How to protect your hair in a sauna?

Saunas are a great way to relax and rejuvenate your body, but have you ever wondered about the effects of a sauna on your hair?

In this article, we will explore the different ways you can protect your hair while enjoying the sauna experience.

• Sitting in a sauna can dry your hair quickly: The intense heat and humidity inside a sauna can strip your hair of its natural oils. This leads to dryness, brittleness, frizz, and even breakage if not cared for properly.

• Dry or Damaged Hair Gets Hit the Hardest in the Sauna: If your hair is already dry, color-treated, or damaged, the effects of sauna heat can be more intense. Healthy, moisturized hair can handle the heat better, but still needs care.

• Damaged or colored hair gets worse in sauna heat:  Before stepping into the sauna, applying a deep-conditioning mask or hair oil can act as a protective barrier. This helps lock in moisture and shield your strands from the heat.

• Drinking water helps your hair stay strong during sauna:  Drinking plenty of  water  before and after your sauna session supports hydration from within. This helps keep both your hair and body resilient against heat-induced dehydration.

• Putting oil or a hair mask before sauna keeps hair safe: Too much time in high heat can stress your hair follicles, leading to mild shedding. Limiting your sauna time and practicing proper aftercare can help avoid this.

• Hair is weaker after sauna, so be gentle when brushing: Post-sauna, your hair is more vulnerable. Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle when detangling to avoid unnecessary breakage or stress on your strands.

• Benefits of Wearing a Sauna Hat: To protect your hair in the sauna, wear a sauna hat. It shields your hair from the high temperature and humidity, retaining moisture and preventing dryness, while also protecting your scalp from irritation.

• Keep Your Sauna Hat Clean: To ensure your sauna hat continues to work effectively, it’s important to clean it regularly and check for any wear and tear.

• Dry and Store Properly: After each session, air dry your hat properly, and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its shape and functionality.

• Avoid Plastic Caps: Avoid using plastic caps that trap heat and moisture, as they can dry your hair out faster.

• Choose Natural Materials: Choose a sauna hat made from natural materials like wool or felt for breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

Avoid metal hair accessories in the sauna as they can become hot and potentially burn your hair or scalp.

Choose fabric or plastic alternatives to prevent discomfort during your session. Metal accessories may tarnish in the high humidity, affecting their longevity and appearance. 

Additionally, metal items can heat up quickly and cause burns or skin irritation, so it's best to avoid them altogether. Opt for non-metal options for a more comfortable and enjoyable sauna experience.

https://heavenlyheatsaunas.com/blogs/wellness-insights/how-to-protect-your-hair-in-a-saunaAfter your sauna session, rinse your hair with cold water. Cold water helps seal the cuticles, locking in moisture and leaving your hair shiny, smooth, and healthy while calming the scalp and reducing any irritation from the heat.

It also helps reduce frizz by locking in moisture and promoting a natural, glossy shine. By stimulating blood circulation to the scalp, cold water can even support healthier hair growth.

To get the best results, rinse for about 30 seconds to a minute to ensure your cuticles are fully sealed, enhancing both strength and shine.

Letting your hair air dry instead of using a hair dryer helps preserve moisture and avoid additional heat damage.

Instead of rubbing your hair with a towel, gently pat or blot it to prevent frizz and breakage, ensuring your hair maintains its natural texture and moisture.

Before entering the sauna, apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This helps create a protective barrier that minimizes the heat’s effects while keeping your hair moisturized.

The sauna’s heat can actually work to your advantage, since it opens the hair cuticles, treatments like leave-in conditioner are absorbed more effectively, allowing your hair to lock in moisture and nutrients. 

Be sure to choose a lightweight, silicone-free conditioner to prevent any build-up or greasiness. Also, avoid products with ingredients like glycerin or alcohol, which can cause frizz and dry out your hair.

• Start With Clean, Product-Free Hair: Prepping your hair before entering the sauna is essential. Always start with clean hair, free of styling products, as these can break down under high heat and cause further damage. 

• Use Natural Oils or Heat Protectants Wisely: Before stepping in, apply a lightweight heat protectant or a natural oil like coconut or argan oil to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against heat. However, be cautious, repeated use of oils and heat protectants can lead to product buildup. 

• Monthly Clarifying Treatment to Remove Buildup: This buildup can make it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft, leaving your hair feeling heavy or dull. To counter this, incorporate a  clarifying shampoo once a month  into your routine to remove residues and keep your hair light and refreshed.

• Keep Hair Dry Inside the Sauna: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so consider using a towel or sauna hat to shield your scalp and strands from direct heat exposure. 

• Cool Rinse Right After Your Session: After your session, rinse your hair with cool water to close the cuticles and wash away sweat, which can irritate the scalp if left on for too long.

• Deep Conditioning Twice a Week:  Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner at least twice a week to restore hydration, strength, and softness. This is especially critical for those who use the sauna frequently.

While the heat and humidity in a sauna can have some potential negative effects on your hair, there are various ways to protect and maintain its health.

By following the tips mentioned above, such as wearing a sauna hat, avoiding metal hair accessories, washing with cold water, applying a leave-in conditioner, and tying your hair up, you can enjoy your sauna sessions without compromising the health and beauty of your hair.