From Beach to Pool: Keep Your Curls Healthy

                             

From color fading and dryness to frizz that just won’t quit, summer weather can be rough on curls. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right prep and products, you can protect your strands all season long, and keep your curls soft, defined, and damage-free.

You already know to wear sunscreen on your face, but what about your hair? Just like your skin, your curls need protection from the sun’s UV rays, especially during the summer, when exposure to heat, humidity, and environmental stress is at its peak.

Let’s break down what sun exposure actually does to curls, how to protect your hair from UV damage, and why the Advanced Climate Control® Collection should be your go-to for summer.

Why does hair need UV protection?

Think of your hair like fabric. The sun fades, weakens, and dehydrates it over time. UV rays can damage the protein structure of the hair shaft, strip away natural oils, and accelerate color fading, especially in chemically treated or naturally light hair.

Curly hair is even more vulnerable because its structure makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the strand. Add in humidity, chlorine, and salt water, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for dryness, frizz, and breakage.

Signs your curls are sun-stressed (it’s ok, we can fix it!):

• Color looking dull or brassy

• Hair feels rough, dry, or brittle

• Ends splitting more easily

• Curls not holding shape or definition

If you’re spending time outdoors, UV protection for hair isn’t just nice to have, it really is an essential.

Your summertime curl survival strategy

Protecting your curls in the summer isn’t about starting from scratch. It’s about adjusting your routine to focus on defense and moisture retention. And with the summer season that means using:

• Hydrating cleansers that don’t strip

• Lightweight, buildable styling products that block humidity

• Leave-ins that seal in moisture and help create a UV barrier

• Regular deep conditioning to keep the cuticle smooth and strong
  
  

Our favorite products for hair sun protection

The Advanced Climate Control® Collection is designed to protect curls from the very things summer throws at them: UV rays, heat, humidity, and environmental stress. With Anti-Frizz Nano Technology®, UV filters, and lightweight hydrators, these products help shield curls and seal in moisture without weighing hair down.

Advanced Climate Control® Defrizzing Shampoo + Conditioner

A healthy summer curl routine starts in the shower. This gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and rich conditioner work together to cleanse without stripping and condition without buildup. Both formulas contain UV filters and sericin (a silk-derived protein) that forms a protective barrier to block out humidity and environmental damage.

Why we love them:

1. Safe for color-treated curls

2. Prep hair with moisture + UV defense

3. Smooth the cuticle to help lock in shape
   
   

 Advanced Climate Control® Heat & Humidity Gel - Stronger Hold

This gel is our year-round go-to, but it really shines in the summer. It delivers a long-lasting hold and frizz control with a humidity-resistant finish, thanks to Anti-Frizz Nano Technology®. Plus, it contains UV protection to help prevent the sun from drying out and weakening curls.

Why we love it:

1. Controls frizz without crunch

2. Adds shine and enhances curl shape

3. Helps maintain style even in high humidity

Advanced Climate Control® All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner

A must-have for summer. This lightweight leave-in hydrates, detangles, and protects with a blend of emollients, ceramides, and UV filters. Apply it before hitting the beach, pool, or trail—it’s like SPF for your curls.

Why we love it:

• - Primes and preps curls without heaviness

• - Offers slip, shine, and sun protection

• - Perfect for layering under gel or foam
  

More summer haircare tips to protect curls 

Products are key, but your habits really make a difference. Add these tips to your summer routine for even stronger protection and gorgeous hair. 

1. Minimize tangles from wind and waves

Wind and water might feel refreshing, but they’re tough on curls. Before you hit the beach, prep your hair with Advanced Climate Control® All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner. This multitasking leave-in hydrates, detangles, and provides UV protection, think of it as sunscreen for your curls. Toss it in your beach bag and reapply after a swim to help maintain moisture and smoothness, even after a dip in the ocean.

2. Prevent chlorine damage before you swim

If you’re planning to dive into a chlorinated pool, take a moment to prep your hair. Saturate your curls with clean water first, this helps prevent them from absorbing as much chlorine. Think of your hair like a sponge: if it’s already full of fresh water, it can’t soak up as much of the damaging stuff. After swimming, rinse immediately and follow with a deep-cleansing shampoo like Water Works Clarifying Shampoo to remove any lingering residue.

3. Take advantage of sun-soaked self-care

If you’re lounging in the sun, bring along a travel-sized treatment like the Moisture Lock™ Ultra-Nourishing Intense Hydrating Mask. Apply it before you relax outdoors and let the warmth of the sun help the nourishing ingredients penetrate more deeply. It’s the ultimate multitasking move, repairing your curls while you soak up the sun. 

4. Cover up

A wide-brimmed hat or scarf goes a long way in shielding your curls from direct sun exposure. Bonus: it helps reduce color fade and keeps your scalp protected too.

5. Style smart

Wear your hair in protective styles like braids, buns, or twists to limit surface exposure and reduce friction. Apply your leave-in before styling to seal in moisture.

 6. Rinse after swimming

Chlorine and salt water can dry out curls and increase sun damage. Rinse your hair with clean water as soon as possible, then follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

7. Deep condition weekly

Weekly treatments are a summer must. They replenish lost moisture, repair heat or UV damage, and help reinforce the hair’s natural barrier.

Try: Deep Treatment Curl Restoration Therapy or your favorite mask applied with heat for extra absorption.

Common myths about sun + hair protection

Myth 1: Only color-treated hair needs sun protection
Not true. All hair types and textures are affected by UV rays—especially curly and coily textures, which are naturally more porous.

Myth 2: If it’s cloudy, you’re fine
Also false. UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like water and sand, increasing your exposure.

Myth 3: You only need protection at the beach
While beach days are high-risk, everyday sun exposure—like your daily commute, errands, or walking the dog—adds up. Protecting your curls should be part of your daily routine, not just vacation prep.

Don’t let summer steal your shine

When it comes to summer, we’re all about embracing the season—not battling it. With the right protection, you can enjoy the sun, salt, and sweat and still have frizz-free, defined curls at the end of the day.

The Advanced Climate Control® Collection was made for this moment. It’s smart, effective, and built to defend your curls against the heat, humidity, and UV rays of summer—without compromising style or softness.

Your skin isn’t the only thing that deserves protection this season. So go ahead and make the most of summer with your fabulous curls.