Hair care for sun and sea: oils and products in Sharm

Sun, salt water and pool chlorine can all leave hair dry, rough and brittle on holiday. A fresh-water rinse, a conditioner and a little hair oil can reduce the damage. In Sharm El Sheikh, Apteka Sharm stocks Emami 7 Oils in One and Lotus argan and coconut oils.

Our pharmacists speak English, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian, and can help you choose an oil for your hair type.

What sun, sea and pools do to hair

• Sun. UV rays can dry out hair, damage its outer layer and fade its colour. Hair can turn frizzy and brittle, with split ends. Light-coloured, thin or tightly coiled hair is affected most.
• Salt water. Sea water roughens the outer layer of the hair. Salt water is not harmful in itself. Repeated swims without rinsing, though, can leave hair dry, rough and prone to breakage. Coloured and bleached hair can fade faster.
• Chlorine. Pool chlorine strips the natural oils that protect hair, which can leave it dry, rough and dull. A green tint after swimming comes from minerals in the pool water, not from chlorine.

A simple routine for beach and pool days

1. Wet your hair with fresh water before you swim. Hair works like a sponge, so wet hair absorbs less salt or pool water.
2. Add a protective layer. Smooth a leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil over the lengths.
3. Cover up in the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf. Put sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on an exposed scalp or parting.
4. Wear a swim cap in the pool, especially if your hair is coloured.
5. Rinse straight after swimming, using fresh water.
6. Wash and condition. Use a gentle shampoo and a moisturising conditioner. If you swim often, a deep-conditioning treatment once a week can help.
7. Go easy on heat. Use low to medium settings on hair dryers and straighteners.

Ask us which shampoos and conditioners are in stock today.

Hair oils we stock

• Emami 7 Oils in One is a non-sticky hair oil. It blends argan, walnut, almond, coconut, amla, olive and jojoba oils. The maker says it has a mild fragrance.
• Lotus argan oil can be smoothed over dry ends. Read our argan oil guide.
• Lotus coconut oil can be used as a treatment before washing. Read our coconut oil guide.

Lotus oils are made by TNG, a cosmetics company founded in Egypt.

How to use a hair oil. Rub 1 or 2 drops between your palms and smooth them over the lengths and ends. Use less on fine hair, because too much oil can look greasy. For a deeper treatment, apply oil before washing, leave it on for a while, then shampoo.

Cosmetic use only. We sell hair oils for cosmetic use, not to treat hair loss or scalp problems. Test a new oil on the inside of your elbow for 7 to 10 days first. Keep oils away from your eyes and do not swallow them. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you start a new product.

Children’s hair

Children’s hair needs the same care after the sea or pool. Rinse it with fresh water and wash it with a gentle shampoo, such as Johnson’s baby shampoo. A hat protects the hair and scalp from the sun.

Ask our pharmacist before you use any oil on a baby or child. Keep bottles out of children’s reach.

Need help in Sharm?

WhatsApp us or call +20 120 344 2201 to check which hair oils are in stock. See all our Egyptian natural oils. We offer free hotel delivery on orders from $30.