Everyone blames chlorine and salt water for summer’s dry, brittle strands, but celebrity hairstylist and UNITE Hair Ambassador Narad Kutowaroo says the real culprit is hiding in plain sight.
“UV exposure is the biggest factor that leaves hair feeling dry or damaged during summer,” says Kutowaroo. “Chlorine, salt water, and over-washing can also contribute to your hair feeling extra dehydrated.”
Not All Hair Suffers the Same
“Understanding how summer affects different hair profiles highlights exactly why certain textures struggle more than others,” says Kutowaroo.
Curly and coily textures are hit hardest. Their signature S and Z shapes already struggle to hold onto moisture, so sun, sweat, salt water, and chlorine make frizz and breakage worse. Color-treated and chemically-processed hair isn’t far behind — chemical treatments lift the cuticle, and that added porosity lets UV rays strip moisture even faster, fading color and leaving strands brittle.
Straight and fine hair has its own trade-off: sebum spreads easily, so it can look greasy fast in the heat, but it absorbs humidity quickly too, which weighs it down and kills volume.
Reviving Sun-Damaged Strands
For hair that’s already taken a beating from long days outside or in the pool, Kutowaroo reaches for the UNITE 7SECONDS Masque.
“It’s highly effective for post-sun or post-swim hair because its rich, reparative formula, which is packed with shea butter and vegetable proteins, penetrates deep to instantly replenish lost moisture, restore elasticity, and seal the cuticle against summer frizz.” Kutowaroo adds, “It’s color-safe, paraben-free formula also makes it ideal for chemically-treated hair and extensions.”
Building Protection Into Wash Day
Repair only goes so far — prevention starts in the shower. Kutowaroo points to the UNITE 7SECONDS Shampoo and Conditioner duo as the foundation of a hydration-focused summer routine.
“The 7SECONDS Shampoo and 7SECONDS Conditioner duo is the ideal summer haircare foundation because it provides lightweight, daily hydration while shielding hair from harsh seasonal damage. Its color-safe, sulfate-free formula combats summer dryness without weighing your hair down. I love that these products are enriched with nourishing ingredients like coconut, shea butter, argan oil, and strengthening vegetable proteins that strengthen each strand and leave the hair soft, smooth, and protected through every beach day, pool day, and outdoor activity.”
Ready to repair? Shop these must-have summer products at unitehair.com and tag @readthetease on Instagram and TikTok with your haul.
