10 Powerful Tips on Protecting Your Hair Before and After the Ocean That Actually Work

Discover the best practices on protecting your hair before and after the ocean and boost your results. Follow our expert tips today!

Ocean Days Are Amazing. But Tough on Hair

Australia’s summer means early surf sessions, salty breezes, and long days under the sun.
But the combination of saltwater, strong UV radiation, wind, and friction can leave your hair frizzy, dry, tangled, or faded.

This guide combines expert-backed care tips with the benefits of Suntied UV Protect + Repair Leave-In Spray to help you protect your hair before and after the ocean, and boost your search visibility for the keyword Australia UV hair protection.

Let’s get into it.

Australia Has Some of the Highest UV Levels on the Planet

Australia experiences some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world, especially in summer. Our proximity to the equator, reflective beaches, and seasonal ozone thinning mean UV exposure can be dramatically higher than in Europe, the US, or Asia.

This extreme UV causes:

• Rapid colour fade
• Keratin breakdown
• Cuticle dryness
• Rough texture
• Weakened hair structure

This makes UV-protective formulas, like Suntied’s daily UV Protect + Repair Spray, absolutely essential for anyone spending time outdoors or in the ocean.

1. Pre-Soak with Fresh Water

Before you jump in, saturate your hair with clean water.
Hydrated hair absorbs less salt, preventing:

• Cuticle swelling
• Roughness
• Tangles
• Breakage

A simple beach shower makes a big difference.

2. Apply a Protective Leave-In Shield

The most effective ocean-prep step is applying a cationic, cuticle-sealing leave-in.

Suntied UV Protect + Repair Leave-In Spray forms a lightweight barrier that guards against:

• Salt
• Chlorine
• UV
• Wind
• Friction & tangling

Its acidic pH (3.5–5.5) keeps the cuticle flat, smooth, and soft, even on windy surf days.

3. Prioritise UV-Protective Products

Given Australia’s extreme UV environment, protecting your hair from radiation is non-negotiable.
UV rays break down keratin and pigment, so use UV-safe hair products every day, especially if you swim, surf, or colour your hair.

Suntied provides continuous UV defence without greasiness, buildup, or heaviness.

4. Braid or Tie Hair Before Swimming

Protective styles reduce:

1. Tangles
2. Cuticle abrasion
3. Salt penetration
4. Knots that cause snapping

A simple braid is the best surf-safe option.

5. Never Enter the Ocean with Dry, Unprotected Hair

Dry hair absorbs salt instantly.
If you’re in a rush, spray Suntied generously from roots to ends before diving in, it prevents the “straw-like” texture caused by cuticle swelling.

6. Rinse Immediately After Your Swim

Salt crystals continue damaging your hair long after you leave the water.
Rinse under a beach shower ASAP to stop dryness and brittleness from setting in.

7. Restore Hydration After the Ocean

Follow this post-swim routine to repair and rehydrate:

1. Wash with a low-pH shampoo (≤5.5).
2. Apply a conditioner or mask at pH 3.8–4.5.
3. Rinse with cool water.
4. Reapply Suntied on damp hair for sealing and smoothing.

Our smart silicones offer a weightless, silky finish, perfect for regular swimmers.

8. Boost Protection With Gentle Heat

Heat activates the protective ingredients inside Suntied.
A quick blow-dry at 60–70°C enhances:

• UV defence
• Smoothness
• Cuticle sealing

Avoid heat above 180°C to prevent thermal damage.

9. Detangle Only When Damp

Saltwater knots can be intense, but never detangle dry hair.
Do it when your hair is damp and coated with leave-in or conditioner using:

• A wide-tooth comb
• Your fingers

This prevents tearing and cuticle fraying.

10. Reset Weekly With a Clarifying Wash

Regular beach days mean mineral, salt, chlorine, and product buildup.
Use a clarifying shampoo monthly to reset your hair, then follow with conditioner and a fresh mist of Suntied.

Why Suntied Is Australia’s Go-To for Summer Hair Care

Based on the internal Suntied product file , the UV Protect + Repair Leave-In Spray stands out because it’s:

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• Sulphate- and paraben-free
• Powered by modern, weightless silicones
• Formulated with Merquat 550 for velvet-smooth softness
• Effective against UV, salt, chlorine & pollution
• Safe for all hair types, colours, kids, and curl patterns
• Designed specifically for Australian summer conditions

It’s the ultimate “beach bag essential”, whether you’re swimming at Bondi, snorkelling in WA, or surfing on the Gold Coast.

FAQs

Q: Is saltwater bad for your hair?
A: Yes. It dehydrates the cuticle, causing brittleness, frizz, and tangles. Always rinse and reapply hydration after ocean exposure.

Q: How important is UV protection for hair in Australia?
A: Extremely. Australia’s UV levels are among the highest in the world, making daily Australia UV hair protection essential.

Q: Should I use Suntied before or after the ocean?
A: Both. Before swimming for protection, and after rinsing for moisture and cuticle repair.

Q: Does UV damage color-treated hair faster?
A: Yes. UV accelerates fading. Using a UV-protective spray is the best defence.

Q: How often should I clarify if I swim regularly?
A: Around once a month, or more often if your hair feels coated or stiff.

Q: Is Suntied heavy on fine hair?
A: Not at all. The formula is lightweight and evaporates cleanly.