How to Protect Your Hair in the Sauna: 7 Simple Tips
Hot, dry sauna air can leave hair feeling dry and frizzy. Seven simple habits, starting with a wool hat, to keep it looking good.
Quick answer
The simplest way to protect your hair in the sauna is to cover it with a thick wool sauna hat, which keeps the hottest air off your hair. Tie long hair up under the hat, avoid going in with freshly bleached or straightened hair, rinse with cool water afterwards and follow up with a conditioner.
Why sauna air affects hair
Sauna air is hot, and in a traditional dry sauna it's low in humidity between ladles of water. Many people find their hair feels drier, more frizzy or more brittle after regular sessions, especially if it's coloured, bleached or naturally dry.
7 tips to protect your hair
- Wear a thick wool sauna hat. It sits between your hair and the hottest air near the ceiling.
- Tie long hair up in a loose bun or plait and tuck it under the hat.
- Choose a hat that covers your ears and the back of your head.
- Skip fresh heat-styling before a session. Hair that's just been straightened or curled has already had a lot of heat.
- Try a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before your session if your hair is dry-prone.
- Rinse with cool water after your session to wash out sweat.
- Condition regularly if you sauna several times a week.
CALOR Merino Sauna Hat
3mm New Zealand merino, hand-felted
Shields your head and hair from the hottest air in the sauna. One size, four colours. Bundle 2–4 hats and save up to 20%.
With hat vs without
| No hat | With a wool sauna hat | |
|---|---|---|
| Hair exposed to hottest air | Yes | Covered |
| Ears & scalp | Exposed | Shaded |
| Long hair | Loose in the heat | Tucked away |
Is a sauna hat good for coloured hair?
If you've invested in colour, keeping direct heat off it is a sensible step. A wool hat covers most of your hair. Tie the lengths up underneath so they're covered too.
Frequently asked questions
Does the sauna damage your hair?
Hot, dry air can leave hair feeling dry or frizzy, especially if it's coloured or bleached. Covering it with a wool sauna hat and conditioning afterwards helps.
How do you protect long hair in a sauna?
Tie it up in a loose bun or plait and tuck it under a wool sauna hat so the lengths are covered.
Should I wash my hair after the sauna?
A cool rinse to remove sweat is a good idea. Follow with conditioner if your hair feels dry.
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