove excess water, then let it dry naturally. Skip the rough towel rub.

• Go for heatless styling methods. Flexi rods, satin rollers, or twist-outs are great alternatives.

• If you must use heat, protect first. Apply a thermal protectant spray and use the lowest heat setting. Never go in with bare hair.

Avoid Color Treatments

Coloring your hair might help bring out the vibe of your summer OOTD, but during this season, it’s practically a shortcut to dried-out strands.

Bleach and permanent dyes break down the hair’s protective cuticle layer, leaving it more porous and vulnerable. Add sun exposure, chlorine, and saltwater to the mix, and your color won’t just fade—it’ll fry.

With that in mind, it’s best to hold off on major color jobs until fall. If you’ve already dyed your hair, protect it with UV sprays, sulfate-free shampoos, and a hat whenever you’re outdoors.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Tight ponytails, slick buns, and braided extensions might look sleek, but in summer, they can pull double duty as hair wreckers, as heat and humidity already stress your strands.

Add constant tension from tight styles and you’ve got a recipe for frizz, breakage, and even traction alopecia.

Loose, protective hairstyles give your strands a break. They reduce tugging at the root, limit friction, and help keep moisture in.

Some summer-friendly options include:

• Loose braids

• Heatless curls using flexi rods or twist-outs

• Low buns with satin scrunchies

• Claw clip updos

• Pineapple bun for curls

And a final tip: use silk or satin scrunchies. Skip the rubber bands as they snag and tear hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is hairfall more in summer?

Hairfall tends to increase in summer due to higher temperatures, sweat, UV exposure, and poor scalp hygiene. On top of that, dehydration and excess washing strip your scalp of natural oils, throwing off the balance your hair needs to stay anchored.

Do I wash my hair every time I sweat?

No, you don’t have to wash your hair with shampoo every time you sweat. Rinsing with water or using a gentle co-wash is often enough. Frequent shampooing, especially with harsh formulas, can dry out your scalp and trigger oil overproduction or irritation.

Is applying sunscreen to hair bad?

No, applying scalp-safe sunscreen to your hair or scalp isn’t bad. It’s actually recommended in summer. Just make sure to use non-comedogenic, reef-safe, or powder-based SPF products designed for the scalp.

Summer Hair Care Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

A few smart tweaks are really all it takes to keep your hair happy through summer. Sure, the season throws everything at it, from heat and sweat, UV rays, and pool water, but that doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your whole routine or stress yourself out trying.

If nothing else, focus on these three quick wins: apply a leave-in conditioner daily (then top it off with a light layer of nourishing oil), rinse with cold water after washing, and use a scalp-safe SPF mist. Simple moves, big payoff.

Want more easy, practical hair care tips like this? Head over to the Keyoma Blog. We’ve got clean beauty guides, oil how-tos, and scalp care routines to keep your hair glowing no matter the season!