Beautiful hair in the sun

While we're all looking forward to summer, synonymous with sun and idleness, we mustn't forget to be extra vigilant once we've arrived at the beach or poolside, because to be true sirens, you also need to know how to take care of your hair in the sun.

What you need to know about the benefits and harmful effects of UV rays on hair

We know that the sun can give hair beautiful, subtle highlights. It also helps calcium to bind via vitamin D, and activates the circulation of the thousands of tiny vessels that irrigate the scalp. Thanks to the sun, hair grows faster!

On the other hand, too much sun can be expensive, and it's important not to do just anything! By drying out the epidermis and altering the pH of the scalp, infrared radiation often triggers dandruff. What's more, at high doses, the sun slows down the evacuation of fatty acids contained in sebum. They are then transformed into toxins that compress and impede root activity. As a result, hair is less well irrigated, and risks thinning or even falling out.

Good beach habits

Sun + sand + salt water often take their toll on your beautiful, soft hair. That's why it's important to look after your hair, especially dry hair, with the utmost care and protection. The best way to do this is to wear a hat or floppy hat, which will only enhance your appearance. In addition, you should avoid the most intense hours of exposure, generally between 12 and 16 hours.

When it comes to hair care, there are many products containing anti-UV filters designed to preserve the beauty of your hair, such as a sun oil to apply during exposure or a post-exposure mask. Ask your hairdresser, the specialist in the field, for advice on the best products to use depending on the condition of your hair.

Finally, in the evening, remember to wash your hair thoroughly with an after-sun shampoo and don't hesitate to nourish it with a suitable product (oil, conditioner or mask) to repair and soften it.

Color-treated hair and the sun

Between the sun, chlorine and seawater, color-treated hair is put to the test during the summer months. In fact, to color hair, the scales are opened up to allow the color pigments to penetrate deep into the hair. As a result, hair is more fragile and sensitive than natural hair. What's more, the UVA rays will partially destroy the pigments, contributing to a change in your hair color that may not be the happiest after a while. Your hair color will lighten in the sun, which may (or may not) be beautiful, but seawater and/or chlorine can turn your hair color from brown to red, or from blond to yellow, or even from platinum to green....

You'll need to think carefully about protecting your hair, taking care of it and rinsing it well with clear water. Fortunately, there are a number of stores selling products specifically for color-treated hair. What's more, at the beach, the combined action of salt and sand will further damage and dry out your hair, with a definite loss of your original beautiful color.

To properly maintain your color, you'll need to use a shampoo reserved for color-treated hair, ideally containing UV filters.

If you've opted for plant-based hair color, there's no risk of your hair color turning yellow or green, and there's no risk of reflections dulling your beautiful color. Vegetable-based hair color is not at all incompatible with the sun, apart from the fact that it may fade a little more quickly due to repeated swimming. What's more, with plant-based hair color, you'll need to avoid shampoos and care products containing sulfates, which can denature the color, and silicones, which shield the pigments.

Christophe Nicolas Biot's tips for beautiful hair in the sun

• Before leaving on vacation, we'll force our hair color to last longer and better withstand the changes to which it will be subjected.
• Care, with the right products, is essential for beautiful hair: masks, oils, conditioners, serums and shampoos should be used wisely, according to the type of hair.
• Ideally, you should visit your hairdresser about 1 month before you leave, to take stock of your hair fiber and start using the right products and techniques.
• Use and abuse accessories to protect your hair, whether it's a beautiful floppy hat, a scarf or even a cap.
• After coloring, I recommend waiting 48 hours before bathing or washing your hair: this gives the pigments time to oxidize and the hair time to adopt its final color.
• After each swim, remember to rinse your hair with fresh water to remove as much salt as possible.