While there are so many things to love about summer – like outdoor concerts and ice cream, for all the fun that summer brings – it unfortunately doesn’t bring the best things to our hair.
But since we’re sure not going to put our beach days on hold because of our hair – what’s a girl to do? Condition, moisturise and cover up, obviously.
Ahead, we’re sharing a few tips and tricks that will keep your hair in tip-top shape through sun, humidity, heat and of course too much time in the pool – AKA chlorine water.
1. Cover your hair
The best way to protect your hair from the scorching sun is to wear a hat. Not only does it provide UV protection, but it also reduces damage caused by wind and helps your scalp retain moisture. But if a hat is not to your liking, make sure you use a leave-in conditioner that has a good amount of sunscreen. However, be sure to wash your hair once you come back home.
2. Don’t forget to condition
To remedy that constant dry hair feeling, you may want to use a conditioner to help retain moisture in the strands. Apple cider vinegar diluted in water is a quick natural conditioner for when you’re going for a swim. You can also use some shea butter and coconut oil (be careful not to use too much) to smooth and moisturise your strands. The oil will give your hair a natural shine, and if your hair is wavy, it will create air-dried curls.
3. Avoid additional heat
Ditch the blow-dryer. The sun is already putting a lot of heat on your hair on a daily basis, so keep away from any additional heat as much you can. If possible, wash your hair half an hour earlier and give it enough time to air-dry. If you don’t love the look of air-dried hair, give yourself a blowout using the cool setting on your travel blow-dryer. Summer is definitely the best time to let go of sleek hairdos and embrace your loose, natural hair.
4. Go slow on shampooing
You should ideally try to minimise shampooing because it will only add insult to injury in the summer heat. Too much shampoo will not only dry your hair but your scalp too. If you sweat a lot and your hair becomes greasy, opt for a mild shampoo that is ideal for summer. Shampoo only your scalp, and not your hair. As you rinse, the soap will run down, cleaning your hair in the process.
5. Don’t over-wash
Avoid washing your hair too much during the summer. It strips your hair of natural oils, which in turn stimulates oil production, and makes you feel the need to wash and condition even more. Try rinsing it in the shower after a day at the beach and see if that gets rid of the extra oils. Otherwise, you should wash with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner after every few days.
6. Rinse before a swim
Everyone loves to hit the pool during summer. If you’re going for a swim, remember to wet your hair before you enter the pool. This way, your hair will already be soaked and will absorb significantly less chlorine. Once you’re done swimming, rinse your hair and use a shampoo that has ethylene tetra-acetic acid to get rid of any chlorine on your hair.
7. Get a trim
The likelihood of split ends forming in summer is higher. Split ends and dry hair don’t look good and are not healthy for your hair. Summer is the best time to go all out with a new hair cut, but if you don’t want a cut, you can opt for a trim to get rid of split ends and add vibrancy to your hair.
8. Tie your hair in a loose style
Summer heat makes your hair extra dry and frizzy. Protect your hair from becoming frizzy by tying it up in a loose and comfortable style. Keeping your hair in a loose style works wonders. Not only does it reduce sweating, but it also gives you an endless array of styles to rock – from braids to ponytails to knots, buns and updos.
9. Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush
Avoid brushing hair when it’s still wet, as this is the time when it’s most susceptible to breaking. Use a wide-toothed comb instead. It tends to be gentler when untangling hair, as brushes can pull and cut when they pass through strands.
10. Take lots of fluids
While you may have hacked all of the above in a bid to keep your hair in perfect condition, you’ll not be doing yourself any good if you aren’t taking lots of fluids. Your hair will benefit immensely from the extra fluids you take. So go for drinks that will keep you hydrated and healthy. Include fresh fruits and veges as well. This is the ultimate summer tip!
Final word
See how summer can wreak havoc on your hair? Hence, it’s important to take adequate measures to protect it when stepping outdoors. We have shared ten tips and tricks on how to keep hair healthy in summer. Do you have any more tips? Tell us in the comments section.
