How to Protect Your Hair in Sauna

For many, the sauna is a sacred space of relaxation and renewal. But while the heat, steam, and rituals do wonders for body and mind, they can be demanding on your hair. High temperatures and repeated heat exposure can dry out the hair shaft, make it brittle, and strip away natural moisture. The good news? With the right care and products, your hair can thrive in sauna just as much as you do.

In this article, we’ll share the best tips on how to protect your hair in sauna and introduce the sauna/ing Hair Oil, your natural ally for sauna hair protection.


Why hair needs protection in sauna

Inside the sauna, temperatures range from 70–100°C. This sudden heat causes the hair’s cuticle (the protective outer layer) to open up, making strands more vulnerable to moisture loss and breakage. If you repeat this cycle often without protection, hair can become dry, frizzy, or weak.

Moisture is especially important for colored, chemically treated, or naturally dry hair, as they are more sensitive to sauna heat.


Simple steps for protecting your hair in sauna

  1. Rinse before you enter
    Lightly wetting your hair before sauna prevents it from absorbing too much dry heat.

  2. Braid or tie it up
    Keeping hair in a loose braid or bun reduces tangling and mechanical stress.

  3. Cover your hair
    A linen sauna hat or towel protects hair from direct heat.

  4. Use a natural sauna hair oil
    This is the most effective way to protect and nourish your hair while you enjoy the sauna.

sauna/ing Hair Oil, the spirit of Ruissalo

Our sauna hair oil was inspired by Ruissalo, an island of ancient oak forests and rocky shores outside Turku, where the sea meets the sauna. Much of our research and development has taken place at Ruissalo Sauna, during cold-water swims in the Archipelago Sea. From this setting of pure nature, our Sauna Hair Oil was born.

Key benefits in sauna:

  • Creates a natural protective layer on each strand, sealing in moisture during heat exposure

  • Infuses hair with nutrients and antioxidants from almond oil, golden kelp, and sunflower oil

  • Essential oils of pine, geranium, rosemary, and lavender calm the senses while strengthening the scalp

  • 100% natural ingredients, free from synthetic fragrance


How to use it for sauna hair protection:

  • Before entering the sauna, apply a few drops to the lengths and ends of damp hair.

  • Comb through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for even distribution.

  • Optionally, cover hair with a sauna hat or wrap in a towel.

  • After sauna, wash gently or leave the oil in overnight as a deep treatment.

From sauna ritual to self-care

Protecting your hair in sauna isn’t just about avoiding dryness, it’s about transforming your sauna session into a full-body ritual. With the right steps and products, your hair leaves the sauna as renewed as your body and spirit.

sauna/ing® Hair Oil invites you to let your hair flow freely, nourished by the forest’s calm strength. It’s not only protection, it’s a ritual of reconnection.

👉 Discover more about sauna/ing rituals and products in our shop.

 

Sauna Scents & Essential Oils