How Coastal Living in Devon Could Affect Your Hair (And How to Prevent Damage)

Did you know that over 15.4 million people in the UK are dealing with hair loss, including pattern baldness, alopecia, and thinning from chemotherapy? While genetics and health can affect this, the environment – mainly living near the coast – can also harm your hair.

Living by the sea has bonuses, like waking up to the sound of waves and enjoying the fresh and salty air. But it can also cause issues for your hair.

The sea breeze, high humidity, and hard water can dry out your hair, making it flaky and frizzy. Sun exposure adds to the problem, making your hair look dull and lifeless as time passes.

The good news is that you can enjoy coastal life and still have healthy hair. With the appropriate care, you can safeguard your hair from damage and keep it strong, shiny, and healthy.

Let’s look at how coastal living affects your hair and how to prevent damage.

Impact of Coastal Air on Your Hair

While that sea breeze might feel amazing, it’s not exactly doing your hair any favours. All that air from the coast is packed with tiny little salt particles, which suck the moisture right out of your hair, leaving it dry and hydration-free.

Recent studies showed that sea salt can pull moisture from hair, like chlorine in pools removes natural oils, leading to dry and damaged hair.

And don’t even get me started on the wind! Devon’s coast is super windy, and while that might feel energising, it’s a total nightmare for your hair. The strong gusts get your hair all tangled up, which can lead to it breaking and getting those annoying split ends. Plus, the humid air near the coast makes your hair all curly, so forget about keeping it smooth and sleek!

How to Combat Salt and Wind Damage

• Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair nice and moist.
• Put on anti-frizz products to help control flyaway hairs and smooth your hair.
• Style your hair in braids or buns to protect it from the wind.

UV Exposure via Sun Weaken Hair

You most probably apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, but your hair also needs protection from UV rays. Keeping your hair in the sun for too long can weaken its proteins, making it brittle and more likely to break. Additionally, the sun can fade the natural colour of your hair, which means dyed hair will lose its vibrancy faster.

You must be extra careful if your hair is naturally pleasing, light-coloured, or treated with chemicals. These types of hair are more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful effects.

How to Shield Your Hair from UV Rays

• Wear a big hat or scarf when you’re outside for a long time.
• Use hair products that protect against the sun.
• Wash your hair after a day at the beach to remove salt and sand.

Hard Water Can Weaken Your Hair

Hard water is another sneaky factor that can make managing your hair an actual pain, especially if you live near the coast. The water supply in many coastal regions, including some parts of Devon, is packed with minerals. Essentially, your tap water has a surplus of calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals can accumulate on your strands, leaving your hair looking lacklustre, coarse, and more challenging to style.

You might have even observed this yourself: your shampoo doesn’t foam up quickly, or your hair feels heavy even after a wash. If that’s the case, mineral-rich water could be the culprit.

How to Prevent Hard Water Build-up

• Put a shower filter in to keep your water clean.
• Use special shampoo once a week to get rid of buildup.
• Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar to make it shiny.

Saltwater Cause Hair Damage

A swim in the ocean is wonderfully refreshing, but sadly, saltwater can dry your hair’s moisture. The salt pulls water out, leaving your strands rough and prone to damage. If you often expose your hair to salt water, it can weaken it over time, resulting in more split ends and breakage.

How to Minimise Saltwater Damage

• Before you swim, wet your hair with fresh water so the salt water doesn’t damage it.
• Put some leave-in conditioner or oil, like coconut oil, to keep your hair safe.
• After swimming, wash your hair with clean water and use a hydrating mask to help it feel good.

Strong Breezes Lead to Breakage

The coastal winds of Devon can be pretty harsh, creating beautiful but dramatic seaside scenes. Unfortunately, these winds can also cause major hair tangles and breakage. When the wind constantly lashes around the hair, it quickly forms knots, and trying to brush out these tangles can result in split ends.

According to Hospital Capilar, your hair will dry out if you’re constantly exposed to wind. This will cause it to lose its shine and softness and become more likely to break.

How to Protect Your Hair from Wind Damage

• Keep your hair in braids, buns, or ponytails when it’s windy.
• Wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair at the beach.
• Use a detangling spray or light conditioner to help with tangles.

Different Ways to Protect and Restore Your Hair

Maintaining hair healthy by the coast involves keeping it hydrated, shielded from the components, and repaired. Investing in suitable hair treatments and sticking to a simple routine can help.

• Use a hair mask weekly to add moisture to your hair.
• Choose shampoos and conditioners that don’t have sulfates to avoid drying out your hair.
• Take care of your scalp by massaging it with oil and gently cleaning it.

If you are worried about hair thinning, there are different ways to help prevent hair loss including small changes, such as adjusting your diet by trying specialised treatments or just pure and simple care and attention. 

Conclusion

Living along Devon’s breathtaking coastline offers a unique combination of tranquillity, adventure, and challenges in hair care. The salty sea air, bright sun, and mineral-rich water can dry out your hair, making it curly and more likely to get damaged. However, with the proper care, you can enjoy life by the coast while keeping your hair healthy and beautiful.

You can take straightforward steps to safeguard your hair. Protect it from UV rays, use deep conditioning treatments, and pick hairstyles that limit exposure to harsh conditions. These actions can help keep your hair strong, soft, and resilient.

So, enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and the beauty of Devon, all while ensuring your hair stays healthy, shiny, and full of life.