Summer hair care routine: Rossano’s personal guide

In this article:

• Protect Your Hair from UV & Heat Exposure
• Prioritise Deep Hydration
• Manage Oily Roots Without Overwashing
• Control Frizz Through Hydration and Precision
• Shield Hair from Saltwater and Chlorine
• Give Your Hair a Well-Deserved Break

Summer has a way of stirring the soul. The sun warms our skin, the sea calls to us, and long days invite us to live with more spontaneity and joy. But behind the beauty of this season lies a hidden truth I’ve seen time and again throughout my career: summer can be one of the harshest seasons for hair.

After many years working closely with hair in all its forms, I can tell you this: your hair deserves as much care and attention as your skin, especially in summer. The sun, saltwater, and heat can leave even the healthiest hair dry, frizzy, and lifeless.

With that in mind, allow me to share my expert summer hair care philosophy, shaped by decades of experience with diverse hair types, climates, and beauty cultures around the world.

Protect Your Hair from UV & Heat Exposure

The first rule of expert summer hair care? Prevention is key. I’ve spent years witnessing the toll UV radiation takes on the hair’s structure, weakening protein bonds and fading colour.

Before you even step outside, treat your hair like a fine fabric: it must be shielded. Apply a lightweight, UV-protective leave-in, like a nourishing hair oil, to your lengths and ends. This forms a protective veil against sun and heat, reducing moisture loss and oxidative stress.

How to Apply Hair Oil Before Sun Exposure:

• Step 1: Start with dry or slightly damp hair.
• Step 2: Dispense a few drops of oil into your palms, depending on hair length and density.
• Step 3: Gently smooth the oil over the mid-lengths and ends.
• Step 4: Comb through to distribute evenly.
• Step 5: Reapply after swimming or spending prolonged time outdoors.

Tip: a silk scarf or wide-brimmed hat isn’t just elegant, it’s a practical tool in your hair wellness arsenal.

Prioritise Deep Hydration

Over time, I’ve seen how different environments challenge the hair in unique ways. Yet in every case, moisture remains the universal language of healthy hair, and never more so than in summer.

Start with a sulphate-free, gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping away the scalp’s natural oils. Then, follow with a deeply hydrating conditioner or mask, rich in emollients and moisture-binding agents.

How to Apply a Hair Mask for Deep Hydration:

• Step 1: Apply one or two walnut sized amounts of mask evenly from mid-lengths to ends on damp hair.
• Step 2: Massage into hair lengths and comb with a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution.
• Step 3: Leave for a few minutes.
• Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with cool water to help smooth cuticles and lock in shine.

Manage Oily Roots Without Overwashing

Heat encourages the scalp to produce more sebum. While this is a natural response, it can make hair feel greasy more quickly.

It’s tempting to wash more frequently, but over-cleansing may lead to imbalanced oil production. Instead, use a high-quality dry shampoo to absorb excess oils at the root and add volume. It’s an ideal solution for refreshing the hair between washes and keeping styles looking polished.

How to Use a Dry Shampoo Cream Effectively:

• Step 1: Apply a few drops onto dry hair and massage into your scalp, starting from the front and moving to the back.
• Step 2: Take your time to gently massage the cream onto your scalp.
• Step 3: Leave on for a few minutes so the formula can absorb seamlessly.
• Step 4: Alternatively, proceed blow-drying on a cool setting while massaging the dry shampoo into your scalp for an extra volume boost.

Tip: Use it on clean hair as a preventative or between washes to maintain freshness and texture. A small step, but one that makes a major difference in both scalp health and hairstyle longevity.

Control Frizz Through Hydration and Precision

Frizz is the great disruptor of summer hairstyles. Over the years, I’ve seen clients in cities with 80% humidity struggle to tame their hair, despite using countless products.

The real solution begins at the salon. Regular trims, every 6 to 8 weeks, remove frayed ends that can split and frizz. This is a foundational step in my salons all around the world, from Paris to Dubai.

At home, commit to weekly treatments with a moisture-rich mask. The key is to smooth and seal the cuticle layer so your strands no longer seek moisture from the air. Finish with a light smoothing serum to lock everything in place.

Shield Hair from Saltwater and Chlorine

Salt and chlorine are among summer’s most aggressive stressors for hair. They compromise elasticity, cause tangling, and contribute to dullness.

Before swimming, apply a protective cream or oil that coats the hair shaft. This acts like a wetsuit for your hair—blocking harmful absorption while maintaining flexibility.

Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and follow with a restorative treatment. For hair already showing signs of damage, I recommend using a regenerating oil or mask weekly to restore strength, elasticity, and shine.

Give Your Hair a Well-Deserved Break

In summer, it’s all about balance. On warm, breezy days, you may enjoy letting your hair dry freely, savouring its natural shape and softness. On others, using a high-quality hairdryer with intelligent heat control ensures polished results while protecting the hair’s integrity.

After washing, gently blot excess water with a towel and detangle carefully. If air-drying, let your natural texture shine. If blow-drying, always apply a professional heat protectant beforehand. It acts as a safeguard against thermal stress, preserving softness and strength.

I’ve spent my life refining a more holistic, respectful way to care for hair, honouring its individuality, beauty, and health. Summer is the perfect time to lean into that philosophy. Treat your hair as you would a luxury fabric or a masterpiece—because it is one.