11 August 2025
How to Protect Your Hair from Sun, Sea Water and Chlorine This Summer
As the summer heats up and holidays begins, many of us are heading to the beach, the pool, or simply enjoying the sunshine closer to home. And while your skin might be lapping up the vitamin D, your hair and scalp can be left feeling dry, dull, or downright frazzled.
At Hove Hair Clinic, we see it every year: frizz, breakage, colour fade and irritated scalps caused by sun, chlorine and sea water. The good news? A few simple tips (and the right products) can go a long way in keeping your hair healthy all summer long.
What Does Chlorine, Sea Water and Sun Actually Do to Your Hair?
Let’s break it down:
Chlorine is a chemical used in swimming pools to kill bacteria, but it also strips your hair of its natural oils. This can leave hair feeling rough, dry and brittle – especially if you swim regularly or have colour-treated or chemically-processed hair. Over time, it can lead to breakage, discolouration, and dullness.
Sea water may sound natural, but its high salt content acts as a dehydrator. Salt draws moisture out of the hair, roughens the cuticle, and can cause hair to tangle, snap and split – especially after drying in the sun.
UV rays don’t just affect your skin. They can weaken the hair shaft, fade colour, and inflame or dry out the scalp – particularly for those already dealing with sensitivity or scalp conditions.
If your hair is starting to feel more like straw than silk, it’s not your imagination – and it’s completely preventable.
A Simple Summer Hair Hack: Pre-soak and Condition
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair before a swim is to wet it with clean water or apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner first.
Why? Because damp hair is less absorbent. When the hair shaft is already saturated, it’s harder for chlorine or salt water to penetrate. It’s like a sponge – if it’s already full, it can’t soak up more.
Topping that with a leave-in conditioner helps lock in moisture and create a physical barrier, reducing the damage caused by pool chemicals or salty seas.
Mediceuticals Defend Leave-in Conditioner: Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for one product to protect both your hair and scalp this summer, Defend Leave-In Conditioner is our go-to recommendation. Specially formulated to suit sensitive scalps and fine or thinning hair, this damaged and frizzy hair treatment delivers protection without heaviness or build-up.
Here’s what makes it so effective:
Creates a lightweight barrier against salt, chlorine, UV rays, pollution, and heat styling
Hydrates and conditions hair without making it greasy – ideal for fine, thinning or processed hair
Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients to calm the scalp and reduce sensitivity
Helps preserve colour and condition, extending the life of treated hair
Improves manageability and reduces frizz, making post-swim brushing less damaging
pH-balanced and safe for daily use, even on sensitive scalps
We use it in the clinic regularly – especially during stimulating and recovery treatments – and recommend it to clients heading off on holiday or spending long hours outdoors.
Need More Help?
If you’re looking for more personalised advice or professional hair and scalp treatments, reach out to us at Hove Hair Clinic on 01273 711140. We’re here to help you achieve your goals with expert guidance and bespoke care.