Between blazing sunshine, high humidity, salt water and chlorine, Bermuda summers can be unforgiving on hair. While many people focus on keeping their skin healthy during the warmer months, hairstylist Samaela Cannonier, owner of The Crowned Experience, says hair often gets overlooked until the damage is already done.

“The biggest challenge I see this time of year is moisture balance. People are washing more often because of the heat, but they're not always replacing the moisture they're losing,” she said.

One of the biggest misconceptions, she says, is that oil alone is enough to keep hair healthy.

“Most people think oil is a moisturiser, and it simply is not. Oil can lock in moisture, but it doesn't penetrate the hair shaft. It also needs to be washed out frequently because product build-up can eventually dry the hair out.”

Add in Bermuda's intense sunshine and the effects become even more noticeable.

“The sun can dry out your hair as well, so focusing on washing weekly and conditioning is really important. Clean hair grows faster and healthier.”

Summer doesn't have to mean sacrificing healthy hair, but Ms Cannonier says preparation makes all the difference.

For clients wearing their natural hair, she recommends incorporating a leave-in conditioner into their daily routine.

“A great leave-in conditioner introduces moisture to your hair every day and helps combat the dryness that comes from both the sun and humidity.”

And before heading to the beach or pool, she also recommends taking a few extra steps.

“If you're swimming, apply conditioner first and braid or twist your hair before getting into chlorine or salt water.”

That simple routine creates a protective barrier while also making hair much easier to manage afterwards.

“The conditioner helps block out some of the dryness from both types of water, and braiding or twisting makes it much easier to cleanse and detangle your hair once you get home.”

When it comes to choosing hairstyles for Bermuda summers, practicality doesn't have to come at the expense of style.

“I think braid styles are so popular because they're versatile and can be worn in so many different ways.”

For clients who prefer wearing their natural texture, Ms Cannonier says a classic wash-and-go remains one of the best options.

“I always recommend resetting your wash-and-go about twice a week to keep it looking fresh and moisturised.”

At The Crowned Experience, she also creates braid-outs and twist-outs for clients with natural, relaxed and chemically straightened hair, offering styles that are both low-maintenance and adaptable throughout the season.

While technique matters most, Ms Cannonier says a few key products can make summer haircare much easier.

For everyday moisture, she recommends Mizani Moisture Milk as a leave-in conditioner and Silicone Mix for a deep conditioning treatment.

For clients wearing silk presses, humidity protection is essential.

“Colour Wow is literally my favourite product for keeping humidity from ruining a press. You can layer it quite heavily for maximum results.”

Another recent favourite is Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil.

“It's very lightweight and works beautifully for locking in moisture after a flat press, wash-and-go or braid-out.”

Ultimately, Ms Cannonier believes healthy summer hair isn't about chasing trends, it's about creating a consistent routine.

Regular cleansing, deep conditioning, protecting hair before swimming and focusing on moisture rather than simply adding oils can help prevent many of the problems people experience during Bermuda's hottest months.

With the right routine, she says, your hair can thrive all summer long, even in the island's heat and humidity.