If you have long hair, you know that summer can be its biggest challenge. The shiny, silky hair you enjoy the rest of the year can quickly become dry, dull and prone to split ends.
For years, I assumed that trimming my ends after summer was simply unavoidable. That changed when I realised that extra-long hair needs a different care routine during months of intense sun exposure, chlorine and seawater.
Since then, I've followed three simple steps every summer that make all the difference.
My golden rules for summer hair care
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SCALP
DEEPLY HYDRATE
NOURISH THE HAIR FIBER
1. It all starts with the scalp (and most people overlook it)
Here's one of the best-kept secrets in hair care: if your scalp isn't healthy, your hair won't be either.
I like to compare it to a plant. No matter how much you water it, if the soil isn't healthy, it will never grow at its full potential. Hair works the same way. When the scalp is overloaded with excess sebum, dead skin cells and product build-up, the hair follicle can't function at its best. Over time, this is reflected in the quality of the hair that grows. What's more, this build-up can also reduce the effectiveness of the treatments you apply afterwards.
That's why, twice a month, I exfoliate my scalp and leave the treatment on for around 15 minutes before washing my hair. Then I simply continue with my usual hair-washing routine.
Which scalp scrub do I choose?
- If I'm concerned about hair thinning or loss of density, I choose BLACK BACCARA CELLULAR BREATHING HAIR MULTIPLYING SCRUB SCALP MASK, as it helps detoxify the scalp and creates the ideal environment for stronger, healthier-looking hair.
- If my hair is colour-treated, heat-styled or has undergone a keratin treatment, I reach for EXTREME CAVIAR EXFOLIATING SCRUB SCALP MASK, which gently exfoliates while respecting both the hair fibre and colour.
Miriam's Tip: While the scrub is working, wrap your hair in a warm, dry towel for around 15 minutes. It's a simple step that transforms the treatment into a luxurious self-care ritual.
Never used a scalp scrub before? Although it may seem intimidating, it's actually much easier than you think. In this video, we'll show you exactly how to apply it step by step so you can easily add it to your routine:
2. The step that makes the biggest difference: a weekly deep hydration ritual
During summer, UV radiation, chlorine and seawater accelerate water loss and promote the oxidation of the natural lipids that protect the hair cuticle. As a result, hair becomes rougher, more porous and much more prone to frizz.
That's why I dedicate one day each week to giving my hair an intensive moisture boost.
Before washing my hair, I apply a hair mask to dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. I lightly dampen the hair to help distribute the product evenly, leave it on for the maximum time possible, and then follow your regular washing routine.
Without a doubt, this is the step that makes the biggest difference during the summer months.
I choose my mask depending on what my hair needs:
- Very damaged hair: BLACK BACCARA HAIR MULTIPLYING & FORTIFYING INTENSIVE MASK
- Heat-styled or keratin-treated hair: EXTREME CAVIAR INTENSIVE ANTI-AGING LUXE MASQUE
- Fine, dry or weakened hair: EXTREME CAVIAR VITALITY LUXE MASQUE
- Thick, porous or frizz-prone hair: SUBLIME GOLD OPULENT TRANSFORMING MASK
- Dehydrated hair: GLACIAL WHITE CAVIAR HYDRA-PURE RESCUE MASQUE
Miriam's Tip: Short on time? Apply the scalp scrub to your scalp and the hair mask to your mid-lengths and ends at the same time. You'll enjoy a complete treatment in a single session.
3. The daily habit that keeps my ends healthy
If you have XXL hair, your ends are the oldest part of your hair, and the most exposed to damage.
UV radiation, heat styling, friction and other environmental stressors gradually weaken the cuticle, the hair's protective outer layer. Once it's compromised, the hair loses moisture more easily, becoming frizzier and more prone to split ends.
Hair oils don't hydrate the hair on their own, but they help seal the cuticle and minimise moisture loss, keeping the hair fibre better protected against daily external aggressors.
That's why I never skip this step during the summer. Every day, I apply a few drops of hair oil to my mid-lengths and ends.
- If you have thick hair, my favourite is SUBLIME GOLD ULTRA NOURISHING OIL, formulated with a blend of ten botanical oils rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and UV filters to deeply nourish, repair and protect the hair fibre.
- If your hair is fine, colour-treated or keratin-treated, I recommend GLACIAL WHITE CAVIAR HYDRA-PURE PRECIOUS ELIXIR. Its lightweight blend of botanical oils and UV filters hydrates, enhances shine and helps protect the hair fibre against free radicals and heat damage without weighing it down.
After many summers trying to rescue my hair, I realised that healthy, beautiful hair isn't about doing more, it's about doing the right things. Preparing the scalp, deeply hydrating the hair fibre and protecting the ends have become non-negotiable steps in my routine, allowing me to enjoy summer without compromising the health, shine or beauty of my long hair.
