Sun Care, Hydration & Cooling Treatments: Summer Skin Care Every Beauty Professional Should Know

Summer brings vacations, outdoor events, and plenty of sunshine—but it also brings increased risks for the skin, scalp, and even color-treated hair. While most clients think about protecting their face from the sun, few realize that their scalp, hair color, and overall hydration are just as important.

During a recent ANHC PRO Health & Wellness LIVE session, licensed cosmetologist and certified health and wellness coach Deeana Tate reminded beauty professionals that sun care isn't just a health conversation—it's also an opportunity to provide better client education and better salon services.

The Sun Is Affecting More Than Your Skin

Many people associate sun damage with beach days, but everyday activities expose clients to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

As Deeana explained:

"The scalp is one of the most sun-exposed areas, and it's often the most forgotten."

Clients may not even realize they're developing scalp damage because sunburn doesn't always cause immediate discomfort. This becomes especially important after color services, bleaching, chemical treatments, or shaving, when the scalp is significantly more sensitive to UV exposure.

Understanding UVA vs. UVB Rays

One of the simplest ways beauty professionals can educate clients is by explaining the difference between the two types of ultraviolet rays.

UVA rays

• Penetrate deeply into the skin

• Contribute to wrinkles and premature aging

• Fade hair color

• Are present year-round—even through windows

UVB rays

• Cause sunburn

• Are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Damage the outer layer of the skin

• Increase the risk of skin cancer

Knowing this difference helps explain why sunscreen is important even on cloudy days or when clients spend most of their time indoors near windows.

SPF Doesn't Mean What Most People Think

Many clients assume higher SPF means complete protection. In reality:

• SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays.

• SPF 30 blocks about 97%.

• SPF 50 blocks about 98%.

No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation.

Deeana recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 for everyday protection because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with SPF 50+ being appropriate for extended outdoor activities or clients with very fair skin.

Don't Forget the Scalp

Hair provides some natural protection, but not enough for everyone.

Clients with:

• fine hair,

• visible parts,

• thinning hair,

• shaved areas, or

• freshly colored hair

are particularly vulnerable to scalp sunburn.

One of Deeana's practical recommendations is introducing clients to SPF scalp sprays or powders, which provide protection without disturbing a finished hairstyle. Wide-brim hats also offer excellent coverage for clients spending long periods outdoors.

Hydration Is Skin Protection

Hydration isn't just about comfort—it's part of the body's natural defense system.

As Deeana explained, dehydrated skin loses moisture more quickly in the sun and takes longer to recover after UV exposure.

She encourages clients to:

• drink plenty of water throughout the day,

• moisturize morning and evening,

• replenish fluids after prolonged sun exposure.

She also recommends ingredients that help the skin retain and restore moisture, including:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Aloe vera

• Glycerin

• Ceramides

• Vitamin B5 (panthenol)

• Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier while calming irritation after sun exposure.

Cooling Treatments That Actually Help

When clients experience sunburn, it's important to rely on treatments supported by evidence rather than home remedies.

Deeana recommends:

• Cool (not ice-cold) showers or compresses

• Refrigerated pure aloe vera gel

• Fragrance-free moisturizers

• Plenty of water

• Ibuprofen when appropriate to reduce inflammation

She cautions against common myths like applying butter, toothpaste, vinegar, or ice directly to sunburned skin, as these can increase irritation or delay healing.

Sun Care Creates Retail Opportunities

One of the most valuable takeaways from Deeana's presentation is that sun care naturally extends salon services.

After color appointments, stylists can recommend products that help preserve color vibrancy while protecting hair from UV damage.

Following blowouts or styling services, UV-protective leave-in sprays can help clients maintain their style longer while outdoors.

She also suggested creating simple summer retail displays featuring products such as:

• SPF scalp sprays

• UV hair protection mists

• Aloe vera gel

• After-sun moisturizers

During the live discussion, Deeana explained that even a simple pop-up display near the reception area can start conversations that naturally lead to education and retail sales.

"Education and the knowledge begins to be transferred from the beauty professional to the client because then you begin to explain why these products are here and how they can help them."

Beauty Professionals Are Trusted Advisors

Clients don't simply come to salons for great hair—they come for trusted advice.

As Elaine Truesdale observed during the discussion, clients are especially receptive to recommendations that protect the investment they've already made in services like hair color.

Helping clients understand how UV exposure affects both their scalp health and hair color positions beauty professionals as knowledgeable experts rather than simply service providers.

About Deeana Tate

With nearly two decades as a licensed cosmetologist, Deeana Tate combines beauty expertise with evidence-based wellness education.

She is:

• Founder and President of Eat Well to Live Well, a nonprofit promoting healthy eating and wellness

• A Certified Health & Wellness Coach

• Author of You Yes You: Comprehensive Self-Care for the Everyday Busy Lifestyle

• Author of Adash Delights, a healthy cooking cookbook

Her Health & Wellness LIVE sessions help beauty professionals better understand the connection between wellness, skin health, and professional beauty services, giving them practical knowledge they can immediately apply with clients.

Continue Learning with ANHC PRO

Healthy clients start with informed beauty professionals. ANHC PRO's Club LIVE sessions give members exclusive access to expert-led discussions that connect wellness, business, and professional beauty.

LIVE stands for Learn, Inspire, Value, and Engage—helping members gain practical knowledge, exchange ideas, and grow alongside a community committed to elevating the beauty profession.

Become an ANHC PRO member to unlock Club LIVE sessions and other exclusive resources designed to help you build your knowledge, strengthen your business, and better serve your clients.