If you style or dye your hair often, you know how damaging such treatments can be. Because your hair is a protein, just like your skin and nails, it’s especially susceptible to the effects of heat. Heating elements like straighteners, curling irons and even hair dryers can all damage the hair follicles and cuticles through excessive drying.
The sun’s rays are also worth avoiding. Although we tend to hear of how UV rays can be damaging to skin, your hair is also at risk. Exposing your hair to the sun regularly can cause it to become dry and brittle while making its luxurious color fade.
Summer hair and skincare should be the same: wear SPF even if you’re not going to be in direct sunlight or outdoors for long. In addition, if you’re spending time outside, you should wear protective clothing such as hats.
Preventive Measures
If you want to make sure that your hair stays in good condition despite the heat and sun of summer, it’s important to take a few precautionary steps in cleaning, conditioning and treating your hair.
SPF is a great way to protect your tresses in the summertime; there are some products marketed exclusively for hair application, but regular sunscreen can protect your hair as well while playing in the sun.
If you do choose to use some sort of hair sunscreen, you will have to use a clarifying rinse treatment at least once a week to remove product buildup, which can leave your hair limp and oily.
Since the sun can dry out your hair, it’s necessary to give it excessive moisture during the summer months. Shampooing can strip the hair of natural oils that protect the hair follicles and keep it looking smooth and soft. Though you’ll be eschewing shampoo, you definitely should not scrimp on conditioner.
Try washing your hair every other day, every three days or once or twice a week, depending on your hair texture and level of oiliness. Use a dry shampoo product between washes to keep your hair fresh without having to wash it daily.
Be sure to apply conditioner generously and work it through your hair each time you shower, whether you shampoo it first or not. If you’ll be swimming, coat your locks in leave-in conditioner. This will protect your hair from the pool chemicals that eliminate the hair’s natural, nourishing oils.
Natural Styling
Natural hair is the best way to style your locks to minimize damage from heat-styling tools, and thankfully this style is in! An easy way to achieve it is by braiding your damp hair before bedtime—you’ll wake up with gorgeous beach-inspired waves.
However, you may still prefer to curl and blow out your mane, in which case you should use an ample amount of heat protective styling product.
Whether styling naturally or with hair tools, always apply extra after-shower moisturizer to your hair during the summer. Essential oils, from coconut oil and almond oil to moroccan oil, can be used sparingly to great effect. These are also beneficial if you need to fight frizz that can occur with humid weather.
Diet and Healthy Hair
As always, it’s important to have a good diet to keep looking and feeling your best. Keep your hair healthy by filling your diet with omega-3 fats, found in foods such as chia seeds and salmon.
These thicken your hair by improving its natural keratin protein and elastin structures. Iron-rich foods, such as spinach and figs, are also essential to eat regularly. A lack of iron is a common cause of hair thinning, so if you want to keep your tresses strong, make sure you get enough of this crucial nutrient in your diet.
Also make sure to visit your hairstylist throughout the summer (and year!). Most hairstylists recommend getting a haircut every six to eight weeks. Don’t stress the process—you only need to trim the ends every couple of months to keep your mane free of split ends and looking shiny and healthy.How to get your hair perfectly ready for the hot summer.
A good idea is to get a haircut when summer starts and perhaps again during the season. This is important because your hair grows quicker during summer (another reason to love the hot months!), so a trim will prevent dry ends while making your hair more manageable.
Summer is time of fun in the sun, but you don’t want your hair to pay the price. Follow the above tips to get your best head of hair this summer! Go on and treat your mane to some extra love while you treat yourself to the summer sun.
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