Our Best Summer Hair Care Tips
Summer is here, and that means more time outside soaking up the sun. While there is plenty of information circulating about protecting your skin, there is limited information about how to protect your hair. We've put together ten of our favorite tips to help protect your hair from damage and split ends!
1. Give your hair a styling break.
During the summer, your hair is exposed to high temperatures daily, so we recommend cutting back on whatever styling tools you use to give your locks a break. Because of the heat, air-drying shouldn't take as long. If styling is a must, it's essential to use a heat protecting spray.
2. Don't shampoo before you take a dip in a chlorine pool.
If your pool has chlorine, don't wash your hair before you take a dip. Chlorine is incredibly drying. It can lead to unnecessary breakage and your hair turning green. You don't want to deplete your hair of its natural oils, so when you get out of the pool, use a shampoo that contains ethylene tetra-acetic acid.
3. Wet hair before and after swimming.
While we are on the topic of swimming, we should mention it's critical to wet your hair prior to getting in the pool. Hair is very absorbent, so wetting your hair before you swim will essentially seal the strands so fewer chemicals are absorbed. We recommend showering before swimming or keeping a spray bottle in your tote. Then, immediately after your swim, shower with a clarifying shampoo to help remove buildup.
4. Get an extra trim.
Hair grows on average 1 inch a month. That means the tips are going to be dry and weak without proper maintenance. When you spend time in the sun, it removes moisture from your hair and creates an environment for the ends to split. An extra trip to the salon or barber this summer will do your hair a world of good.
5. Use special products if you dye your hair.
For anyone who colors their hair, take extra precautions in the summer to ensure the sun doesn't affect the chemicals in the hair dye. If it does, your color could fade and bring about a lot of unnecessary dryness. Look for products formulated specifically for color treated hair for the maximum protection.
6. Apply hair products with SPF.
SPF products aren't limited to skincare. There are also many hair care products available to protect your tresses. Our favorite is from Shiseido. It's a one-stop shop for all your SPF needs. Smartly designed to use on the face, body, and hair, this means you'll need to carry one less product in your beach tote.
Additionally, applying sunscreen to your locks means your scalp will get some much-needed coverage. The scalp is susceptible to burns and keeping it healthy means you don't have to worry about additional hair loss.
7. Apply a light hair mask for extra protection.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed with water is an excellent all-natural conditioner. If you want to specialize the treatment, you can add a tablespoon of coconut oil which provides the hair and scalp with extra moisture. Mix equal parts ACV, water, and coconut oil and apply liberally to the scalp and strands. Leave for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. Because the oil is thick, you might have to shampoo twice.
8. Wear a hat.
The sun’s rays are most intense during the summer months, so give your hair a break by tucking it under a hat. A hat is useful for shielding your hair from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
9. Limit the tight pony-tail.
Anyone who has longer hair, try to avoid tight ponytails or hairdos that could yank on the scalp. These types of hairstyles add unnecessary tension on the hair shaft, and if your hair is suffering from dryness, this will lead to a lot of damage. A loose braid works well because it keeps frizz under control without pulling on your locks.
10. Be gentle when combing your hair.
Use a wide tooth comb when detangling your hair. These combs are gentle on releasing knots and won't snag strands. Chlorine and salt water easily tangle thin, fine hair but using a wide tooth comb help keep it in tip-top shape.