Does Surfing Bleach Your Hair?

Yes! Surfing results in surfers having bleach blonde hair due to frequent sunlight exposure and salty sea water. 

I have surfed many summers resulting in my hair completing changing colour in the space of a week from light brown to white blonde!

The level of change in hair colour is different for each person.

Surfers with lighter hair will be more affected than those with darker brown or black hair.

This is because those with lighter hair posses a more sensitive pheomelanin.

Why Does Surfing Bleach Your Hair?

Surfing is enjoyed by many around the world, but did you know it can also impact the colour of your hair? 

The primary reason surfing bleaches hair is due to prolonged exposure to sunlight combined with the salt content in ocean water. 

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that break down the pigment in hair, resulting in lighter tones, while salt water can further accelerate this process by dehydrating the hair shaft and lifting the cuticle, making it more susceptible to colour change. 

Additionally, the abrasive action of salt water can roughen the hair surface, causing it to reflect more light and appear lighter in colour.

Does The Ocean Turn Your Blonde?

Yes, ocean water can indeed turn your hair blonde, especially if you spend a lot of time surfing or swimming in the sea. 

The combination of sunlight and salt water can gradually strip away the natural pigment in your hair, particularly for those with lighter hair colours such as blonde or light brown.

 Over time, exposure to these elements can lead to noticeable lightening of the hair, giving it a sun-kissed or bleached appearance.

How Long Does Surfing Bleach Your Hair?

The extent to which surfing bleaches your hair can vary depending on several factors, including the frequency and duration of exposure to sunlight and salt water, as well as the natural colour and condition of your hair. 

Generally, noticeable lightning effects may start to become apparent after just a few sessions of surfing, particularly if you spend prolonged periods in the water under the intense sun. 

However, the degree of bleaching can continue to progress over time with repeated exposure, resulting in increasingly lighter hair colour.

How To Prevent Your Hair From Bleaching?

So you know the answer to, does surfing bleach your hair and now you want to prevent it. While it's difficult to completely prevent your hair from lightening when surfing, there are several measures you can take to minimise the bleaching effects and protect your hair from the ocean.

Wearing a surf hood or a wide-brimmed hat while surfing can provide physical protection from both sunlight and salt water, helping to shield your hair from the elements. 

Additionally, applying a leave-in conditioner or hair oil before entering the water can create a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and minimise damage. 

After surfing, rinsing your hair with fresh water and using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner can help replenish lost moisture and maintain the health and integrity of your hair, reducing the extent of bleaching.

Does Surfing Bleach All Colours of Hair?

While surfing can lighten the colour of hair, the degree of bleaching can vary depending on the natural colour and pigmentation of your hair. 

Lighter hair colours, such as blonde or light brown, are more prone to noticeable bleaching due to their lower levels of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its colour. 

However, darker hair colours can also experience lightening effects, although they may not be as dramatic or apparent. 

Regardless of hair colour, prolonged exposure to sunlight and salt water while surfing can gradually strip away pigment and lighten the hair over time.

How Fast Does Surfing Bleach Your Hair?

The speed at which surfing bleaches your hair can depend on various factors, including the intensity of sunlight, the salt content of the water, and the frequency and duration of exposure. 

In some cases, noticeable lightning effects may become apparent after just a few sessions of surfing, particularly if you spend extended periods in the water under intense sunlight. 

However, the degree of bleaching can vary from person to person, with some individuals experiencing more rapid lightning than others. 

Generally, consistent exposure over time will lead to increasingly lighter hair colour.

How to Get Surfer Hair?

Achieving the coveted surfer hair look doesn't necessarily require hitting the waves, as you can recreate the style even if you're miles away from the beach. 

• Start by washing your hair with a salt-infused shampoo to add texture and volume, mimicking the effects of ocean water. 
• Next, let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to create natural-looking waves and texture. 
• For added dimension, consider using a sea salt spray or texturizing spray to enhance the tousled, beachy vibe. 
• Finally, tousle your hair with your fingers to achieve that effortlessly tousled surfer look.

What Happens When You Surf With Dyed Hair?

Surfing with dyed hair can potentially accelerate the fading process, particularly if your hair colour is not resistant to sunlight and salt water. 

The combination of UV rays from the sun and the salt content in ocean water can strip away the artificial pigment from dyed hair, causing it to fade more quickly than usual.

Summing It Up: What To Do Now

Now you know does surfing bleach your hair, you can decide if you want the surfer look or to cover up your air from the elements!

Ensure you protect your skin as well as your hair, as sun exposure for long periods can be damaging so always put on plenty of sun block!