Summer Hair care Essentials: Keeping Your Hair Healthy in the New Zealand Sun

Summer in New Zealand means long days at the beach, outdoor barbecues, and plenty of time in the sun. While all that sunshine is great for your mood, it’s not always so kind to your hair. The intense UV rays, combined with heat and humidity, can leave your locks feeling dry, brittle, and lifeless. To keep your hair looking its best, a simple but effective summer haircare routine is essential. Here are the must-have hair products and tips to protect and nourish your hair during the warmer months.

1. Shield Your Hair with Heat Protectant Sprays

The New Zealand sun is harsh, and its UV rays can damage your hair, just like your skin. Prolonged exposure can weaken your strands, fade colour-treated hair, and cause split ends. A heat protectant spray is your first line of defence, forming a protective barrier around your hair to minimise the impact of UV rays and heat.

When applying a heat protectant spray:

• Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where damage is most likely to occur.

• Use it before heading out in the sun or before using hot tools like curling irons.

• Look for a spray with UV filters for maximum protection, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

2. Repair and Replenish with Summer-Specific Shampoos and Conditioners

Summer activities like swimming and spending time in the sun can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Using a repairing shampoo and conditioner can help replenish hydration and repair damage caused by the elements.

What to look for:

• Moisturising formulas with ingredients like argan oil or shea butter to restore lost moisture.

• Strengthening properties with keratin or protein to rebuild weakened strands.

• Products free from harsh sulfates to prevent further drying.

A good summer shampoo and conditioner duo should leave your hair feeling soft, hydrated, and healthy, even after long days under the sun.

3. Add a Weekly Repair Mask to Your Routine

For deeper hydration and repair, a weekly hair mask is a summer essential. These intensive treatments deliver a concentrated dose of nourishment to combat dryness and strengthen your hair.

How to use it:

• Apply the mask to clean, towel-dried hair, focusing on the lengths and ends.

• Leave it on for 10–15 minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate deeply.

• Rinse thoroughly and enjoy softer, healthier-looking hair.

Look for masks with natural oils or hydrating ingredients to revitalise sun-exposed hair and keep it manageable throughout the season.

4. Minimise Heat Styling

While heat protectant sprays are a great defence, minimising the use of hot tools like straighteners and curling irons during summer can save your hair from unnecessary damage. Instead, embrace your natural texture or opt for simple styles like loose braids or buns. Let your hair air dry whenever possible to reduce stress on your strands.

If you do need to style, use tools with adjustable heat settings and always apply a heat protectant beforehand.

5. Rinse and Refresh After Swimming

Saltwater and chlorine are two of the biggest culprits for summer hair damage. Saltwater can leave your hair feeling dry and rough, while chlorine can weaken your strands and even discolour lighter hair tones.

To protect your hair:

• Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool.

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove build-up from salt and chlorine.

Simplify Your Summer Routine with the Right Products

Keeping your hair healthy during the New Zealand summer doesn’t require an overcomplicated routine—just a few key products to protect, repair, and hydrate your strands. A heat protectant spray, a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and a weekly repair mask can make all the difference. By taking a little extra care, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping your hair soft, shiny, and damage-free.