HOW TO HELP YOUR HAIR AND SCALP THROUGH A HEATWAVE

Well…it’s official, 2026 has been the UK’s hottest summer on record!
And, with the sunshine and the tropical temps, comes the seasonal words of wisdom from our very own, top trichologist Eva Proudman FIT IATF – founder of www.ukhairconsultants.com.
Eva loves nothing more than basking in the best of a British summer on the South Coast (and even better, sailing across the Solent once she’s finished for the weekend in her Lymington clinic!).But every year, she still strives to ensure we keep our scalps safe and hair healthy throughout a heatwave!
Recently, Eva shared some top tips on her popular Instagram page @evaproudmanmit and spoke to her 10.6k+ community about the highs…and the lows of this new-look British summer, explaining…. “it’s been such fantastic summer here in the UK – as good as being abroad – but, as wonderful as the sun is…it can also be very harmful to the hair, leading to oxidative stress (when the sun’s rays literally damage the fibres of the hair)”. She went on to remind her followers that; “Using a good shampoo is essential as well as ‘spritzing’ with an SPF-laden hair mist”.
So, what better time to take a look back at some of Eva’s tried and tested trichology techniques for staying sun-kissed (but not sun-dried!):
Stay one step ahead of the sun!
The key is understanding how UV rays affect the structure of your hair and scalp, and therefore which techniques can help prevent damage. UV radiation from the sun causes damage from free radicals and oxidative stress causing structural alterations in the hair by penetrating the shaft and cuticle (including moisture loss and fading of the natural and/or chemical colour). In turn, the hair can lose its lusciousness and become drastically dry and dull, increasing the risk of split ends and breakage. The scalp can also burn just like any other area of exposed skin – so do please keep any patches, area of thinning, receeding or baldness protected with a high SPF and, ideally, covered up. UV radiation can dry the scalp and cause itching inflammation and flaking – which can lead to hair loss.
And please do try to minimise direct exposure during the hottest part of the day when UV rays are at their most intense, normally between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
Always use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner made especially to restore moisture and nourish hair that has been exposed to the sun. Tricotain hair retaining shampoo has been formulated to reduce the aforementioned oxidative stress, packed full of antioxidants to prevent damage and shedding. To hydrate and revitalise your hair, look for products with ingredients such as Glycerin, coconut oil and olive oil.
I also recommend using a UV protective mist if you are planning on spending a significant amount of time in the sun. Hot styling appliances can put extra stress on the hair during the Summer, leading to dullness and dry-looking locks, so try and minimise the use of hair straighteners and opt for natural styling techniques. And, if you really can’t cope without them, make sure they are on a low setting ie. always 180 degrees and/or below.
Conditioning masks and mists
I love conditioning masks! Before, during and particularly after your summer holiday. Don’t forget, these masks can really protect the hair if you ‘slather it on’ before going for a swim, too.
If you are in and out of the pool a lot over summer, then a conditioning mist is key to helping protect your hair. Wet the hair down and apply all over before you get into the water. This is particularly important if you have coloured your hair as it will be more porous. A mist and or mask will help to coat and protect the hair making it less easy for the chlorine and/or salt to penetrate the hair’s core.
Oils are another great product which provide protection from the drying effects of sea salt and chlorine. They help to nourish and moisturise and be sure to massage oil right into the ends which often are drier and more susceptible to damage.
I always choose a lightweight oil such as Argan, Marula or Jojoba which can be applied when the hair is damp to help keep it moisturised. Coconut water works just the same.
Additionally, use a specially formulated hair mask weekly; choose one which acts as a hydrating reconditioner such as the ‘Trico Pro Hair Mask’ to keep the hair hydrated and easy to manage.
Wear a swimming cap
If you thought swimming caps were confined to your school years, then, think again! They’re an effective and easy way to protect your hair from harmful chemicals often found in pools which can discolour and dry out the hair.
Hair can take on a greenish tinge after swimming in a chlorinated pool and this is due to the copper algaecides that are used to prevent algae growing in the pool water. Caps protect the hair from these chemicals but nevertheless, always make sure to wash the hair thoroughly once you get out of the water.
Don’t forget the aftercare
Sun exposure can also harm the scalp, causing dryness, irritation, and inflammation. To counter this, try using a scalp treatment with soothing ingredients such as the Teatree & Rosemary Scalp Cream (TTR) – which treats mild scalp conditions and is a blend of highly effective anti-scaling agents including, Piroctone Olamine, Tea Tree Oil, Rosemary Oil and Salicylic acid. It is also rich in glycerine and olive oil to moisturise the hair and scalp tissues.

Eva wraps up these final top tips, “Summer hair care doesn’t stop as soon as you get home or come inside from a day at the beach or out in the garden…in fact, that’s where it starts! Keep on using a deep conditioning hair mask – absolutely amazing at rescuing your own hair (and extensions) that might have become a bit “fried and frazzled’ in the sun, and really will make sure everything stays looking soft and shiny”