Stronger, healthier strands by fall: Experts reveal essential end of summer haircare tips for outdoor activities

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Labor Day is right around the corner. 

But before we say goodbye to summer we have a few more weekends to soak up the sun and enjoy the season's most popular outdoor activities.

With that being said, prolonged UV exposure can wreak havoc on hair.

Whether it's taking a dip in the pool, playing volleyball at the beach, or going for a bike ride, proper precautions are needed to maintain healthy tresses.

Experts reveal effective ways to treat your mane for the remaining weeks of summer to have stronger, healthier strands by fall.

The sun's damaging rays, the chlorine and saltwater can strip your locks of natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry, dull and weak

We're always being reminded to apply sunscreen before stepping outside, whether its through a moisturizer or mineral sunscreen, but not much is said about SPF for our tresses.

'SPF is determined by testing a product’s strength in relation to skin, not hair, which is why we often don’t see it listed on our favorite haircare products,' said Moroccanoil’s Artistic Director, Cassie Siskovic.

'However, most products will clearly list if they have UV protection, which is what you are looking for when it comes to your hair’s protection from those rays.' 

Too much exposure to the sun's UV rays can strip your locks of natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry, dull and damaged.

'It is a great idea to make sure your haircare has some sort of sun protection.'

Before taking a trip to the beach or pool, the expert recommends spritzing some of Morrocanoil's Protect & Prevent Spray in strands

Before taking a trip to the beach or pool, Cassie recommends spritzing some of Morrocanoil's Protect & Prevent Spray in strands.

'It’s the most amazing smelling hydrating prep spray packed with antioxidants that protect the hair from summertime hair and skin stressors like UV rays,' she says.

'Plus, its foundation is Argan Oil which keeps the hair hydrated, shiny, and helps protect hair color from fading.' 

To guarantee protection when submerged, try a cute swim cap.

'I honestly don’t submerge my hair in water often without one,' admits the expert.

To guarantee protection when submerged, you can wear a cute swim cap. 'I honestly don’t submerge my hair in water often without one,' said Cassie Siskovic

No matter how amazing your hair looks after swimming in the ocean, don't wait too long to wash it.

'It’s best to shampoo and condition directly after being in the water,' says Cassie.

'The longer you wait, the more likely it is for whatever your hair has absorbed to cause damage, dryness, breakage, and color fadage. 

'Washing as soon as you get out will ensure anything your hair has absorbed is gently removed, and that the hair is rehydrated with a conditioner or treatment.' 

The expert recommends the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. 

'I love that it focuses on both repair and hydration which is likely what my hair needs after summertime activities.' 

To keep hair healthy throughout the season and beyond, Cassie suggests incorporating hair masks on a regular basis - like once or twice a week. 

Hair masks can strengthen and improve hair condition; they can also reduce breakage and frizz, making hair more manageable, soft and shiny.  

 'My favorite is Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. It’s a super-rich Argan Oil based formulation that makes my hair feel like silk and ensures I’m building a healthier canvas of hair to get me through summer.' 

Cassie is a fan of clarifying shampoo after excessive chlorine or saltwater exposure.

Clarifying shampoo is a deep cleanser that's designed to remove product buildup, excess oils, grease, and other impurities from hair and scalp.

'I am a Moroccanoil Treatment junkie. I think this product can be applied to your hair before anything that could be stressful. I use it damp or dry to ensure the hair is always lustrous and glowing.'

In Cassie's arsenal: 

Before taking a trip to the beach or pool, Cassie recommends spritzing some of Morrocanoil's Protect & Prevent Spray in strands

'It’s best to shampoo and condition directly after being in the water,' says Cassie. 'The longer you wait, the more likely it is for whatever your hair has absorbed to cause damage, dryness, breakage, and color fadage'

Maintaining healthy hair while engaging in physical activity can be challenging.

Hair and Beauty experts at Fresha (the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-in-one free business software with integrated payments) have offered up their expert tips on keeping hair in optimal condition amidst sweating.

'Sweating during exercise is natural, but it can cause scalp irritation if it’s left to sit on your hair for too long post-workout,' said experts at Fresha.

The experts recommend applying dry shampoo before working out.

'Most people would expect to put dry shampoo on to cover up the sweat but using it after your workout could cause the product to stick to your damp hair and make it tatted. 

'Using dry shampoo beforehand prevents the amount of sweat you produce by drying the scalp first and reduces the greasy appearance as you go.'

Experts at Fresha recommend applying dry shampoo before working out 

They also recommend switching up your hairstyles. 

'If sweaty hair is constantly pulled into the same style, it can cause breakage. 

'Rotate between single braids, double braids, low ponytails, high ponytails, and slick-back buns to prevent breakage from damp hair being pulled too tight.'

Bicycling is a great way to get outdoors and exercise when the sun is shining.

And while not much compares to the feeling of the wind in your hair, helmets are imperative for safety - thought not ideal for your look.

Say goodbye to helmet hair with Fresha's tricks:

'Wash your hair more often: Dirt and oil are contributors to dandruff, and trapping dirty hair under a helmet will only make it worse.

'Avoid wearing a helmet on wet hair: Wet hair is more prone to snapping under the restriction of a helmet, so give it a thorough dry before putting it on.'