How to Protect Your Hair in the Sauna? (A Comprehensive Guide)

Spending time in the sauna is very good for your body and mental state, but if not taken good care of, it can be totally harsh on your hair. High temperatures and dryness can cause brittleness, split ends, and even scalp dryness overtime. According to the trichologists, the regular exposure to more than 180°F – 82°C displaces all the natural oils of your hair, causing a loss in moisture and shine. So, how can you take pleasure in sauna sessions without compromising your hair health?

Below, we will be sharing top tips on how to protect your hair in the sauna. From simple pre-sauna preparations, usage of the right post-sauna care – the tips listed here will help keep your hair hydrated, strong, and looking its best. Whether colored, fine, or sensitive, these strategies will keep your hair beautiful and healthy.

Ready to have your cake and eat it, too-relax in the sauna and protect your hair from damage at the same time? Let’s dive in and make sure that the next time you go into your sauna, it really is a hair-friendly session!

Why Does Sauna Heat Damage Hair?

Would you like to feel the perfect sauna experience? So, you have to know how to protect your hair. But why do you need to protect it?

Before proceeding to the tips on how to protect your hair in the sauna, it is important to understand why the sauna is harmful to your hair. High temperatures in a dry sauna, normally above 180°F (82°C), open up the cuticles of the hair. When the cuticles are opened, moisture evaporates and leaves the strands of hair dry and brittle. This may cause split ends, hair breakage, and color fading for people whose hair is colored if it continues without you protecting your hair against sauna heat.

How to Protect Your Hair in the Sauna

Saunas can be an excellent source of relaxation, but if a person is not actually careful, high heat and steam can give rise to damage. In addition to dehydration, one of the worst things that can happen to hair due to sauna use is split ends. But do not be alarmed as this can easily be prevented in several ways for keeping your tresses safe from the high heat of saunas.

1. Cover Your Hair

The easiest way to avoid hair damage in the sauna is by using some form of barrier. It protects your hair by acting like a cover from direct heat, which consequently prevents loss of moisture.

• Wear a cotton or linen hat: Wearing a cotton or linen lightweight hat that completely covers your hair will be a big help. Cotton or linen helps to absorb excess moisture and not excessive heat from building up.
• Towel usage: Wrap a damp towel around your hair to act as some kind of barrier. Its moisture acts like a cooling buffer, keeping your hair oiled and cool without drying it out.
• Use a sauna cap: Sauna caps, being made of wool or any other insulation, regulate the temperature around hair and scalp. These are particularly useful in the case of long-haired individuals.

2. Apply a Hair Oil or Conditioner Beforehand

Before taking the sauna, a protective product used on hair may yield astonishingly surprising results. Oils and conditioners lock the moisture in and protect your hair against heat and humidity. Knowing how to protect your hair in the sauna is key to maintaining its health and shine.

• Use natural oils: Smear natural oils on, such as coconut oil, argan oil, or jojoba oil. Natural oils are rich in nutrients that give a shine while locking moisture in the hair shaft.
• Opt for a leave-in conditioner: More lightweight, a leave-in conditioner can coat your hair and leave it moisturized. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends so your hair does not split at the ends.

Pro Tip: Use only just enough oil, since the heat will spread it around. You might end up with greasy hair.

3. Avoid Heat Styling Before and After

Hair is most fragile after exposure to high temperatures. To avoid this as much as possible, do not heat-style before or after your sauna visit unnecessary blow-drying or flat ironing.

• Skip the blow-dryer: On sauna days, do not use a blow-dryer for your hair. You can air dry it instead.
• No flat iron or curling iron: With high heat, dryness, and further damage may be encouraged, especially if your hair is vulnerable from the sauna itself.

Pro Tip: Use a heat protectant spray if you must style your hair, but make sure the heat settings are on low.

4. Keep Your Hair Moist

The secret on how to protect your hair in the sauna is ample moisture. It will help you avoid frizzy, dry, and brittle hair by keeping your hair moisturized.

• Wet your hair before entering: Take a shower or wet your hair thoroughly with cold water before heading into the sauna. Wet hair absorbs less steam; therefore, there is less of a chance for it to become overly dry.
• Cold water rinse after: When your session in the sauna is complete, cool water rinse for your hair. This way, it will close the cuticle, locking the moisture inside to avoid frizz.

5. Use a Post-Sauna Hair Mask

After the sauna, give your hair a nourishing treat. A good hair mask rejuvenates lost moisture, refining your strands.

• Apply a hydrating mask: Go for masks rich in keratin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. These ingredients help restore hydration and strength to the heat-damaged hair.
• Leave it on longer: Allow this mask to stay on for 15–20 minutes. Throw on a shower cap to trap the heat and really let this product seep in.

List of Do’s and Don’ts for Sauna Hair Care

The sauna does not necessarily have to be a hostile place for your hair. By following a few simple precautions, you can learn how to protect your hair in the sauna while still enjoying all its benefits without sacrificing strength or moisture.

Do’s

• Do cover your hair with a hat, towel, or sauna cap.
• Do apply a protective oil or conditioner before entering.
• Do wet your hair to prevent it from absorbing too much steam.
• Do rinse with cool water immediately after to close cuticles.
• Do use a nourishing mask post-sauna to restore moisture.

Don’ts

• Don’t enter with dry hair – it is more prone to damage.
• Don’t heat style before or after your sauna session.
• Don’t use harsh shampoos that can strip natural oils post-sauna.
• Don’t leave your hair unprotected in high heat for too long.
• Don’t ignore hydration – drink plenty of water to keep your scalp and hair hydrated.

Protecting Different Hair Types in the Sauna

Each of those hair types can act differently due to heat and humidity, and the one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it. Some experience extreme frizz and breakage with dry heat, while others may feel dull or a loss of moisture. In such situations, understanding your hair type following the steps on how to protect your hair in the sauna becomes very important to maintaining healthy, shiny, and strong hair.

Fine or Thin Hair

Fine hair does not have the thickness or the oil that provides a natural buffer, and as such, are particularly prone to heat damage. Make sure to use a light oil, such as grapeseed or jojoba oil, and set your temperature much lower at 150–160°F (65–71°C).

Thick or Coarse Hair

Thicker hair could take higher temperatures but still required protection against moisture loss. Richer oils such as coconut or argan oil can be applied. Using a moist towel or cap will also give further protection.

Color-Treated Hair

Color-treated hair becomes more porous and prone to fading. Consider deep conditioning masks before and after sauna to avoid color loss and to keep your hair vibrant. Try limiting your exposure to a sauna to 10–15 minutes to avoid the risk of fading.

Saunas are excellent both for your body and mind, but it takes some extra attention if you want to keep your hair healthy. By following the tips how to protect your hair in the sauna and making slight changes in your hair care routine, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of dry saunas and not lose anything. Remember: cap it, moisturize, and always finish with a restorative treatment.

Ready to make those sauna sessions hair-friendly? Try these out and keep that mane looking beautiful and strong no matter how often you hit the heat!

 

Want to unlock greater wellness?

Listen to our friends over at the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast to unlock your best self with Drew Canole of Organifi: