Summer is the season where it seems appropriate to take risks, be completely free, take a deep dive into the pool, enjoy the sun, and more. By all means, you should enjoy these summer activities, but not at the expense of your hair’s health. Keep in mind that just like your skin, your hair needs careful protection from the sun as well. The good news is, there are several ways to protect your hair in summer so that your beautiful locks maintain their health and shine during the warmest months of the year.
Cover Up
Whenever possible, it is highly recommended that you use a scarf, cap, or hat to cover your hair when you know you are going to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. This will protect your hair from the damaging UV rays of the sun as well as help you against dryness. You should be particularly mindful of this if your hair loses moisture easily or it is color-treated.
Tie Your Hair Up in Loose, Comfortable Styles
Putting your hair in tight hairstyles is not recommended in summer. This is because the tear and pull will likely cause damage. Loose, comfortable styles are the best during the summer season. Not to mention, they give you that natural “just out of bed” look. Try a loose ponytail, a soft braid with a hat, beach waves, or a messy bun. You can also use accessories to get creative and spice up the look.
Apply UV Protection
Sunlight is the enemy of hair, as UV rays of the sun can strip hair color and leave locks frazzled and weakened. So, it is recommended that you apply UV protection. During the summer, you wouldn’t skip sunscreen, so why leave your hair defenseless? A good quality UV protection will shield your hair against sun damage and free radicals while also imparting a pleasant tropical scent.
Reduce the Heat
Summer is already the hottest season of the year. Your hair doesn’t need any intense hot tools and blow drying on top of all that heat. So, stop going for your curling iron or flat iron. Also, it would be a good idea to give your blow-dryer a rest. The key here is to reduce the heat styling as much as possible. It is recommended that you let your hair dry naturally and then style it with a little bit of coconut oil. It will really help minimize the seasonal damage.
Wash Less Often
Avoid excessive hair washing as it can do two things. One, it can leave your hair frail and dry. Two, it can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to additional oil production and causing you to feel like you have greasy hair. It is recommended that you use dry shampoo so that you can extend your hair washing period a little longer.
Summer doesn’t need to be hard on your hair. Follow the above-listed tips and you will have beautiful, healthy hair throughout the summer season.
Photos by: Averie Woodard, Angelo Pantazis, Lindsay Mcgrath, Antonio Gabola, gratisography, Caspar Camille Rubin