The school summer holidays are in full swing, and with them comes the promise of sunny days and exciting adventures. However, while we revel in the warm weather, our hair can often suffer. Rising temperatures and humid conditions can make our hair more susceptible to damage, leading to frizz, dryness, and even breakage. But don’t worry! Experts at the beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha are here to help you protect your hair this summer with a comprehensive guide designed to keep your locks looking their best.
Avoid Daily Hair Washes
While it’s tempting to wash your hair after a long day in the sun, experts recommend resisting this urge. Daily washing strips your hair of its natural oils, making it drier and more prone to damage. Instead, aim to wash your hair every other day during the warmer months to allow your scalp to retain its natural moisture balance.
Don’t Skip the Conditioner
Hydration is essential for keeping your hair healthy during the summer. Warm weather can strip away your hair’s natural moisture, so conditioning becomes crucial. Experts recommend incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your routine to prevent dryness and breakage, leaving your hair feeling soft and hydrated.
Try Out a Hydrating Hair Mask
Hair masks are a powerful weapon in your summer hair care arsenal. Use a hydrating hair mask once a week to replenish moisture and combat dryness. Apply it generously from root to tip, focusing on your scalp, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. For very dehydrated hair, you can extend the application time to 10-15 minutes. However, avoid leaving a hair mask on overnight with wet hair as it can lead to an oily appearance.
Use Sun-Protecting Products
Just like your skin, your hair and scalp need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. A badly sunburned scalp can lead to headaches and nausea, so applying scalp sunscreen is a must when you’re working on your tan. Wearing a hat is another effective way to shield your hair and scalp from the sun’s damaging effects.
After-sun shampoo products are also essential for your summer hair care routine. These products contain UV filters that aid in rehydration after sun exposure. Consider adding a leave-in UV spray to your regimen as well, providing continuous protection against harmful UV rays.
Ditch the Straighteners
Heated styling tools like straighteners and curling irons can further stress your hair during the summer, exacerbating split ends and dryness. After a day in the sun, heated appliances can amplify sun damage, making natural styling techniques a better choice. Embrace your natural hair texture and let it shine!
Protect Your Hair Before Swimming
While a refreshing dip in the pool or ocean is a summer staple, chlorine and saltwater can wreak havoc on your hair. Saltwater can dry your hair out, while chlorine can lead to discoloration. To minimize damage, wash your hair in cool, fresh water before and after swimming. Pre-soaking your hair reduces the amount of chlorine or saltwater it absorbs. Applying fresh water immediately after swimming helps rehydrate your hair quickly. Additionally, consider using a conditioning hair spray after swimming to restore moisture and prevent split ends and breakage. You can even create your own conditioning spray at home by mixing fresh water with your favorite conditioner.
Invest in a Silk Pillowcase
As humidity rises, frizz can become a major issue. To combat frizz and keep your hair looking smooth and soft, experts recommend using a silk pillowcase at night. Silk absorbs less moisture than other materials, preventing your hair from becoming dehydrated and reducing friction that can cause breakage. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase also has the added benefit of being gentler on your skin, making it a worthwhile investment for the summer.
Prioritize Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health, including your hair’s health. Dehydration can lead to weak and brittle hair, so staying hydrated throughout the summer is essential. Combine drinking plenty of water with using hydrating hair care products to nourish your hair from the inside out.
By following these expert tips, you can protect your hair from the damaging effects of summer and maintain a healthy, vibrant mane all season long. So go ahead, enjoy the sunshine and let your hair shine!
