Your Ultimate Summer Hair Care Guide — What to Pack in Your Pool Bag

Summer is here — and so are beach days, pool parties, and lots of sun. While you’re protecting your skin, don’t forget that your hair needs love too. Heat, humidity, UV rays, chlorine, and saltwater can leave your strands feeling dry, brittle, and hard to manage.

At Ooh La La Salon in El Cajon, CA, we believe great hair should feel effortless — even in the middle of summer. Whether you have natural hair, color-treated locks, or extensions, here’s what we recommend packing in your beach or pool bag to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and protected all season long.

Leave-In Conditioner: Your First Line of Defense

Spray it in before swimming — yes, before. Leave-ins help seal your cuticle and create a barrier against chlorine and saltwater. Plus, they keep your hair hydrated in the sun.

We love:

• Unite 7 Seconds Leave-In – Lightweight, ultra-hydrating, and safe for extensions

• Redken One United – Multi-benefit formula that adds shine, reduces frizz, and protects from heat and UV

Apply to damp hair before heading outside, and reapply after swimming if needed.

Detangling Brush

Sun, salt, and wind can lead to tangles fast. A gentle, extension-safe detangling brush is a must. Our detangling brushes are compact, effective, and just $14 — perfect for your beach bag. Use it on wet or dry hair without pulling or breakage.

Clarifying Shampoo

After a long day in the sun or pool, your hair needs a good reset. Sunscreen, chlorine, and salt can build up quickly — especially if you’re using dry shampoo or styling products.

Keep a travel-sized Unite Weekender Shampoo in your bag (or use it once a week at home). It gently detoxes the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.

Hydrating Hair Mask

Sun and water exposure can dry out your strands, so make sure you’re doing a weekly moisture treatment. We recommend the Amika Normcore Hydrating Mask — it restores softness and strength without weighing hair down.

Bonus Tip: Mineral Sunscreen Only for Extension Clients

If you wear extensions, skip the chemical sunscreens with avobenzone. This ingredient can cause discoloration that’s irreversible (think: pink or orange strands). Stick to mineral-based sunscreens to keep your hair looking flawless.

Ready to Refresh Your Summer Hair Routine?

Stop by Ooh La La Salon in El Cajon and let our stylists help you find the perfect summer-safe products for your hair type. Whether you're protecting your color, caring for extensions, or just trying to beat the frizz, we've got the expert-approved staples you need.

Keep your hair healthy, shiny, and protected — no matter how hot it gets outside.