SUMMER HAIR CARE – All you need to know

By Upasana Kakati May 31, 2023 7 min read

Summertime brings sunny days, beach outings, and outdoor adventures, but it also presents unique challenges for our hair. The combination of heat, humidity, exposure to the sun, and various outdoor activities can take a toll on our locks, leaving them dry, damaged, and lacking vitality. However, with the proper knowledge and care, you can ensure your hair stays healthy, vibrant, and protected all summer.

This comprehensive guide will explore all you need to know about summer hair care. From essential summer hair care tips to effective techniques, we will cover the key aspects of maintaining your hair's health and beauty during the warmer months. Whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair, these tips can be adapted to suit your specific hair type and needs.

We will delve into the importance of hydration and how it affects your body and your hair. Discover the role of moisturizing conditioners, leave-in treatments, and the benefits of drinking plenty of water to keep your summer hair care on point and hydrated.

Sun protection will be another crucial natural hair care tip in summer will be explored. You'll learn about the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays on your hair and practical ways to shield your locks, such as UV-protective hair products and fashionable hats that provide shade.

Reducing heat styling during the summer is liberating and beneficial for your hair's health. We'll discuss heatless styling techniques and provide tips on air-drying your hair to minimize damage and frizz.

Furthermore, we'll address the challenges posed by pool and beach environments. Chlorine and saltwater can wreak havoc on your hair, causing dryness and breakage. We'll provide adequate precautions and summer hair care pointers before and after swimming, including rinsing techniques and nourishing treatments to restore moisture.

By the end of this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of summer hair care and be equipped with the knowledge to keep your hair looking its best throughout the season. So confidently embrace the summer, knowing that your hair will remain healthy, vibrant, and protected against the elements.

WHAT IS THE BASIS BEHIND HAIR DAMAGE IN SUMMER?

Hair damage during the summer months can occur due to a combination of factors related to increased heat, sun exposure, and outdoor activities. Here are some fundamental causes of hair damage in summer:

Sun Exposure: The intense UV rays of the sun can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color fading. Prolonged sun exposure can weaken the hair's protein structure, resulting in breakage and frizz. Summer hair care becomes an essential part of our morning and evening routine.

Chlorine and Saltwater: Frequent swimming in chlorinated pools or salt water can cause significant hair damage. Chlorine strips away the natural oils that protect the hair, leaving it dry, porous, and prone to breakage. Saltwater can have a similar effect, dehydrating the hair and making it more vulnerable to damage. Natural hair care tips in summer include protecting your hair before diving in the pool to cool yourself off.

Heat and Humidity: Heat and high humidity levels can cause the hair cuticle to swell, resulting in frizz and loss of shine. Excessive sweating can also lead to scalp irritation and product buildup, weighing down the hair and making it appear greasy. Summertime hair care, if taken consciously, can be a source of healthy hair for longer.

Excessive Heat Styling: People often use heat-styling tools like flat and curling irons to achieve sleek or styled looks. Combining the hot temperatures and heat styling can further dehydrate the hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends.

Outdoor Activities: Engaging in outdoor activities during the summer, such as hiking, sports, or beach outings, can expose the hair to environmental elements like wind, dust, and pollutants. These factors can cause hair to become dull, tangled, and prone to damage.  

Improper Protection: Failing to protect the hair from the sun's UV rays and other damaging factors can exacerbate hair damage in summer. Not using UV-protective products, hats, or scarves can leave the hair vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental stressors.

SUMMER HAIR CARE TIPS!

Hydration is Key:

During the summer, keeping your hair hydrated is essential to prevent dryness and damage. Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration, reflecting on your hair's health. Additionally, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that provide deep hydration and nourishment to your locks. Finally, consider incorporating hydrating hair masks or leave-in treatments into your routine for an extra moisture boost. Hydration is the most essential summer hair care tip you can keep as a guidebook.

Protect from the Sun:

The sun's powerful UV rays can cause your natural summer hair to become dry, brittle, and lose its luster. Wear hats, scarves, or UV-protective hair products to shield your hair from the sun. In addition, look for leave-in conditioners or sprays that contain SPF to protect your strands. If you're planning to spend an extended time under the sun, consider using a wide-brimmed hat for added protection. These natural hair care pointers in summer are to be used regularly and shared generously amongst friends and family.

Minimize Heat Styling:

Give your hair a break from heat-styling tools during the summer. Excessive heat can further dry out your hair and lead to damage. Instead, embrace your natural hair texture and experiment with heatless hairstyles such as braids, buns, or beachy waves. If you need heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage and use them on low or medium heat settings.

Deep Conditioning:

Integrate deep conditioning treatments into your natural hair care tips in your summer routine to restore moisture and repair any damage caused by sun exposure, salt water, or chlorine. Choose a deep conditioner that suits your hair type and apply it once a week or as needed. Leave it on for the recommended time to allow the nutrients to penetrate deeply into your hair strands, leaving them soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Rinse Before Swimming:

Before dipping in the pool or ocean, cleanse your hair. This simple step helps to saturate your hair strands, preventing them from absorbing excessive chlorine or saltwater. As a result, wet hair is less likely to soak up damaging elements, keeping it healthier and more resistant to dryness. In addition, this simple summer hair care tip will eliminate multiple other hair-related issues.

Post-Swim Care:

After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove residual chlorine or saltwater. Next, apply a clarifying shampoo to eliminate buildup and restore your hair's natural pH balance. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and nourish your hair. Finally, consider using leave-in conditioners or oils for extra hydration and protection.

Tame Frizz with Anti-Frizz Products:

Humidity can cause frizz and unruly hair during the summer months. Combat frizz by using anti-frizz hair products such as serums, creams, or oils. These products work to smooth the hair cuticle and keep your strands manageable and frizz-free, summer hair care at its simplest and best.

Protective Hairstyles:

For simpler summer hair care, opt for protective hairstyles that keep your hair off your face and neck during hot summer days. Braids, ponytails, buns, or top knots not only help to keep you cool but also protect your hair from sun damage and prevent tangles and breakage.

Regular Trims:

Keep your hair healthy and free from split ends by scheduling regular trims. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks helps eliminate damaged ends and promotes healthier hair growth.

Maintain a Balanced Diet:

A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids benefits your hair's health. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet to nourish your hair from within.

So, in conclusion, to combat these issues, following a summer hair care routine that includes moisturizing products, sun protection, minimizing heat styling, and maintaining proper hydration is essential. In addition, using anti-frizz products, using heat protectant sprays, limiting the use of heat styling tools, opting for gentle shampoos and conditioners, protecting the hair from environmental elements, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive chemical treatments safeguard the hair from sun exposure with hats or scarves, and rinsing the hair with clean water before swimming can also help mitigate frizz and maintain healthier-looking hair throughout the summer. By adopting healthy natural hair care summer practices, you can keep your hair strong, shiny, and overall healthy.