Derm Deep Dive: Sun, Saltwater & Chlorine Tips for This Summer

Protecting Your Hair and Scalp This Summer at the Pool, Beach, and Under the Sun

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, where we provide expert advice from our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions or treatments.

Using sunscreen daily, especially in the summer is widespread advice for protecting the skin from UV rays. But your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection in the summer.

The sun, chlorine, and saltwater can do a number on your hair and scalp, but we often don’t consider proper protection before or after spending time at the pool or on the beach.

To help you prepare, and to alleviate any unexpected challenges this summer, we have 4 tips for taking care of your hair and scalp that will leave you sun and fun ready.

1. The Sun & Your Scalp: Use an SPF on Your Part Line

One of the easiest places to get a sunburn is your scalp. It’s also one of the easiest places to protect by applying an SPF directly to your part line and hairline, or wearing a wide-brimmed or UPF-rated hat.

Even individuals with thick hair are susceptible to UV rays, which can carry multiple risks:

• Skin cancer from repeated UV exposure  

• Sun damage and severe sunburn 

• Drying out the scalp and causing flakiness or irritation 

Not a fan of putting sunscreen on your scalp? Consider trying a broad-spectrum powder sunscreen, scalp spray, or lightweight mist, all of which are easy to use and won’t leave the hair feeling or looking greasy. Choose an SPF 30 or higher and remember to reapply every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating heavily.

2. The Sun & Your Hair: Use a Heat Protectant Before Heading Outside

While heat protectants are helpful as styling products for blow drying, straightening, or curling hair, they can also help minimize damage from prolonged UV exposure. Some leave-in conditioners and heat protectants contain ingredients that help coat the hair shaft, lock in moisture, and prevent color fade from the sun’s rays.

Armor your hair with a lightweight leave-in conditioner or UV-protectant spray. These products can also reduce dryness, breakage, or frizziness caused by the sun.

3. Saltwater & Your Hair: Rinse With Clean Water Before Jumping In 

Wet hair absorbs less saltwater than dry hair, so if you can, rinse with clean water before dunking in the ocean. Even better – rinse again as soon as possible after swimming and use a hydrating conditioner or hair mask to restore moisture.  

If you swim in saltwater a lot and want a summer-long solution for the effects of saltwater on your hair and scalp, try these tips: 

• Use sulfate-free shampoos to cleanse hair without stripping its natural moisture 

• Apply leave-in conditioner before swimming, which creates a hydrophobic barrier around the hair shaft 

• Limit excessive heat styling right after beach days to prevent additional damage  

• Use moisturizing scalp treatments if irritation develops 

You may experience softer hair or “beachy waves” after swimming in the ocean, but saltwater can also suck moisture out of your hair, leaving strands feeling brittle or more susceptible to damage. It can also lighten color-treated hair and increase photosensitivity, which can cause breakage. 

4. Chlorine & Your Hair: Wear a Swim Cap When Possible 

Chlorine is a chemical designed to kill bacteria and keep pools safe for swimming, but when it’s absorbed by hair, it can strip away natural oils, leaving hair feeling dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.  

Frequent chlorine exposure can also affect hair color, and blonde hair is particularly vulnerable because chlorine can react with metals like copper in pool water, sometimes causing lighter hair to develop a greenish tint. Color-treated hair may also fade faster with repeated exposure.  

The best option for protecting your hair from chlorine is to wear a swim cap, but you can also follow these tips to reduce chlorine absorption: 

• Wet your hair with fresh water before entering the pool  

• Apply a leave-in conditioner or protective hair oil before entering the pool 

• Shampoo and condition with hydrating products as soon as possible after swimming 

Clarifying shampoos are popular for removing chlorine buildup but should be used only when necessary; overuse can further dry out the hair.  

Signs of Sun Damage and the Risks of Skin Cancer  

The scalp is one of the most overlooked areas for sun protection, especially for people with thinning hair, wider parts, or hairstyles that expose the scalp. Repeated UV exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer or sun damage.  

It’s never too late to start protecting your scalp from UV rays, but it’s also important to be aware of the signs of sun damage, as chronic sun damage can contribute to precancerous lesions and skin cancers over time.  

Watch for: 

• Scalp tenderness or redness 

• Peeling along the part line 

• Increased scalp dryness or flaking 

• Brittle or rough hair texture that doesn’t return to normal 

• Faded hair color 

• Increased breakage or split ends 

If you notice persistent rough patches, sores that don’t heal, or scalp irritation, schedule an appointment with your board-certified dermatologist for a full evaluation.  

Healthy Hair and Scalp, Happy Summer! 

You don’t have to avoid the outdoors or going for a refreshing swim in the ocean or pool. With the right protection, you can enjoy the summer while maintaining your healthy hair and scalp – and staying safe from sun damage.  

Treat your scalp with the same care you give the rest of your skin. If you experience any hair or scalp challenges during the summer, especially flaky skin or increased hair damage, get an expert opinion from your dermatologist.  

Schedule an appointment with our team if you’d like some extra help preparing for or managing your summer hair and skin health.  

FAQs About Protecting Your Hair and Scalp from Sun, Saltwater, and Chlorine 

Should I put sunscreen on my scalp? 

Yes. The scalp is highly susceptible to sunburn and UV damage, especially along the hair part, hairline, or thinning areas. Dermatologists recommend using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed scalp areas. 

Does chlorine permanently damage hair? 

Chlorine does not usually cause permanent damage after occasional exposure, but repeated exposure can dry out the hair shaft, weaken hair, strip natural oils, and contribute to breakage or color fading over time. 

Why does blonde hair turn green in pools? 

The green tint often comes from copper and other metals in pool water reacting with chlorine and binding to the hair shaft. Blonde and lighter-colored hair tends to show the discoloration more visibly. 

Is saltwater bad for your scalp? 

Saltwater can dry out the scalp and worsen irritation or flaking in some individuals. Rinsing with fresh water after swimming and using moisturizing scalp products can help restore hydration. 

What is the best way to protect hair from sun damage? 

The best approach combines multiple strategies: wearing hats, applying SPF to exposed scalp areas, using UV-protective or heat-protectant hair products, limiting prolonged sun exposure, and restoring moisture after swimming or sun exposure

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