Life Hack: Summer hair habits that could be causing hidden damage

Irish Examiner

18 hours ago

Did you know your summer holiday could be damaging your hair?
As many of us wind down from our holidays and return to the regular rhythm of life, you might be noticing the impact of your getaway on your hair.
Common activities we all partake in while away like sunbathing and swimming can leave their mark on your tresses and cause hidden damage in your hair.
There has already been an increase in post-holiday hair care appointments according to Fresha, a beauty and wellness marketplace.
Their stylists have shared some of the most common complains they are seeing after summer 2025 getaways as well as their expert advice on how to care for any damage that may have been caused — plus their top tips on avoiding any issues.
What causes hair damage on a holiday and how can I prevent it?
Holiday hair damage is a bigger problem than most people might realise. From chlorine to hard water to heat-styling every day, hair takes a hit while travelling – and most people only realise the damage once it's too late.
It's something that social media has become aware of lately, too, with TikTok creators going viral showing DIY remedies for brittle, broken, or discoloured locks after trips abroad. According to the experts, however, the smartest move is to prevent the damage in the first place.
'People remember to pack SPF for their skin but forget that hair needs protection too,' said a spokesperson for Fresha.
'Sun, saltwater, chlorine, even hotel showers — they can all strip your hair of moisture and colour. But most of it is avoidable with just a few changes to your routine.' What are the most common mistakes?
As mentioned above, you've applied SPF to your skin, but did you protect your hair from the sun? Use a leave-in heat or UV protection before styling your locks, sunbathing or swimming, especially with lightened or coloured hair.
Another top mistake is choosing not to rinse your hair after you have been swimming. Chlorine and saltwater will keep drying your hair out long after you leave the pool or the sea. Even if you're not shampooing right away, you should make sure you rinse your hair with clean water immediately upon leaving the water.
On the flip side, overwashing your hair can cause problems too as daily shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils. Use a gentle sulphate-free shampoo and avoid daily washing unless it's absolutely necessary.
Some hotels have hard water, which can cause dryness, dullness and product build-up in your hair. Use a clarifying shampoo or hydrating mask once you return home to combat this mineral build-up.
Finally, wet hair is weaker hair, and if you're rushing out after a dip in the water, you should avoid styling wet hair in tight buns and braids, which can lead to snapping and breakage. Instead, let hair dry before styling, or use soft scrunchies to reduce tension and damage.
What DIY treatment options actually work?
According to Fresha there has been an increase in post-holiday appointments for deep conditioning, colour correction and repair treatments.
There are plenty of TikTok videos offering advice to prevent problems, from hair curling with socks, to underwater detangling hacks, as well as mesh-wrap air-drying videos racking up millions of views — but some are better than others.
'Some of the viral hacks are actually great, like ditching heat tools or using overnight oil wraps,' added a Fresha stylist. 'But others, like brushing wet hair aggressively or tying it tight straight from the sea, are fast-tracking damage. We see the aftermath in salons every August.'
Fresha stylists recommend rinsing hair with clean water after every swim, using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, minimising heat styling, and bringing a silk scrunchie or hair wrap to reduce friction.