Summer is the season when hair should look its most radiant — catching the light in soft waves, bouncing with vitality, and exuding effortless glamour. Yet the realities of sun, salt water, chlorine and heat styling can leave even the most lustrous locks feeling parched and fragile. The key is knowing how to protect your hair’s natural health while still enjoying the styles you love.
It begins in the shower. Swap overly hot water for a gentler lukewarm rinse, which cleanses without stripping essential oils, and choose shampoos and conditioners with hydrating, nourishing ingredients. After washing, avoid the temptation to rub hair dry; instead, blot with a soft towel to prevent the cuticle from roughening. A wide-tooth comb will ease out tangles without snapping strands — always starting at the ends and working upwards.
Summer’s pleasures — whether an afternoon at a rooftop pool or a day sailing off the coast — can be harsh on hair. Ultraviolet rays weaken the hair’s protein structure, while salt and chlorine can draw out moisture, leaving it brittle. A chic wide-brimmed hat is an easy, elegant defence, but so too is a leave-in conditioner with UV filters. Before swimming, saturate your hair with fresh water or smooth on a light oil; this creates a barrier, helping to minimise damage. Always rinse well afterwards to remove any residue.
Deep-conditioning masks are a summer essential, ideally once a week. Look for those rich in shea butter, plant proteins or avocado oil to restore softness and resilience. For day-to-day upkeep, a lightweight leave-in spray can keep hair supple and frizz-free between washes.
When it comes to heat styling, a considered approach makes all the difference. Always use a heat-protective spray before applying any tool, and allow it to fully absorb before styling. Opt for the lowest temperature that will achieve your desired look, and avoid repeated passes over the same section.
The right styling tool can be a genuine ally in protecting hair health — which is where The Contouring Wide Iron from Cloud Nine shines.
Designed with curved 1.5-inch Sericite®-infused plates, it glides smoothly through longer or thicker hair, reducing tugging and friction. Its innovative Revive Mode® gently vibrates at 8,000 cycles per minute, allowing styles to be created at lower heat and with less stress on the hair. With 11 adjustable heat settings, from 100°C to 200°C, it offers true precision for different hair types and conditions. The iron also boasts thoughtful touches — from a rapid 35-second heat-up time and a protective hibernation mode that switches off after 30 minutes, to universal voltage for effortless travel styling. Presented with a Premium Luxe Case, Velvet Stylecase, Wet Hairbrush, Detangle Comb and protective guard, it’s as complete a styling kit as you could wish for — and it even carries the MTick™ certification, recognising its menopause-friendly design.
Healthy hair is also about rhythm. Give your hair days off from heat whenever you can, embrace natural textures, and keep trims regular to prevent split ends travelling up the shaft. A finishing drop of argan or jojoba oil will tame flyaways, add shine and help lock in moisture.
With a little care — and the right tools — you can enjoy glossy, touchably soft hair all summer long, styled exactly as you like, without sacrificing its health. And when your hair feels this good, you’ll wear it with the same easy confidence as your favourite summer dress.
Featured image credit: Tim Mossholder
