The beach mistake that could be damaging your hair this weekend – it could even lead to you losing your locks
IF YOU are lucky enough to be enjoying the hot weather from the beach this weekend you probably haven't factored in what a refreshing dip in the sea might be doing to your hair.
While a swim in the ocean may feel rejuvenating, it could be causing all sorts of problems to your locks including hair loss.
1
Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair doctor at Elithair Clinic, is shedding light on the effects of seawater on hair health.
Hair loss
Seawater contains a high concentration of salt, which can negatively impact hair health in several ways.
It strips moisture from both the hair shaft and scalp, leading to dryness, brittleness, and irritation.
While seawater doesn't directly cause hair loss, frequent exposure can disrupt the scalp's natural balance and lead to dryness and brittleness of the hair shaft.
This can result in increased hair breakage and, if scalp irritation is significant, may contribute to temporary shedding (telogen efflivium).
These effects are more pronounced if consistent hair and scalp care is not maintained.
Dry hair
Sea water's high salt content doesn't just affect the hair's texture, it can also interfere with the conditions necessary for healthy hair growth.
When the salt draws moisture from the hair shafts, it weakens the hair's structural integrity, making strands more fragile and susceptible to breakage.
Over time, this breakage can thin out the appearance of the hair, giving the illusion of hair loss even if the follicles are still active.
For individuals already experiencing hair shedding or thinning, frequent exposure to saltwater can exacerbate these issues by increasing hair shaft fragility and potentially compounding existing scalp sensitivities, making it harder for hair to maintain optimal health and appearance.
Jeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa Hogan shows off incredible figure as she goes for wild swim
Scalp irritation
Not only does the salt in seawater dehydrate the hair strands, leaving them feeling brittle and dry, but it can also impact scalp health, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthy hair growth.
When seawater dries on the scalp, the high salt content pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, tightness, and irritation.
This moisture loss can compromise the scalp's protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and imbalances in its natural oil production. As a result, scalp conditions such as dandruff, flakiness, itching can worsen.
Excess salt and dryness can also aggravate conditions like folliculitis, a mild inflammation of the hair follicles. An unhealthy scalp environment can hinder the function of hair follicles and potentially slow or disrupt normal hair growth over time.
How to protect your scalp in the sea
Going into the sea shouldn't cause hair loss or extensive damage, so long as the hair and scalp are cared for properly.
Rinse the scalp: As soon as possible after coming out of the sea, rinse the scalp with fresh water to remove residual salt. This helps to prevent the salt from continuing to irritate and dry out the scalp.
Rehydrate the hair and scalp: It's important to restore hydration of the hair and scalp. This can be done using soothing, scalp-friendly products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or argan oil.
If you are prone to dry hair, you can wet your hair and apply a hydrating mask or conditioner before going into the sea to help retain moisture. It should be noted that this will not protect the scalp from becoming irritated.
Anyone with a sensitive scalp can try rinsing their scalp with fresh water before getting in the sea to minimize the absorption of saltwater and help reduce its drying effect. Alternatively, wearing a swimming cap offers a more direct protective barrier, significantly reducing the scalp's exposure to sea water.
Cleanse the scalp: For those who swim in the sea regularly, incorporating a gentle, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once or twice a week can help remove salt and product residue that may contribute to scalp buildup, therefore keeping the environment healthy for hair growth.
Maintaining a clean, well-hydrated, and balanced scalp post-sea exposure is key to supporting long-term hair health and minimising any disruption to hair growth.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Boots is selling a beauty buy that helps prevent dreaded chafing this summer – it's cheaper than ever
NOTHING can ruin your day, and outfit, like the dreaded summer chafe. Luckily, Boots has a budget-friendly buy designed to tackle this problem. 2 Whether you're exploring a new city or just popping to your local beer garden on a sunny afternoon, you want to feel comfortable in your summer fit. However, certain outfits when worn in the sun can become a perfect storm for chafing. To prevent this, swing by your local Boots and pick up the Dermacare Anti-Chafe Powder for just £2.40. According to the product description, this buy "helps reduce the discomfort caused by rubbing and chafing". It offers "soothing relief for irritated chapped skin" and it's currently cheaper than ever. The chain retailer has slashed a third off the price, so grab it while you can. It contains 95.5% natural ingredients, which are carefully curated to help absorb excess moisture. This ensures your skin is kept dry, soft, and in good condition. Suitable for all skin types, this product is also cruelty free and internationally approved. To use, simply wash and dry the area of skin prone to chafing, or the area already affected by chafing. I tried the 'best thigh chafing products' while vacationing in Mexico — all of them were bad, but one stood out Then apply the powder liberally, repeating as necessary throughout the day. Boots shoppers rated the product a perfect five stars in the site's review section. "So good for the chafing between a powerlifter's legs, months of irritation and sore have just vanished," said one customer. "This powder is great for anyone who like me has large boobs and tend to sweat a lot underneath," shared another person. "I use it after my shower every day and it works a treat. Would recommend." "Wonderful soft powder that absorbs really well. Keeps you dry and odour free," said a third reviewer. "Excellent product. Haven't had to use any deodorant and my armpits are soft and dry. Love it." "I like this product, I used before and it does a good job if your skin gets sore," wrote another buyer. Or you can use an item from your makeup bag to tackle "chub rub" this summer.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
The correct way to apply insect repellent revealed, and if you do it wrong you can expect more bites
WHETHER you're holidaying abroad of enjoying the warm UK weather, chances are mosquitoes are going to be an issue. These pesky insects can cause irritating bites, that may also pose a health risk depending on your location. Make sure you're not making an easy error when applying your insect repellant this summer. And if you're travelling abroad, take extra care as bites can sometimes lead to issues such as malaria, dengue, Zika fever, and yellow fever. Bug repellents need to be applied during the day and also at night, and whether you're indoors and outdoors. You should also pay particular attention to the product's label before purchasing. DEET is chemical ingredient found in most bug sprays and shoppers are advised to check for it when picking up a bottle. "A product with 50% DEET is recommended as a first choice," said official Government advice, last updated in 2023. "If DEET is not tolerated, use of a repellent containing the highest strength formulation available of either icaridin (20%), eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclised or 3-ethlyaminopropionate is recommended." And whichever bug spray you opt for, make sure you're applying it at the correct time alongside your other products. This is particularly relevant when it comes to another summer essential: suncream. The Government stressed the importance of always using bug repellant afterward you apply suncream for the most effective results. Plague of parasites that hitch a ride on flying insects and 'slurp liquid from human skin' sweep holiday hotspot You should also opt for suncreams with an SPF of 30 to 50 as DEET can reduce their potency. Most repellents need to be reapplied frequently, especially in hot weather conditions or after spending time in water. Users are encouraged to read each repellent's packaging for more specific guidance. "50% DEET is safe for those pregnant and breastfeeding and for babies older than two months," the Government's guidance explained. "Get advice before you travel from your doctor or pharmacist if your baby is aged under two months. How to prevent tick bites - and remove the bugs There are a few things you can do to lessen your likelihood of tick bites. Firstly, try and cover as much of your skin as possible while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks. You should also be using insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes and skin, and wearing light coloured clothing so you can spot a tick easily. Also stick to paths where possible when you're out walking. How can I remove a tick safely? To remove a tick safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. The chance of getting ill is low. You do not need to do anything else unless you notice a rash or become unwell. If either of these happen, make sure to see a GP so you can get treatment as soon a possible. "Take insect repellents with you—in case of shortages at your destination." You can also make use of other steps to prevent bites, including wearing long-sleeved clothing and treating nets with insecticide. These are particularly important in situations where you might be sleeping outdoors or in a space without air conditioning. "Check your net for rips and tuck the ends under the mattress," the Government advised. "There may also be a risk of bites from ticks and other insects; the same protective measures will help reduce bites from these too." 2
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Popular brand wows fans with celebrity-approved beauty buy that's 'great for sensitive rosacea skin' (even Hailey Bieber is obsessed)
Get those beach bags ready because summer is here! SPF is the one daily beauty step you can not skip out on, so finding the right one is a top priority. SPF is the one daily beauty step you can not skip out on, so finding the right one is a top priority. After doing our research, there is one clear top runner that stands out as best in the show, the EltaMD viral face sunblock. EltaMD | Cult-Classic SPF Summer is here, and that means so are those powerful UV rays that we love but our skin hates. This summer, protecting your skin is in, and we found the absolute best sunscreens on the block — EltaMD. Shop the brand's cult-classic options on Amazon for under $50 ASAP ahead of the sunny days ahead. Shop EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 $44 Fifteen years of bringing customers the best SPF, and there is no end in sight! Join the masses of consumer and celebrity fans who swear by the sheer EltaMD formula in protecting your skin 24/7. Recommended by dermatologists and clinically tested, this skincare is viral for a reason. Shop EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum 46 $44 The same but better! All the things you loved about the original UV Clear but with a tint twist. Available in Tinted, Untinted and Deep Tinted — helps even out skin tone and leaves a beautiful glow all day long with no white cast. Shop All-day UV protection with 40 SPF and sheer shine to give your skin a powerful lift EltaMD has wowed users for generations, and with its cult-classic suncreens, the UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted. On Amazon, where the SPF's have racked up thousands of five star reviews once fan explained how it's 'great for sensitive rosacea skin'. And the $44 face lotion SPF is reported to work so well even celebrities, such as Hailey Bieber and Sydney Sweeney, swear by it as one of their skincare ' must-haves.' SPF is having its moment, and we are here for it. When it comes to protecting your skin, sunscreen is the first step. Harsh UV rays and Blue Light can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, but by using a daily face sunscreen, you can combat and prevent these negative side effects. The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 was formulated with your skin's long-term protection in mind. Each bottle contains 5 percent Niacinamide that actively reduces blemishes during wear and SPF 46 to block out powerful light. Designed for all skin types and shades! Choose which EltaMD SPF works for you with Zinc Oxide 24/7 protection The list of ingredients also includes other helpful naturally sourced actives, including Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid. Don't trust us? Trust the dermatologists! EltaMD is backed by dermatologists everywhere, with all their products tested rigorously to pass dermatology standards. Users attest to this, with one saying: 'My dermatologist recommended this as I have rosacea and I adore it. Since using it I've even seen improvement in fine lines... and my rosacea flares have improved!' If you are looking for a little extra shine with all the same protection, then the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum 46 is for you. Available in two shades and designed to give your skin an effortless sunkissed glow all day long, you will not be disappointed. Users are raving about their glow, with one saying: 'Perfect for sensitive skin like me who has rosacea. It doesn't leave any white scar, easy to blend and the glow is amazing!' So what are you waiting for?! Snatch up this celebrity-approved skincare hack ahead of the hot days of summer on Amazon ASAP.
