The summer season is full of fun: Beaches, swimming and lots of sunshine. It is also a great time to try out a new playful and sexy summer hairstyle. Unfortunately, summer is also hard on your hair. The combination of saltwater, chlorine and UV exposure can leave your locks dried out, frizzy and dull.
Just like your skin, your hair needs extra protection during the hot summer months to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here are 7 ways to protect your hair and keep it healthy and shiny all summer long.
1. Sunscreen: It’s not just for your skin!
Of course you know how important it is to protect your skin from those harmful UV rays. But did you know that your hair is also vulnerable?
The sun’s UV rays erode the cuticle, and break down melanin pigment. The result is dry, brittle hair and particularly for hair that has been color-treated a brassy tint. It is important to protect your hair from the sun, so you should consider wearing a hat, or using products that contain SPF protection.
2. Get a trim
Start summer off by getting a good trim. Getting rid of split ends will make your hair look better, and is a preventative measure that will keep them from getting worse.
3. Avoid the heat
In addition to the heat of summer, styling with a flat iron or a blow dryer can also do damage. Give your hair a break and let it air dry. There are quite a few hairstyles that don’t require you to blow dry or straighten, such as braids and up-do’s that are perfect for summer.
4. Protect your hair when swimming
Chlorine and other chemicals are damaging to your hair, and salt water sucks the moisture right out of your strands. Before taking a dip, get your hair wet and apply some leave-in conditioner. This will reduce the amount of chlorine or salt that your hair will absorb. When you are done, rinse your hair right away with fresh water.
5. Use a chlorine-removing shampoo
If you spend a lot of time in the pool, over exposure to chlorine is inevitable. If you have blonde hair, you may even get that not-so-attractive greenish tinge to your hair. There are shampoo products that are specifically made to remove the chlorine from your hair.
6. Avoid products that contain alcohol
If your favorite hairstyles require product, try to use ones that don’t contain alcohol. These types of products are damaging to hair year-round, but particularly so in the summer time.
7. Keep your hair moisturized to avoid frizz
You may want to switch to a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner during the summer months to help keep your hair soft and shiny. Conditioning treatments and leave-in treatments may also be good.
Aside from all that, be sure to stay hydrated and remember that your diet plays a major role in the health of your hair. Following these tips will help keep your summer hair looking beautiful all season long.