The Importance of Protecting your Hair from the Sun, Sea and Swimming | Melissa Timperley

Melissa Timperley is the multi-award-winning founder of the Melissa Timperley salon in Manchester and the creator of MT Masterclass, a comprehensive precision cutting education programme. This month, Melissa addresses the importance of protecting the hair from sun, sea and swimming.

Sun: The summer sun weakens the hair, causing dryness and fading colour. I always recommend a UV protection spray or leave-in conditioner to hydrate and protect the hair. Look for products with antioxidants like Vitamin E or Argan Oil for extra defence. For added protection, moisture-locking treatments are key. One of my top picks is the Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum, which shields the hair with a UV-Protection Booster and preserves colour. Plus, it’s free from silicones and parabens, offering heat protection up to 230°C and delivering intense shine. Also, remind clients to switch up their parting when sunbathing – it helps prevent sun damage from building up on one spot of the scalp.

Sea: Saltwater strips the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage, especially for lighter shades like blondes. To help protect hair, I advise clients to soak their hair in clean water before going into the sea, this reduces saltwater absorption. Then, apply a thick conditioner to act as a barrier against the salt, this can restore elasticity, shine and bounce to leave the hair feeling nourished and refreshed. After swimming, rinse thoroughly and shampoo to remove salt and residue. A detox shampoo a few times a week can also help to remove chlorine, salt and product build-up, keeping the hair vibrant and healthy throughout the season.

Swimming: Chlorine is one of the biggest culprits in hair damage. To prevent it, I suggest clients always make sure to thoroughly wet their hair before getting in the pool. Hair acts like a sponge, so if it’s already soaked with clean water, it’ll absorb less chlorine. After, apply a leave-in treatment or wear a swim cap when swimming in pools. I’d recommend the Philip Kingsley Swimcap – it was originally developed for the Olympic swimming team to protect their hair, so it’s a brilliant option if you’re in the pool a lot. After swimming, always recommend a detox shampoo to remove chlorine residue, this helps to prevent damage and keeps the hair fresh. For colour-treated clients, colour-depositing products are great for maintaining vibrant tones after exposure to chlorine or saltwater.

Things to Remember:

• In-Salon Treatments
  In-salon treatments are a great way to repair and protect the hair from summer elements. I offer deep-conditioning treatments or hydrating masks that restore moisture and strengthen hair that’s been exposed to the sun, sea and chlorine. One of my favourites is the Beauty Potion from Authentic Beauty Concept – it’s got a vegan, high-performance formula that’s free from silicones and parabens, making it the perfect clean option.
• Encouraging Aftercare
  Summer haircare isn’t just about protection; aftercare is key. Just like sunscreen for the skin, aftercare products help prevent fading, dehydration and breakage. I also create personalised routines to ensure they have the right products for their hair type and lifestyle. I love the Wella Color Fresh Masks – my go-to is Pearl Blonde for blondes and Copper Glow for coppers. For a good detox, the Weekender Shampoo by Unite is my fave, and their 7 Seconds Detangler is brilliant – it helps with knots, protects from heat and also shields against UVA and UVB.
• Debunking Myths
  There are some common myths about summer haircare. One is that hair doesn’t get damaged by the sun like skin does, but hair is just as vulnerable to UV damage. Another myth is that saltwater is good for hair, but while it adds texture, saltwater actually dehydrates and damages hair if not treated properly.

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