Protecting your hair outdoors

Our resident hair expert Dylan Bradshaw advises on how to weatherproof your hair from everything an Irish summer brings.

With summer approaching, it’s time for some changes to your hair care routine. Longer days and warmer weather, and on-going restrictions, means we will be out and about a lot more. For some that will be just sitting out enjoying the sun for others it will be exercising outdoors going for a walk or a run or joining the thousands who now enjoy wild swimming. There are a number of things that you can do to make sure you are taking the best care of your hair that don’t cost you a penny. There are also some products that can help you protect and nourish your hair while you enjoy the outdoors. Firstly, let me go through what you can do yourself.

When the sun is shining, we try to make the most of it (because we don’t see it that often). Keeping your hair shaded from direct sunlight will reduce your hairs exposure to UV rays. Everyone knows UV rays can be harmful to the skin, but they can be just as harmful to your hair if over-exposed. Tie your hair up in a loose ponytail or bun and pop on a hat or cap. UVA rays are what cause your colour to fade in the sun and UVB rays are responsible for causing loss of protein which in turns weakens and dehydrates the hair. An overwhelming 90 per cent of women have experienced the colour of their hair lightening after it has been exposed to the sun for a period of time. Likewise, when we return from a holiday in the sun, we sometimes notice that not only our skin can feel a little drier, but our hair can too.

If you like to get out for nice long walks or to go for a run, then I’m sure there is nothing you want more than to throw your head under a shower to freshen up. Sometimes it’s not always necessary to wash your hair after a walk or run. You could try tying your hair up out of the way and using a good quality dry shampoo to freshen up your hair to avoid shampooing it too often. The more you wash your hair the more you will need to wash your hair. I know I am always repeating this, but it is really worth heeding. There are so many ways to help you get longer out of your hair, to save on products and to keep your hair in the best possible condition. 

If you are a sea swimmer, like myself, and need to wash all that gritty salt water out of your hair after your morning dip then get yourself a rubber cap that will protect your hair from getting wet which means you also don’t need to wash your hair as it’s been kept clean and dry.  Salt sprays are so popular nowadays to help people achieve that beachy texture in their hair. If you are someone that likes this then leaving your hair to dry naturally after your swim. Just give your hair a light rinse and this will give you this textured look but without having to spend money on a salt spray. Salt can be drying on the hair, but this is a natural dryness that won’t overly dehydrate your hair. This subtle dryness will also amplify your hair and give it an extra bit of volume. It will also help anyone that suffers with an oily scalp as the salt water will help absorb any over production of sebum.

If you want some extra help, we have some great products for hair care while you enjoy the great outdoors. 

A good leave-in cream is the Crème UV Sublime €16.00 in the Soleil range from Kérastase. With coconut water and vitamin E to nourish and hydrate the hair, and strong UV filters that absorb any harmful rays from the sun, it provides an anti-frizz effect for up to 24 hours and boosts the hairs radiance. 

For an extra boost of hydration and nourishment, also from the Kérastase Soleil range, the Masque Aprés-Soleil €23.00 hydrates, reconstructs and smooths the hair fibre. You could apply this masque to towel-dried hair before you go for a swim if you find sea or pool water drying on your hair. This will act as a nourishing, protective barrier against harsh water. 

For blondes, Kérastase have a really nice leave-in cream for blonde hair. It is the Blond Absolu Cicaplasme €33.00. This is blowdried into towel-dried hair and will provide 24-hour frizz protection as well as filtering out those harmful UV rays.

As always, please do reach out to me or a member of our front of house team for any hair care advice or recommendations. You can reach us on Instagram @dylanbradshawdb @dylanbradshawsalon, over the phone on 01 671 9353 or via email at reception@dylanbradshaw.com