How to care for your hair in summer: the essentials

Too much sun, sea salt, wind and pool chlorine can leave our hair dry, damaged and lifeless. But don't worry — we have the solution for you!

All these factors have a negative effect on the structure of the hair: on the surface, they alter the lipids and proteins of the cuticle and, deeper down, the proteins and melanin of the cortex.

As a result, hair looks drier and more porous, its shade may change as the melanin is altered, and it can become more fragile and brittle as the damage reaches deeper structures.

Caring for your hair every day and giving it what it needs, as well as protecting it from the sun, is the key to reaching September with healthy hair that's full of life.

Caring for your hair in summer: 4 essential tips

1. Sun protection for your hair: Just as we protect our skin from the sun, we should protect our hair.
2. Deep moisture: Sun and heat can dehydrate hair, leaving it dull and rough to the touch. Use moisturizing conditioners and masks to restore lost softness and moisture.
3. Gentle, frequent washing: Wash your hair with mild shampoos designed for sun-exposed hair. Choose sulphate-free products that won't damage or dry out your scalp. Our Modesta Cassinello frequent use shampoo is ideal for keeping your hair clean and healthy without compromising its moisture!
4. Avoid overusing heated tools: In summer it's best to limit hairdryers, straighteners and curling irons, as they can add to the damage caused by the sun. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry, or use heat protectants before applying heat.

My hair in summer

In summer, sweat caused by high temperatures can lead to slight itching of the scalp. This itching happens because sweat raises the pH of the scalp, which is slightly acidic under normal conditions.

This itching doesn't call for a special shampoo or treatment: simply wetting your hair and giving it a light wash with any of our shampoos — especially H01 Frequent Use Shampoo, which leaves a fresh feeling after exercise — will bring the pH back to normal and the itching will go away.

What can I do? Which shampoo is best in summer?

On beach and sunny days, it's a good idea to wash your hair every day to remove traces of facial cosmetics, any dirt from seawater and oily residue. And since sun, salt and chlorine alter the colour and structure of the hair, choosing your shampoo according to how you perceive the condition of your scalp becomes essential. If the shampoo also contains actives that repair damage and protect your hair colour, it will be your best shampoo.

"Be careful with shampoos from sun-care ranges — not because they don't work, but because not all hair needs ultra-mild or very rich formulas in summer" Modesta

If during the year the roots of your hair are normal/dry, you should choose a shampoo that respects the scalp and hair, cleanses effectively and contains actives that soften the hair and protect the cuticle to enhance softness, shine and colour.

The most recommended shampoos if you have a normal scalp are:

• H01 Frequent Use Shampoo: a fresh, mild shampoo that brings comfort to the scalp and protection to the hair.
• H02 Repairing Shampoo. A more nourishing and delicate shampoo, suitable for the most damaged hair. Highly recommended for curly and colour-treated hair.
• H03 Shine and Vitality Shampoo. A shampoo that adds shine and volume with no fragrance or irritants of any kind. Also suitable for sensitive and irritated scalps.
• H05 Solid Shampoo, the best traveller ;) once you try it, you'll always take it with you.
• H07 Sea Salt Shampoo. Since sunscreen makes hair a little greasy, seawater leaves it salty and limp, and we apply lots of nourishing products to offset the effects of the sun, a treatment shampoo such as H07 Sea Salt Shampoo once a week is recommended.

H02 Repairing Shampoo ★★★★★

"Never ever have I had such beautifully moisturized hair. My hairdresser won't believe it. Of course I'm going to recommend it."  Laura

If during the year you notice oily roots, thinking that oiliness decreases in summer is a mistake, just as it is with skin. Your hair may feel drier because of frequent washing, but remember that UVA radiation increases oil on the scalp.

To get that feeling of lightness and hair that stays clean for longer, which we love so much, we recommend choosing a shampoo that cleanses and moisturizes without making the scalp oily and that restores the scalp's barrier function, helping to prevent dreaded dandruff and irritation.

We recommend choosing a shampoo with effective cleansing agents that wash away traces of chlorine and/or salt as well as sunscreen, and that is also pleasant to use, easy to rinse and has enough lather to massage the scalp — something to enjoy after a day of sun and beach.

The most recommended shampoos if you have an oily scalp are:

• H07 Sea Salt Shampoo. For a deep cleanse once a week: a perfect care ritual.
  
  This shampoo has a powerful formula that gives your scalp and hair a rejuvenating feeling of softness, shine and volume, and in summer it's highly recommended for all hair types. It effectively removes traces of sunscreen, oils and dirt from the water, bringing wellbeing to the scalp and hair. Follow this shampoo with your favourite mask and conditioner, and if your lengths are very dry, don't forget to also apply conditioner, a mask or an oil as a pre-shampoo treatment.
  
  
• H01 Frequent Use Shampoo or H05 Solid Shampoo for the rest of the days you want to wash your hair. You can combine this shampoo with a medicated treatment shampoo.

"Daily use of H01 Frequent Use Shampoo can help control the scalp's sebum secretion by improving its barrier function and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL)" Modesta

What is the best softening treatment for hair in summer?

If the mid-lengths and ends of your hair feel dry and damaged, remember that the sun will dry them out even more. Dry hair absorbs more water and frizzes easily, so as well as always protecting it from UV radiation, it's essential to apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends after washing.

Conditioner, or a mask as a more intensive treatment, helps restore the integrity of the hair fibre and improves the visual and sensory qualities we love to see in our hair: softness and shine.

The best softening treatments:

• H04 Revitalizing Conditioner. Softens, detangles easily and protects against the external factors that affect hair every day.
• H06 Solid Conditioner. An innovative format you should try at least once — you'll be surprised by the softness and shine it leaves in your hair.
• H09 Nourishing Mask. A "cure" for your hair.
• H08 Leave-in Conditioning Spray. A moisturizing leave-in mist for extra moisture, shine and protection whenever you want.

Go for your goal: reach September with healthy hair that's full of life, and choose your ritual at modestacassinello.com