How to take care of your hair at the sea?

Sea water, due to its richness in salts, has a basic pH of around 8. The scalp, on the other hand, has an acidic pH of 5.5. This acidic pH of the scalp provides it with a protective role, this is what we call the acid mantle. Therefore, when swimming in the sea, the pH of the scalp is altered which can lead to scalp sensitisation, dryness and an increased risk of scalp diseases (such as dermatitis...).

Just as with chlorinated substances, sea water strips the hair fibre, promoting the lifting of the scales at the cuticle level, which can no longer perform their protective role. As a result, the hair becomes brittle and coarse.

When we are at the sea, it's not just the salt water that damages our hair. Indeed, the UV rays from the sun are known for their harmful effects on the skin, but their impact on our hair is often overlooked! Exposure to UV rays has an effect on our hair. These rays weaken our hair by damaging the keratin and thinning the hair shaft. Moreover, just like the rest of the epidermis, the skin of the scalp is sensitive to the sun's rays. Repeated and unprotected exposure could lead to desquamation with the appearance of dry dandruff.

It is therefore essential to know how to care for your hair against the side effects of sea water and sun. During beach holidays, it is necessary to adopt the right practices to maintain the appearance and health of your hair.

• The right actions to take care of your hair at the sea.

  In order to limit the harmful effects of seawater on your hair, we advise you to use a silicone swimming cap which are more watertight than those made of fabric, otherwise adopt a high hairstyle such as a bun for example, to limit the contact between the salty water and your hair. If your hair does come into contact with the salty water, we recommend applying a few drops of a photo-protective vegetable oil (raspberry, avocado, wheat germ vegetable oil...) to protect the hair fibre. Wearing a cap or a hat is also recommended.

  Finally, don't forget to protect your hair from UV rays! Just like the skin, hair gets damaged when exposed to the sun. Therefore, apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protective oil to your hair.

• The right steps to take care of your hair after the sea.

  After a swim in the sea, a shower is essential to remove the salt water from your hair. Furthermore, the use of moisturising and lipid-replenishing products during the shower will help to rebalance the skin barrier at the level of the scalp skin and to restore the cohesion of the hair cuticle.

  Remember to always rinse your hair with clear water. Then choose our nourishing shampoo which cleanses the hair while moisturising and soothing the scalp. It is composed of 1% biolipid complex and camellia oil which rebalance the lipid levels in the corneal layer. It also contains aloe vera which hydrates and soothes the scalp.

  Next, apply ourrepairing hair maskbased onbiomimetic ceramides (INCI: "Hydrolyzed Sweet Almond Protein"), withmango butter(INCI: "Mangifera Indica Seed Butter") andavocado oil (INCI: "Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil") which help to restore the cohesion of the cuticle. The scales are filled, the cuticle is smoothed and the cortex is better protected.

  If your hair tends to be dry, complement this haircare routine by using a dry hair oil. Composed of several vegetable oils working in synergy, this hair oil helps toimprove the health of the hair fibre and the overall appearance of the hair. Furthermore, the hemisqualane it contains helps to seal the hair cuticles, thus protecting them from external damage.

• PIERARD G. E. & al. Les cheveux et leur environnement. (2015).