Summertime Hair Guide

Between the sun, sand, and sea, our hair goes through a rough period while summer is in full swing. The sun’s heat and rays damage hair, particularly chemically treated hair, and intensifies damage done by styling appliances. Getting hair wet with chlorine or saltwater and then drying hair in the sun takes another toll on summertime hair. Here are some tips to keep hair healthy throughout summertime fun.

1. Cover hair
   
   • Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from damage from direct sunlight. Another option is applying excessive conditioner to your hair before going into the sun and leaving it in all day, which will help the hair stay hydrated and nourished
   
   
2. Use hair masks weekly
   
   • Weekly nourishing hair masks can coax dried out summertime hair into good condition. For those with drier or thicker hair, be mindful to mask more often since the hair will drink up more of the mask. An easy, homemade mask can be made with avocados and 100% organic olive oil, which should be made into a paste and applied on hair for an hour before shampooing.
   
   
3. Swap to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner
   
   • Switch your usual shampoo and conditioner to a nourishing formula and finish the routine with a pea sized amount of hair oil or serum in the ends. This will work wonders on sun-parched locks. SPF shampoos and oil based conditioners can help maintain sleek hair for the summer. Always blot hair dry with a microfiber towel to avoid frizzing and breakage.
   
   
4. Opt for a healthy summer trim
   
   • Keep the ends of hair looking and feeling healthy with a fresh trim. While at the salon, consider a professional conditioning treatment as well as a way to keep hair as healthy as possible during the summer.
   
   
5. Protect hair from sea, sand, and sun
   
   • Before taking a dip in the pool or ocean, wash hair under cold water so that you’re limiting the amount of chlorinated or saltwater your hair can absorb. Afterward, smother hair with a moisturizing mask, and then top it off with a sun protective hair spray.
   
   
6. Avoid straighteners
   
   •In the summer, hair is already parched enough between humidity and sun damage. Adding heated tools into the mix intensifies that damage, so opt for natural styling techniques to add texture without heat.