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Summer means barbeques, beach days, and plenty of sun – but whether you’re enjoying a dip in the pool or attending an outdoor wedding, the effects of sun, sea, and sand on your hair can add up.
As lovely as it feels when the sun’s shining, the excess heat and UV rays can impact your hair, leaving it dry, frizzy, or flat. Whether you have straight, curly, thick, or fine hair, this guide will help you understand how high temperatures and humidity can affect it – and what you can do to keep it looking and feeling healthy.
HOW HOT WEATHER IMPACTS HAIR
Baking hot sun and humid air can cause a few hair issues:
- Frizz: Humidity (extra moisture in the air) swells the hair cuticle, leading to that unruly, frizzy look.
- Dryness: Heat can sap moisture from your hair, making it drier, more brittle, and prone to breakage.
- Limpness: If you have fine or straight hair, the combination of sweat and humidity can make it look lifeless and flat.
Different hair types react differently to summer conditions. Curly hair tends to become frizzier, while fine hair might get greasy more quickly between washes. Understanding your hair type is the first step to tailoring your summer haircare routine, so check out our expert’s guide to finding out your hair type before reaching for the products and tools.
HAIRCARE TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR IN HOT WEATHER
Like anything in life, if you want something to last the distance, you need to take care of it. Show your hair some TLC over summer and it’ll remain healthy and lustrous into the autumn and winter months. Here are some practical tips for keeping your summer hair in tip-top shape:
- Use moisturising shampoos and conditioners: Choose products packed with natural ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and jojoba oil to help combat dryness and lock in hydration. Our Magical Remedy is the perfect conditioning product for nourishing your hair all year round – use it as a conditioner (wash out or leave in) or a hair mask.
- Use a heat-protectant spray: Lightweight sprays like Magical Quick Dry Potion create a barrier to shield your hair from heat – especially important in summer when you’re already exposing your hair to higher temperatures simply by being outside. Spritz your hair all over before using a hair dryer, wand or straightener.
- Take the heat down a notch: Use heated styling tools with Variable Temperature Control and mineral or ceramic technology to minimise heat damage to your hair. Use Our Temperature Calculator to discover the perfect heat for your hair type.
- Hydrate your scalp: A well-moisturised scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, especially in summer. Drink plenty of water to hydrate from in the inside out, and take a look at our scalp care guide for more tips.
- Use a UV protection spray: If spending time outdoors during the summer months, protect your hair from the sun’s harmful rays by using a UV protection spray. Alternatively, wear a hat or scarf, which can help shade your skin too.
HOW TO STOP HOT WEATHER FRIZZ
Frizz can affect all hair types, but these tricks can help keep it under control all summer long:
- Use anti-frizz products: Smoothing products like Magical Remedy help to tame flyaways and smooth the cuticles of your hair. A small amount of Magical Remedy can be used to smooth your hair after styling and provide a high-gloss shine.
- Rinse with cool water: After washing, a blast of cool water can seal the cuticles in each hair strand, helping to keep frizz at bay.
- Brush gently: Using the right brush at the right styling stage - such as the Wet Hairbrush for detangling wet hair and the Luxury Dressing Brush for styling - prevents static and frizz.
14 GORGEOUS HAIRSTYLES FOR HOT WEATHER
From poolside chic to beach wedding elegance, looking stylish in the heat is all about choosing practical, breathable hairstyles. Discover the perfect summer hairstyle below:
Hot weather hairstyles for long hair
1. Braid
Whatever your hair type, a classic three-strand braid keeps hair off your face and is easy to create in mid-length or long hair. Leave a few tendrils loose at the front of your head to soften the look.
2. Ponytail
Sleek or tousled, the classic ponytail stays put even on the hottest days. If you have medium-length or long hair, try adding some texture to your ponytail using the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. Simply take a small section of your hair between the plates and instead of doing the full straightening motion, tip your wrist backwards and forwards as you move the straighteners down the length of your hair to create a wavy texture.
Check out our guide to curling and waving with straighteners for more tips.
3. Messy updo
This one is super simple to achieve. Whether you’re in the back of a cab on the way to a party or just short on time, the messy updo is for you. Simply spray with a texture spray for grip and gather your hair up into a ponytail. You could wrap the ponytail around itself and re-tie with a snag-free hair bobble or silk scrunchie for an even messier look. Better still, gently tug out some tendrils to hang loosely around your face. If you have a bit more time, a plug, and a mirror, use our Curling Wand to add some gorgeous curls to your hair first.
4. Bun
A high or low bun is timeless and sweat-proof, making it perfect for exercising in the summer months. Smooth your hair first by using the Original Iron, and be sure to use snag-free hair bobbles to minimise breakage.
Hot weather hairstyles for short hair
5. Textured pixie
A pixie haircut is the ultimate low-maintenance summer hairstyle and is perfect for all hair types. Our Slim Iron is designed with short hair in mind and can be used to add definition or texture.
6. Sleek bob
A beautiful bob is another cool hairstyle for summer – literally. Its short length keeps your neck cool and if your style is more ‘lob’ than bob, you can even tie it up. Create a polished, straightened look using the Original Iron – you can even add some flicks or waves for a little added texture.
7. Summer quiff
Nothing says summer like big hair. Go retro with a quiff. Using a round brush and the Airshot Pro hair dryer, brush your longer top lengths up and backward while drying. Finish with a mist of hairspray to set.
Hot weather hairstyles for medium-length hair
8. Top knot
Perfect for medium-length hair, the top knot keeps your hair away from your face, neck, and shoulders. Start by gathering your hair high on your head, then gently twist it into a loose, high knot and secure it with bobby pins or a snag-free hair bobble.
9. Low chignon
If you’re popping to a social event after work or need an elegant updo for a summer party, a low bun with a twist adds sophistication. Start with sleek, straight hair – our Original Iron is perfect for the job – then sweep your hair back into a hair bobble at the nape of your neck. Then take sections from the ponytail, twist, and pin into place to hide the bobble to create a low bun.
10. Half-up waves
Use our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to add some waves to dry hair. If your hair is naturally wavy (type 2), use the Airshot Pro hair dryer with its diffuser attachment to ‘plop’ your hair dry and define the natural curves of your hair. Once wavy, bring the top section of your hair back and secure it with a hair clip or bobby pins. This half-up, relaxed style is perfect for if your hair is naturally prone to curling or frizzing in the heat.
Check out our guide to curling and waving with straighteners for more tips.
11. Playful pigtails
Perfect for running around on the beach with loved ones or simply enjoying a spot of summertime gardening, pigtails will take you back to the summers of your childhood. Simply dry your hair as normal, then part down the centre and tie half your hair up on each side, keeping the pigtails fairly low and towards the back of your head. To get long hair out of your way, braid your pigtails neatly and secure them with hair bobbles at the ends.
Hot weather hairstyles for curly and coily hair
Curls and coils come into their own in the summer – the additional humidity in the air and the natural perspiration of your skin can encourage the natural texture of your hair to shine. These hairstyles will show off your curls and kinks while keeping the bulk of your hair away from your neck to keep you cool.
12. Pineapple updo
Perfect for mid-length hair, the pineapple updo is a practical and fun hairstyle for summer. Pile curls high on your head to keep them off your neck, securing them with a silk scrunchie and using bobby pins to shape your do if needed. This is a great look for in-between hair washes or when you haven’t got time to define your curls.
13. Half-up top knot
For a relaxed summer style, this look keeps the bulk of your hair away from your face and works brilliantly for shorter hair as well as long hair (and every length in between). Simply apply some Magical Quick Dry Potion and your favourite curl-defining products to wet hair and use the Airshot Pro with a diffuser to gently rotate and our curls dry. Then carefully bring the curls at the front and top of your head backwards into a clip or silk scrunchie. The beauty of this look is you can bring the rest of your hair up into the bobble if it gets too warm or you need your curls out of the way.
Check out our guide for using a diffuser for more tips.
14. Space buns
For a super fun summer look that helps to keep your hair well and truly out of your way, simply divide your dry curls or kinks into two sections and twist them into buns at the sides of your head. Aim for the top side area of your head for a bouncy, playful vibe.
HOT WEATHER HAIRSTYLES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does hot weather make hair frizzy?
Yes, in hot weather, humidity often rises, which can cause the hair cuticle to swell, resulting in frizz. Using smoothing products like our Magical Remedy can help. It can be used as a wash-out or leave-in conditioner or a hair mask. After styling, apply a small amount of Magical Remedy to achieve a glossy shine and reduce the appearance of frizz and flyaways.
Does hot weather cause hair to fall out?
Heat doesn’t directly cause hair loss, but you may notice increased shedding during warmer weather due to sweat and scalp irritation. Head to our guide on seasonal shedding for more information and advice.
Does hot weather dry hair out?
High temperatures can dehydrate hair, especially if it’s exposed to the sun for long periods. Using moisturising products and drinking plenty of water can help keep your hair in top condition. Also, be sure to apply a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion to keep your hair safe during heat styling.
How do I keep my hair straight in hot weather?
Perspiration can cause hair to curl, so use anti-humidity products and a heat-protectant spray before styling. Choose straighteners like the Original Iron, which has Variable Temperature Control, to ensure you’re using the perfect temperature for your hair type. Find out your hair type’s ideal heat setting by heading to our Temperature Calculator.
We’d love to see your summer hairstyles – head to our socials to share: TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
