How to Care for Gray Hair in Summer
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gray hair requires special care, especially in summer due to sun, pool chemicals, and saltwater.
- These elements can cause gray hair to lose shine, become dry, and break.
- Using specialized products, UV protection, and hydration is key to maintaining healthy, vibrant gray hair.
Gray hair needs dedicated attention, particularly during the summer months when exposure to high temperatures, pool chemicals, and saltwater can take a toll. These environmental factors can strip gray hair of its natural shine, leading to dryness and breakage. To ensure gray hair remains radiant throughout the season, incorporating specific care into your routine is essential.
Gray hair requires special care and even more so during the summer because it is exposed to high temperatures, pool chemicals, and sea salt, which causes this type of hair to lose shine, become dry, and even break.
According to Garnier, the appearance of gray hair is a natural process linked to a decrease in melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color. Over time, intense stress, and vitamin deficiencies can reduce the activity of melanin-producing cells, resulting in the growth of gray or white strands. Beyond color changes, aging gray hair often becomes more porous. The scalp also produces fewer natural oils, contributing to a dry, rough, and difficult-to-manage texture. Furthermore, reduced melanin levels diminish the hair's natural protection against sun rays, making it more vulnerable to external damage.
The appearance of gray hair is a natural process and related to the decrease in melanin, the pigment responsible for giving color to the hair.
To combat these effects, adopting a consistent hair care routine with products that maintain shine, softness, and overall health is crucial. Mรฏmare, a natural product brand, highlights that a primary challenge for those with gray hair in summer is preventing yellow tones. They recommend using products specifically formulated for gray hair, containing ingredients that purify the scalp, remove impurities, and neutralize brassy reflections.
One of the main challenges for those with gray hair during the summer is to avoid the appearance of yellowish tones; for this reason, it is recommended to use products formulated specifically for this type of hair.
Applying a hair protector with a UV filter before sun exposure is also vital for preserving color and reducing radiation damage. If specialized products are unavailable, simple accessories like hats or caps can offer protection. Consistent hydration through nourishing hair masks helps maintain softness and shine, even after swimming in pools or the sea. Experts also advise against washing gray hair with hot water, as it can dry out the hair fiber and alter pigment colors to yellow, orange, or brown. Opting for lukewarm or cold water helps preserve the hair's natural hydration.
When the necessary products to protect gray hair from solar rays are not available, a simple alternative is to use hats, caps, or any accessory that covers the head.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.