Beach-Day Hair, Before, During and After

Before you go

Start with a little protection. Wet your hair with fresh water before you swim, from the shower or a water bottle, so it has less room to soak up salt water. Then smooth a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of oil through the lengths, especially the ends. Cleveland Clinic recommends the same steps before swimming in a pool.

Choose a style that keeps hair contained. A low braid, a loose bun or a few twists stop strands from whipping around in the wind, which is a big cause of beach tangles. Use soft fabric ties instead of tight elastics, and skip metal clips that heat up in the sun. A light scarf in your bag is handy if the wind picks up.

• Leave-in conditioner or a light hair oil
• A wide-tooth comb
• Soft hair ties or a scarf
• A wide-brimmed hat
• A bottle of fresh water for rinsing

While you're out

Hair can be damaged by sun much like skin. A wide-brimmed hat is the easiest protection, and the American Academy of Dermatology also points to leave-in products with SPF, shade and avoiding the strongest midday sun. Remember your scalp, since a part line can burn too.

If you swim more than once, give your hair a quick fresh-water rinse between dips when you can. Try not to brush wet, salty hair. Leave it be, or finger-comb gently from the ends upward.

Keep an eye on your hair ties, too. Wet hair stretches and snaps more easily than dry hair, so a tight ponytail on wet hair can lead to breakage. Re-tie it loosely after each swim.

After the beach

Rinse as soon as you can, because salt and sand left in hair make it feel dry and rough. At home, wash with a gentle shampoo and follow with plenty of conditioner. Detangle in the shower while the conditioner is still in, using a wide-tooth comb and starting at the ends.

Give your hair a break from hot tools that evening if you can. Air-dry, or use a diffuser on low. During beach season, a weekly deep conditioning mask helps, and a clarifying shampoo is better saved for occasional use because it can be drying.

Color-treated, curly and fine hair

Color-treated hair, especially blonde, can fade or turn brassy with sun and salt. The AAD suggests holding off on blond color or highlights right before a sunny vacation, so ask your colorist about timing. A gloss after a long beach stretch can bring back tone and shine. On long beach days, a hat is the simplest way to protect your color.

Curly and coily hair tends to dry out faster at the beach, so lean on leave-in conditioner and keep curls in a loose protective style. Fine hair tangles easily in wind, and a single braid is often the simplest choice. Whatever your texture, ask your stylist which leave-in suits it.

Straight from the sand to dinner

If you're heading out right after the beach, pack a small kit: a bottle of fresh water, a leave-in conditioner, a comb and a scarf. Rinse your hair, comb the leave-in through and twist it into a low knot while it's still damp. It dries looking sleek and intentional, and a scarf tied around the bun hides any salty roots.

What to ask at the salon

Tell your stylist how often you're at the beach or pool, so they can suggest a routine that fits your life. A quick trim at the end of summer can remove ends that have turned rough or split. If your scalp burns, peels or stays itchy after time in the sun, or you notice any change you are unsure about, check in with a doctor or dermatologist.

• Are my ends dry or damaged, and would a trim help?
• Which leave-in conditioner or UV-protective product suits my hair?
• Should I schedule my next color before or after a beach trip?
• Is a deep conditioning treatment worth adding to this visit?

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology: Must-try summer hair care · Cleveland Clinic: Protect Your Hair From Chlorine the Next Time You Go Swimming

This guide is general information, not medical advice. For scalp, skin or hair-loss concerns, see a dermatologist.