Goodbye, knots! Hair care in sun, chlorine & salt water

While chlorine ensures clear water, it does little to diminish the shine and manageability of your hair. The high pH value of chlorinated water opens the outer cuticle layer, effectively destroying your hair's natural protective layer. Valuable lipids and proteins are lost in the process, leaving your hair dull, dry, and difficult to comb.

Especially bleached or dyed hair can even turn greenish. This effect has nothing to do with a fresh sea breeze, but rather with metal ions like copper, manganese, or iron in the water, which react with chlorine. In such cases, an acidic color remover, best done at your trusted hairdresser, can help. However, gentle home remedies with an acidic pH (e.g., a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse or a lemon juice hair mask) can also salvage the situation. Even untreated hair isn't immune—it's just not quite as susceptible.

Chlorinated water can also irritate the scalp. It disrupts the natural pH balance and can lead to itching or irritation. Generally, open hair follicles are like an open invitation to anything that damages your hair, such as UV radiation, mechanical stress, or harsh water treatment agents like ozone.

After swimming, you should definitely rinse your hair with clean water. This helps remove chlorine residue and stabilize the hair structure. Regular washing and conditioning will prevent your hair from drying out. If you skip this step, your hair will quickly become rough and brittle, and that beautiful summer glow will turn into a hair disaster. Use a suitable hair mask after swimming to protect your hair and keep it soft, especially if it's frequently in chlorinated water.

The sun lifts your spirits, but unfortunately, it also leads to lightened and brittle hair. UV radiation destroys both your natural melanin and the artificial pigments in hair dyes. And as if that weren't enough, oxidation creates free radicals that attack your hair proteins. Consequently, your hair becomes more porous, more prone to split ends, and loses elasticity and shine.

Bleached, highlighted, or straightened hair is particularly sensitive. These hair structures are already open and absorb water, salt, and chlorine like a sponge. This makes it extremely prone to breakage when wet. Simply put: the sun acts like an uncontrolled bleaching agent.

And your scalp suffers silently, as always. Especially with lighter hair colors, it's unprotected, which can lead to feelings of tightness, dryness, or even sunburn. The latter is not only unpleasant but also an underestimated risk factor for skin cancer.

What helps? In summer, let's not just think about sunscreen, but also about UV protection for our hair. A stylish hat, leave-in products with antioxidants, nourishing masks , and a color-protecting shampoo are now part of your standard hair care routine. This way, your hair stays soft and shiny all summer long, and you can enjoy even the hottest days with a clear conscience and healthy, full hair!