Life in the Northern Beaches is synonymous with salty air, sun-kissed skin, and regular dips in the ocean.
But while it’s great to be out catching waves at Manly Beach or enjoying a lazy afternoon topping up your tan at Palm Beach, these activities aren’t so good for your hair.
Indeed, being regularly exposed to harsh environmental elements like the sun and saltwater can wreak havoc on it over time. So, it is important to know how best to maintain the health and lusciousness of your strands.
If this is something that is concerning you, here’s our guide to doing just that.
What Damage Is Caused to Your Hair?
As much as we might enjoy spending time in them, both the sun and saltwater can be incredibly drying for your hair.
Unfortunately, the sun’s UV rays can break down the protein structure in your hair, which might result in the appearance of split ends, frizz, and a general dullness. Saltwater, on the other hand, strips moisture from your strands, which can leave them brittle and prone to breakage or falling out.
For women, this can manifest itself as increased tangling and fading colour, (especially if it has been chemically treated), while in men, it can mean dry and lifeless hair.
In extreme cases, it can result in thinning or even hair loss, potentially requiring transplants or other hair regrowth strategies from a company like Gro Clinics Sydney to counteract successfully.
How to Maintain Healthy Hair
So, what is the solution? Well, if you spend a lot of time in the sun and surf of the Northern Beaches, here are some things you should do.
1. Hydrate Your Hair
One of the best ways to combat the drying effects of sun and saltwater is to regularly hydrate your hair with a quality shampoo and conditioner.
Try to use brands that are sulfate-free, specifically designed to add moisture, and incorporate ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera.
Additionally, once a week you should perform a deep conditioning treatment where you pamper your hair with a deep conditioning mask. This will help to restore its moisture, repair any damage it has experienced, and strengthen your hair against future damage.
It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water – ideally 2.5 litres a day for men and 2 litres for women, as doing this helps to support and energise your hair growth.
2. Create a Protective Shield for Your Hair
Before heading out for a surf or a beach day, you should consider taking steps to protect your hair from the elements.
Using hair oils or serums like coconut, argan, or jojoba can lock in moisture, creating a protective shield against saltwater.
Alternatively, wearing a swimming cap or any kind of wide-brimmed hat is another good proactive measure to protect your scalp and hair from UV damage.
3. Rinse and Wash Your Hair After Swimming
Leaving saltwater or chlorine in your hair for long periods can not only lead to a buildup but also further dryness. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to rinse your hair immediately after swimming.
If there aren’t showers nearby, make sure you carry a bottle of fresh water to rinse out the salt or chlorine.
You should also wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove buildup from salt, chlorine, and product residue, and follow up with a hydrating conditioner, which will help to replenish moisture.
4. Use a Good Hairbrush
Long or regular days on the beach often leave your hair tangled. However, brushing it the wrong way can cause further breakage or damage.
For this reason, you should use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair when it’s wet. Alternatively, a detangling brush is a good another good option because it minimises tugging and breakage.
When you do start brushing, make sure you do this from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling at knots.
5. Regularly Trim Your Hair
If your hair has split ends, they can make it look dull and unhealthy. Subsequently, it is a good idea to have it regularly trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep it under control.
Even a small trim can make a big difference in helping you to maintain healthy hair. So, ask your hairstylist to focus on cleaning up damaged ends without taking too much off to keep it looking fabulous.
Choosing the right haircut can also enhance your hair’s health and style. If you’re considering a fresh look, explore My Haircare & Beauty for the most stylish feminine short haircuts that can complement your lifestyle while keeping your locks manageable and healthy.
6. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Something many people don’t realise is that the health of your hair starts from the inside out. In other words, what you eat has a direct influence on the degree to which you can maintain healthy hair.
For this reason, it is important then to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Hence, you should make sure your diet includes plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts because they promote shinier and stronger hair growth.
Additionally, as hair is made of keratin, which is a protein, you should consume plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes to keep it in optimal condition.