Sunshine-filled days at the beach or by the pool may do wonders for the soul, but they can wreak havoc on your healthy hair. From sun damage to frizz, dryness, and colour fade, our locks face plenty of challenges during the summer months, especially here in the UAE where soaring temperatures and intense UV rays are the norm. Add in humidity, frequent dips in chlorine or saltwater, and daily heat styling, and it’s no wonder many of us struggle with dull, brittle strands by season’s end.
That’s why we’ve asked Dubai’s multi-award-winning hair expert, Maria Dowling, for her top advice on keeping your hair looking and feeling its very best this season. Founder of the renowned Maria Dowling salon, Maria has built her reputation as the go-to colourist in the region, with more than two decades of experience transforming and caring for every type of hair.
Here, she shares five easy-to-follow tips that will help you protect, nourish, and strengthen your locks, whether you’re spending the summer in the UAE, travelling, or simply enjoying the outdoors now that the season is in full swing. From UV protection and hydration to anti-frizz tricks and colour-care essentials, Maria’s expert guidance will ensure your hair stays glossy, healthy, and gorgeous all summer long.
The sun is NOT your healthy hair’s BFF
Try to avoid your hair being in direct sunlight whenever possible. If you don’t want to wear a hat, then a topknot or loose bun is a good alternative. Always use products that have built-in UV protection, such as those by Label M, to shield your strands and maintain hair health.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
Remember, the ends of the hair are 4 to 5 years old so treat them as you would silk, lots of moisture and nourishment. Stay hydrated and opt for in-salon moisturising treatments before and after sun exposure. Another option is to use an overnight conditioner on the hair to repair and replenish.
Be prepared to fight the frizz
There can be excess humidity in the summer months so using leave-in treatment products such as Olaplex no.6 will minimise the look of frizz and nourish the hair. The Colour WOW Dream Coat is also a brilliant choice as it has advanced anti-frizz formulas that leave hair super glossy, glassy, and ultra smooth.
Shower BEFORE your swim
The hair cuticle can only hold a set amount of water so by showering your hair before you go into the pool/sea, your hair cuticle will not absorb too much of the sea/pool water. If you wet the hair down with masque beforehand, you can also double down on the protection for your hair. Once you return from the beach or pool, be sure to do a hair treatment to restore hydration and moisture levels, and minimise damage.
Remember, the negative impact of the sun and pool/sea water will be felt about 3 weeks after the exposure – UV rays and salt or chlorinated water gradually break down the hair’s protein structure and strip away moisture – so do as much as you possibly can to minimise the hair’s exposure to these.
Be Colour-Safe
Those with coloured hair need to be extra careful about exposure to external aggressors such as chlorine from pools and the sun. Firstly, they should always use a colour-specific shampoo as this will lock in the colour and prevent fade. The Label M Protein Spray is a great choice during summer. This lightweight detangling primer has Vanilla Fruit Extract, which is a great source of B-vitamins and antioxidant properties to maintain the condition and helps protect the hair from environmental aggressors. It also regulates moisture levels, resulting in smoother and more manageable hair.
