Summer Hair Guide: How to Protect and Detangle Tangled Hair
by Maja Reinholdsson on Jun 09, 2026
Let us introduce Summer Edition 2026 — handpicked summer favourites together with our new Detangling Comb, made in Torekov and launched in this summer's colour: coral pink. Summer Edition is made for hair that is exposed to sun, saltwater, chlorine and all of summer's adventures. Three ready-made bundles, a new comb and everything you need for softer, more moisturised and less tangled summer hair.
Why does hair need extra care in summer?
Just like skin needs protection from the sun, hair needs its own care. Sun, saltwater and chlorine dry out the hair, make it more tangled and harder to detangle. UV rays break down the hair's structure and make the strands porous and frizzy.
Chlorine is one of the most common problems for hair in summer. It oxidises and dissolves the hair's natural oils, opens the cuticle and leaves hair dry, brittle and dull. A study published in the Journal of Dermatology compared the hair of 67 professional swimmers with 54 non-swimmers and showed that regular chlorine exposure makes hair drier and coarser.
This applies to all hair types that spend a lot of time in the pool, at the beach or out in the sun. And there are simple ways to protect your hair.
How to protect your hair in summer guide
Wet your hair before jumping in the pool
Hair works like a sponge. Dry hair absorbs chlorine and saltwater immediately. Research shows that wetting your hair with fresh water before jumping in the pool means the hair absorbs significantly less chlorine — it is already filled with clean water and has a harder time taking in more. A simple step that makes a big difference.
Protect with a cap, sun hat or scarf
The simplest and most effective protection for hair and scalp against the sun is physical protection. A cap, sun hat or scarf protects against UV rays and keeps the scalp cool. Children often have thinner hair and a more sensitive scalp and burn more easily — a cap with neck protection is especially good for the youngest ones.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner as protection
A leave-in conditioner applied before swimming creates a protective layer that helps keep chlorine out of the hair strands. Rufs Leave-In Conditioner is fragrance-free, lightweight and does not weigh the hair down.
Braid, put your hair up — or wear a swim cap
A loose braid or bun during swimming reduces how much of the hair is directly exposed to chlorine and saltwater. For afro-textured and curly hair a swim cap is an especially good option — research shows that a well-fitted swim cap can reduce chlorine absorption by up to 70 percent. Choose one with a soft interior that does not pull on the hair.
Rinse your hair immediately after swimming
The longer chlorine and salt stay in the hair the more they penetrate. Rinse your hair in fresh water as soon as possible after swimming — ideally right at the pool if there is a shower nearby.
Our new Detangling Comb — Limited Summer Edition
Our new Detangling Comb is designed to help detangle hair gently and make it easier to distribute products through the hair. For best results use it on damp hair together with conditioner, Leave-In Conditioner or Detangler. Perfect after the pool, beach or shower when hair needs a little extra help detangling.
The comb suits all rufs — from straight hair to curls, waves and afro-textured hair. The very smallest tangles may still need fingers, a little patience and plenty of Detangler or Leave-In. And yes, it works just as well hanging in the shower as it does tucked into a beach bag.
Step 1: Wash away salt and chlorine
After a day at the pool or the beach, hair benefits from being cleansed and moisturised. Salt and chlorine leave residue in the hair that over time makes it drier and harder to manage.
The Tangled Hair Kit contains shampoo, conditioner, Detangler and Leave-In Conditioner that help cleanse hair from salt and chlorine while moisturising and making it easier to detangle.
Tip: Rinse your hair in fresh water immediately after the pool or beach — it reduces how much salt and chlorine the hair has time to absorb.
Step 2: Detangle gently
Wet hair is at its most vulnerable — and that is especially true in summer when hair is already stressed by sun and water.
Apply Detangler or Leave-In Conditioner and then gently work through the hair with the Detangling Comb. Detangler helps provide slip when hair feels tangled, while Leave-In Conditioner helps moisturise the hair and keep it softer between washes.
Tip: Always start at the ends and work your way up.
Step 3: Moisturise
Sun, saltwater and chlorine can make hair drier than usual — just like skin needs moisture after a day in the sun, hair needs its hydration too.
Leave-In Conditioner helps moisturise the hair without weighing it down and suits all hair types. For hair that easily gets tangled we recommend combining Leave-In Conditioner with Detangler.
Tip: Avoid brushing hair when it is dry — dry hair is more vulnerable to damage. Apply Leave-In to damp hair and let it air dry when possible.
Step 4: Define your curls
If you have curls or waves, Curl Defining Cream can help hair find its shape again after the pool or beach. Apply to damp hair for best results. The result is defined curls with movement and less risk of hair tangling between washes.
Tip: Put hair in a loose braid, bun och cap during swimming — it reduces how much salt and chlorine the curls absorb and keeps the shape for longer.
For curls and waves that need cleansing, moisturising and definition after summer swimming the Wash & Curl Trio + comb is the perfect kit.
The trio contains shampoo, conditioner and Curl Defining Cream — a simple routine that helps curls feel soft, moisturised and defined
Which Summer Edition suits you?
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Complete Tangled Hair Kit + Detangling Comb: For hair that easily gets dry, tangled or needs extra moisture.
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Detangler & Leave-In + Detangling Comb: For those who want a simple routine for less tangles and more moisture.
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Wash & Curl Trio + Detangling Comb: For curls and waves that need cleansing, moisturising and definition after summer swimming.
Made for kids, loved by all — for every hair type that needs a little extra moisture this summer.
Whether your hair is curly, wavy or straight it deserves a little extra care in summer — just like your skin. Wet your hair before jumping in, rinse off immediately after and moisturise with Leave-In. A cap or sun hat protects against UV rays. Rufs Summer Edition takes care of the rest. Un~comb~plicate your summer 💚




