It’s officially summer, and when the temperatures rise, there’s nothing more relaxing than going for a quick swim in the pool and getting some sun in your cutest outfit. Unfortunately, summer weather can really take its toll on your hair. The hot sun, humid air, and not to mention chlorine or even salt water, are just a few reasons why our hair needs a little TLC during the summer season. Not sure what is best for your locks? Today I am sharing the top summer hair tips that I have shared with my personal hair clients over the years.
Cover It, or Get It Wet!
Planning on going swimming? If you will be having fun in the sun in a chlorine pool or the ocean, the best thing for your hair is to use a swim cap. With that being said, I also know that it is highly unlikely that you will do that. So, the next best thing? Saturate your hair completely with fresh water prior to jumping in. Why? Your hair is like a sponge and can only absorb so much. If you get it wet, less chlorine and salt can absorb in. Chlorine can strip off natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Regular exposure to chlorine can make your hair highly porous and can change the color of your hair. It can weaken your hair strands, resulting in split ends. Salt water can dehydrate your hair and scalp, leaving it feeling dry, brittle, and frizzy. This is because salt water draws out moisture from your hair and scalp. Salt water can cause damage to the hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of your hair. This damage can lead to split ends, breakage, and frizz.
Clarify Your Hair
Speaking of chlorine and salt water. After your swim, it’s crucial to wash your hair as soon as possible. It’s best to choose a clarifying shampoo to help remove any impurities, pollution, daily grit, and excess sebum that may have accumulated during your pool day. It’s important to choose a clarifying shampoo that is gentle and won’t strip your hair’s natural oils.
Exfoliate Your Scalp
Exfoliating your scalp can help, especially in harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or heat, when your scalp is the driest, it is important to do what you can to keep it healthy. If you see flakes coming from it, they are probably not dandruff. They are the dead skin cells falling off. My advice to my clients is always a healthy scalp produces healthy hair.
Deep Condition
Summer is a great time to get in the habit of consistently using a deep conditioner. Deep conditioners are specially formulated to put a high concentration of just the right ingredients to help put moisture back into your hair. Especially after a long day in the sun, beach, or after a clarifying shampoo. They will also help fight frizz and flyaways.
Pro Tip: When showering, wash your hair and make sure to wring as much water out as possible. Work deep conditioner from the ends up to the scalp. Clip hair up and try to leave on as long as possible to allow the conditioner to do its job. For best results, rinse with tepid water. Find a deep conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down, and use a couple times a week.
Be Gentle
Avoid extra tugging by combing your hair with your fingers while in the shower with the conditioner on. This will also help distribute the deep conditioner from the ends, slowly working up the strands toward the roots. If tangles resist, add a little more conditioner to that section and begin detangling at a lower point closer to the ends of the hair and work gradually up toward the roots. Some heads of hair will tolerate brushing generally for straighter and thinner hair types, while other heads of hair respond better to detangling while dripping wet with plenty of conditioner usually, for curlier and wavier hair. Whichever method, a gentle hand is suitable for all.
Use A Heat Protectant
Not only does a good heat protectant protect your hair from hot tools like flat irons and curling Roda, it can also protect your hair from the elements summer weather brings. A plus, is the right one can even help with frizz control along with flyaways. This is probably the best time to mention that the more you can limit intense heat on your locks, the better. Give your hair a rest and if you have an opportunity to let it air dry, take it!
Wear A Hat
There are so many reasons why you should wear a hat especially if you will be in the sun. Not only does it help shield your face from the damaging UVA & UVB rays, but it also helps protect your hair. Keeping your hair covered will prevent your hair color from fading as well as the moisture from evaporating. There are so many cute options out there, so you can look stylish too!
Get a Trim
Getting regular trims can help avoid split ends and keep your hair healthy and strong. Make sure you consult with your hairstylist, and ask how often they recommend you should get a trim.
