How to Care for Your Hair in Summer (It Starts at the Scalp)

Summer is hard on hair. Heat, UV exposure, salt water, chlorine, sweat and more frequent washing all place extra stress on both the scalp and the hair fibre. The result? Hair that feels dry, brittle, frizzy or lifeless – even when you’re conditioning regularly.

The key to healthy summer hair isn’t heavier products or over-washing. It’s supporting the scalp barrier and caring for the hair properly from the roots through to the ends.

Here’s how to keep your hair balanced, hydrated and resilient all summer long.

Why Summer Affects Hair So Much

During summer, several factors work against hair health:

• Heat and UV exposure can weaken the hair cuticle and fade colour

• Salt water and chlorine strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and rough

• Sweat and frequent washing can disrupt the scalp barrier

• Wind and humidity increase tangling and frizz

When the scalp becomes stripped or irritated, hair growth and condition often suffer. Hair can feel dry even after conditioning because the foundation – the scalp – is out of balance.

Summer Hair Care Starts at the Scalp

The scalp is skin. And just like the skin on your face, it has a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and defend against irritation.

In summer, harsh cleansers, over-washing and environmental stress can compromise this barrier. When that happens, hair may feel dry, itchy or limp – no matter how much conditioner you use.

Look for haircare that:

• Cleanses without stripping

• Supports the scalp barrier

• Avoids heavy coatings like silicones

• Uses nourishing, plant-based ingredients

A balanced scalp creates the right environment for healthier, more manageable hair.

Our Botanique Shampoo and Conditioner were formulated with this in mind – to gently cleanse and condition while helping maintain scalp comfort and long-term hair health through summer.

Choose a Gentle, Silicone-Free Shampoo

Many conventional shampoos rely on strong surfactants that create a big lather but leave the scalp feeling tight or irritated – especially in summer.

A gentle, silicone-free shampoo helps to:

• Lift sweat, salt and product build-up

• Cleanse without drying the scalp

• Maintain natural moisture balance

By avoiding silicones, hair is left truly clean rather than coated, allowing moisture and nutrients to penetrate more effectively.

Our Botanique Shampoo gently lifts build-up while respecting the scalp barrier, using nourishing natural oils to cleanse without dryness or irritation.

Tip: If you’re swimming in the ocean or pool, rinse hair with fresh water first. Wet hair absorbs less salt or chlorine.

Condition the Hair – Not Just the Surface

Conditioner plays a crucial role in summer hair care, but heavy formulas can weigh hair down or mask damage rather than improve hair health.

Look for a conditioner that:

• Softens and detangles without heavy residue

• Uses plant-based oils and botanical extracts

• Supports long-term hair condition, not just instant slip

Silicone-free conditioners work by nourishing the hair fibre itself, helping hair feel softer and more manageable over time rather than relying on surface smoothing alone.

Our Botanique Conditioner softens and detangles without heavy coating, conditioning the hair fibre itself rather than simply smoothing the surface. It’s silicone free, so hair feels lighter and more manageable over time.

Don’t Over-Wash (Even in Summer)

It’s tempting to wash hair daily when it’s hot, but over-washing can worsen dryness by stripping the scalp’s natural oils.

If possible:

• Wash every 2–3 days

• Use a gentle shampoo when you do wash

• Rinse with water between washes if needed

This helps preserve the scalp barrier and keeps hair hydrated for longer.

Protect Hair from Sun, Salt and Chlorine

Simple protective habits make a big difference in summer:

• Wear a hat or scarf during prolonged sun exposure

• Rinse hair after swimming

• Avoid excessive heat styling

• Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to reduce breakage

These small steps help prevent cumulative damage across the season.

What to Expect with the Right Summer Hair Routine

When you support the scalp and choose nourishing, gentle formulas, hair health improves gradually and sustainably.

With consistent care, many people notice:

• Softer, smoother hair

• Improved manageability

• Less dryness and frizz

• A calmer, more balanced scalp

Healthy summer hair isn’t about doing more – it’s about doing what works with your hair and scalp, not against them.

 

Great hair days don’t come from stripping, coating or over-correcting. They come from balance.

By focusing on scalp health and choosing gentle, silicone-free haircare like our Botanique Shampoo and Conditioner, you give your hair exactly what it needs to thrive – all summer long.

Because truly healthy hair starts at the roots.