Sun, chlorine and salt: how to truly protect your hair in Summer | Zephir Coiffeurs Ascona

July is in full swing and, in Ascona, this means long days boating on Lake Maggiore, relaxing afternoons at the most exclusive lidos, and refreshing dips in the pool. While the mind rejuvenates, our hair faces the most stressful period of the year. UV rays, chlorine, intense heat, and mineral residues combine, threatening the shine of color and the hydration of the hair fiber.

To maintain splendid, healthy hair with a consistently vibrant color (especially if you sport advanced techniques like Foilyage), you don't need to forgo summer pleasures, but you do need to act intelligently. As Ana Fernandes, owner of Zephir Hairdressers, explains:

"Thinking of repairing hair in September is the most common mistake. The true secret of premium coiffure lies in summer prevention: protecting the hair fiber under the July sun is the only way to avoid a straw-like effect and maintain luminous blonde or brown hair until autumn."

To clarify and prevent irreparable damage, our experts have compiled this guide outlining common myths to debunk, essential products, and a simple routine accessible to everyone.

Summer protection myths: what's true?

Many misconceptions circulate in the world of summer hair care. Debunking these myths is the first step towards radically changing the health of your hair.

• Myth 1: "Lake and pool water doesn't damage hair as much as the sea." False. Although salt is absent, pool chlorine is a highly aggressive chemical agent that dries the cuticle and can alter the highlights of light hair. Lake water, on the other hand, contains trace elements and limestone that deposit on the hair shaft, making it dull.
• Myth 2: "Coconut or olive cooking oil are excellent natural protective agents." A very dangerous mistake. Food oils do not contain UV sunscreens. Under the intense July sun, they literally act like "frying oil," overheating the hair shaft and accelerating the degradation of keratin and color.
• Myth 3: "Just rinse hair with fresh water after swimming." Useful, but not enough. Dry hair acts like a sponge: if you dive into a pool, it will immediately absorb water full of chlorine. The subsequent rinse only removes a superficial part of the problem.

The right products: Zephir's Premium selection

To counteract the action of sun rays and chemical agents, your hair care routine needs to be elevated with professional and targeted formulations. In our salon in Ascona, we prioritize high-end products, favoring natural lines that respect hair fiber, such as those from Emmebi Italia, which you can find in our online shop.

Here are three essential products for your beach or pool bag this month:

1. A leave-in UV screen: a true "hair sunscreen" in spray or light cream form. It should be applied before sun exposure and reapplied after each swim to create an invisible barrier against ultraviolet rays.
2. A gentle chelating or detox shampoo: a specific shampoo free of aggressive sulfates, capable of gently yet thoroughly removing chlorine, copper, and limescale residues, restoring purity and lightness to the scalp.
3. A moisturizing and restructuring mask: rich in antioxidants, plant proteins, and hydrating agents that repair daily micro-damage directly in the shower, restoring immediate elasticity and softness.

The simple 3-step routine for your sunny days

Protecting your hair shouldn't become a time-consuming chore. Zephir Parrucchieri's philosophy aims for extraordinary results with simple and quick actions:

1. PREPARE (sponge effect): Before diving into the lake or pool, thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water from the lido's shower and immediately apply your UV protective spray. This way, hair saturated with clean water and protected by sunscreen will absorb very little chlorine or limescale.

2. RINSE AND CLEANSE: As soon as you get out of the water, don't let salt or chlorine dry in the sun. Do a quick rinse. In the evening, wash your hair with a specific moisturizing shampoo to eliminate all invisible traces of summer stress.

3. REGENERATE: Replace your normal conditioner with an intensive mask. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes while you relax. For drying, prefer open air or warm blow dryer temperatures, avoiding excessive use of flat irons on days of maximum sun exposure.

Prepare your hair for summer with a tailored consultation

Every hair reacts to the sun differently depending on its structure and history. If you want to avoid surprises at the end of the season and desire a protection strategy specifically designed for your hair fiber's needs, the Zephir Hairdressers team is at your complete disposal.

Come and visit us at our atelier in Via Ferrera in Ascona: we will perform an advanced diagnosis of your hair's health, advising you on the perfect summer routine to make your beauty shine under the Ticino sun.