Protecting hair from sun, salt damage

By Lea Sibbel Jun 24, 2010, 11:30 GMT

Frankfurt - The purpose of a vacation is to relax, but for skin and hair, a trip south often means the exact opposite.

Sun, sea and chlorinated swimming pool water often put a strain on both skin and hair, but the right care can help beauty-conscious sun-worshippers maintain healthy skin and hair.

Sunlight and salt water, which can damage the hair, are ever-present on beach vacations and the worst thing is the combination of the two, said Markus Hermann, president of the German branch of Intercoiffure, an international hairdresser network. He advises vacationers to use ample care of their hair. People who neglect this advice must accept that their hair will lose colour, shine and volume.

'There are products for the hair that offer UV protection, similar to those designed for the skin,' said Hermann. 'They deliver moisture and are to a certain extent waterproof. Those who don't want to bother with them, however, can use a sun hat or bathing cap.

'These are the most effective ways to protect the hair,' said Franz-Josef Kueveler, art director of the central association of German hairdressers. But because bathing caps seldom add style to beach attire, hardly anyone uses them. Therefore, vacationers should pamper their hair after spending just one day on the beach.

'It's also sensible to have the ends trimmed before the trip. That's where the damage to hair begins,' said Kueveler. Trimming them makes the ends more resistant to damage and more stable. Salt is especially bad for the hair. Swimming in the sea or surfing leaves the hair with tiny salt crystals dried into it.

'It's like a branding iron has been used on the hair,' said Kueveler. 'Therefore the saltwater must be thoroughly rinsed out of the hair at the end of the day.'

After that the hair should be thoroughly washed and given a conditioning treatment that's left on the hair for several minutes. Such products contain a protein that is good for the hair. There are products especially for sun-damaged hair and they replenish substances that sunlight damages, said Hermann.

Hair that has been dyed needs extra care. Dark colours bleach out in the sun. During vacation, a shampoo for dyed hair can be a quick solution. After a beach vacation, Kueveler recommends reapplying the colour. People who dye their hair blond should also be aware that their hair can take on a green tint from chlorine.

Kueveler said an easy way to solve that problem is to dissolve an aspirin in water and pour it over the hair and rinse thoroughly. There are other household products that can bring back shine.

'When the hair has become dull and unruly from exposure to sun, saltwater and chlorine, sour products such as vinegar and lemon juice diluted in water and poured over the hair can help shine return and make the hair easier to comb,' Kueveler said.

People tend to quickly recognize when their skin dries out, but it's a different matter with the skin. A general rule of thumb in the summer is that when the skin feels tight, the hair also needs some attention.

'Many people think about the cancer risk when exposing their skin to sunlight, but they don't think about how tanning also ages the skin,' said Joachim Christ, a dermatologist in Germany. The skin constantly needs sufficient moisture.

'An appropriate level of moisture can, for example, be achieved through milk products. And specialized moisturizing creams contain urea that penetrates the skin well,' said Christ. He also advises people whose skin is dry in some places, but oily in others, to be cautious. They might think they are doing something beneficial for their skin, but in fact impurities are left behind.