A hair surgeon warns of these 5 summer mistakes that cause your hair to break and fall out
Sun, swimming, intense heat: thesummer of 2026 subjects our hair to repeated aggression. Yet some everyday mistakes go unnoticed, even though they actually weaken the hair fiber. Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, medical director and senior surgeon at the Elithair hair clinic, warns us of 5 summer habits that need to be corrected as a matter of urgency.
The scalp, the forgotten face of sun protection
Every summer, the same scene repeats itself: we carefully apply sun cream to our face and body, then forget about the scalp. Yet this area is directly exposed to ultraviolet rays, especially on marked stripes or sparse areas.
The resulting sunburn causes inflammation. This can disrupt the normal functioning of hair follicles, the structures responsible for hair growth.
Beyond the scalp, UV rays also damage the hair fiber: hair becomes progressively drier, more brittle and more prone to split ends. According to Dr Balwi, repeated exposure can even trigger a temporary hair loss phenomenon known as “actinic telogen effluvium”. In genetically predisposed individuals, it could also accentuate existing androgenetic alopecia.
“Repeated exposure can promote a temporary hair loss phenomenon called actinic telogen effluvium.” – Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, Elithair Medical Director, June 2026.
To limit the damage, specialists recommend using sunscreens designed for the scalp, and wearing a hat for prolonged exposure.
Chlorinated pools: the rinse we too often forget
After a few lengths or an afternoon in the pool, many people leave without rinsing their hair. But this is a common mistake with real consequences.
Chlorine acts as a powerful drying agent. By eliminating the hair fiber’s natural oils, it leaves hair rough, dull and vulnerable to breakage. Over time, it also weakens the cuticle, the protective envelope that covers each hair strand.
The right reflex is to rinse thoroughly with clear water as soon as you leave the pool. Moistening hair with fresh water before entering the pool also helps limit chlorine absorption. No-rinse skincare products or swim caps offer additional protection.
- Rinse hair with clean water as soon as you leave the pool.
- Wet hair with fresh water before entering the pool.
- Rinse with fresh water after every swim in the sea to limit the effects of salt.
- Use specific sun protection for the scalp during prolonged exposure.
- Wear a hat to protect exposed areas from ultraviolet rays.
Sea water and repeated shampooing: two mistakes that add up
Beach waves are the stuff of dreams. However, behind this aesthetic effect lies a less flattering reality: the salt contained in seawater draws moisture out of the hair fiber. With repeated exposure to the sea, hair becomes dehydrated and breaks more easily.
People whose hair has already been weakened by coloring, bleaching or chemical treatments are particularly concerned. What’s more, salt can cause irritation in people with sensitive scalps.
For this reason, rinsing with fresh water after every swim in the sea remains the most effective gesture. Pre-application of a protective leave-in treatment can also help preserve the fiber’s hydration.
Once back at home, another mistake lurks: multiplying shampoos in response to heat and perspiration. Washing too often eliminates the natural lipid film that protects the scalp and hair fiber. As a result, hair becomes drier and more fragile.
How often should I wash in summer?
Conversely, waiting too long between washes is also a problem. Perspiration, sebum, sunscreen residues and styling products accumulate on the surface of the scalp, which can lead to discomfort and irritation.
For most people, a shampoo every two or three days represents a reasonable balance during the summer season. However, this frequency needs to be adapted to hair type and the intensity of physical activity.
Brushing wet hair: the breakthrough gesture
After a bath or shower, the temptation to quickly detangle your hair is strong. Yet this is precisely when the fiber is at its most vulnerable.
When soaked in water, the fiber swells and becomes more elastic. This apparent suppleness actually masks increased fragility. Brushing too vigorously can lead to severe breakage, often mistaken for real hair loss.
Experts therefore recommend using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for detangling. The best method is to start with the ends, then gradually work your way up to the roots to avoid excessive pulling. Applying a leave-in conditioner or detangling treatment also reduces the friction responsible for breakage.
Simple, regular gestures are all it takes to maintain healthy hair all summer long. Because scalp and hair are living tissues, sensitive to environmental aggressions – protecting them means taking care of your health every day.
