Summer is one of the most challenging seasons for your hair and scalp — especially here in Australia.

High temperatures, long days outdoors, salt water, chlorine, and sun exposure can leave hair feeling dry, brittle, faded and fragile, while scalps become sensitised, flaky or sunburnt.

As a hairstylist, I saw it every year: hair that’s already been lightened or coloured before the festive season becomes even more compromised in January, just as we’re spending more time swimming, travelling, and living outdoors.

 

The good news? With a few simple, intentional adjustments, you can protect your hair, support your scalp, and help your hair recover rather than deteriorate over summer.

Why Summer Is So Hard on Your Hair

January is often the perfect storm for hair stress:

• High temperatures and intense UV exposure

• Frequent swimming in salt water and chlorinated pools

• Long days at the beach or by the pool

• Hair that was coloured or bleached before Christmas (already higher in porosity)

• Increased dryness, brittleness, breakage and colour fade

• Sunburnt, irritated or flaky scalps

When hair is in this sensitised state, how you handle it becomes just as important as the products you use.

 

The Golden Rule of Summer Haircare: Gentle Handling

When hair is dry, porous or overexposed to the elements, friction and tension are your biggest enemies.

Focus on:

• Fabric-covered hair ties or claw clips instead of tight elastics

• Wide-tooth combs to detangle gently without pulling (the ROBE comb was designed especially for this!

• Increasing the frequency of products that add slip, softness and hydration

• Avoiding tight styles, aggressive brushing and excessive heat

 

Think of summer as a time to protect and preserve, not push your hair further.

 

How to Prep Your Hair Before Going to the Beach

The beach is one of the most intense environments for your hair: no shade, hot temperatures, UV exposure and salt water that draws moisture out of the hair shaft.

Step 1: Wet Your Hair First

Before swimming in the ocean, thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water.

This can be done using the beach showers or a spare bottle of water in your bag.

By pre-wetting your hair, you reduce how much salt water it can absorb — which means less dehydration and damage.

Step 2: Create a Protective Barrier

Gently squeeze out excess water, then work through more Leave-In Treatment than you normally would.

This helps create a nourishing barrier against salt, sun and wind.

Twist or plait your hair into a low bun or braid to minimise friction.

Bonus protection:

Apply Sleek + Treat around your hairline and ends — these are often the most fragile areas and benefit from extra care.

 

How to Protect Your Scalp from the Sun

 

Your scalp is skin - and it burns just as easily.

The most effective protection is a physical barrier:

• A wide-brimmed hat

• A scarf tied over your part line

If you do experience scalp sunburn, allow the redness to settle first. Once calm, you can gently use  the Scalp Brush a couple of times per week can help lift flaking without irritation and restore balance.

A healthy scalp creates the foundation for healthy hair.

 

Before Swimming in a Pool

Chlorine and pool chemicals can cause:

• Dryness

• Discolouration (especially in blonde or lightened hair)

• Increased breakage

 

Just like the ocean, the key is prevention.

Before swimming:

• Rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water

• This limits how much chlorinated water your hair absorbs

 

It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

 

What to Pack in Your Summer Beach Bag

A few essentials can completely change how your hair feels after a day in the sun:

• Leave-In Treatment sachets

• Sleek + Treat

• ROBE wide-tooth comb

• Clean + Finish sachet

Lightweight, practical, and designed for real life.

After Sun & Swimming Haircare

The sooner you remove salt and chlorine, the better.

Step 1: Rinse Immediately

Rinse your hair with fresh water as soon as possible to stop further dehydration.

Step 2: Gentle Cleanse

Skip harsh cleansing. Instead:

• Use conditioner only for a gentle “rinse + reset”, or

• Use Clean + Finish to lightly cleanse without stripping

Step 3: Soothe the Scalp & Rehydrate the Ends

• Spritz the scalp with The Tonic to calm, hydrate and nourish (aloe vera is especially soothing after sun exposure)

• Work Leave-In Treatment through mid-lengths and ends to replenish lost moisture, and leave to airdry.

 

Styling Tips for Highly Sensitised Summer Hair

January is not the time to fight your hair — it’s the time to work with it.

• Embrace your natural texture

• Scrunch Leave-In Treatment into damp hair

• Use Clean + Finish to support effortless air-drying

• Allow hair to dry naturally, flipping occasionally for soft volume

From there, opt for:

• Loose, relaxed up-styles

• Soft, gently swept-back looks

• Zero heat and minimal tension

The best summer hair is chic, undone and healthy-looking - and your hair will thank you for the break.

 

Give Your Hair a Chance to Recover This Summer

Summer doesn’t have to mean damage.

With gentle handling, thoughtful prep, and supportive after-care, January can become a recovery phase rather than a setback.

Protect your scalp. Nourish your lengths. Work with your natural texture.

Healthy hair is built through consistency - even (and especially) in summer.