It’s summer and that means frequent tips to the beach, dips in the pool and lots of sun exposure. Unfortunately the sun and environment can do a number on your hair and leave it dry and damaged. Here are a few tips to help keep your locks healthy during the summer.
Prep Your Hair Before Swimming
Chlorine is particularly damaging to hair due to its dehydrating properties and if you have highlights it can actually turn hair green. Prep your strands before going on a swim by soaking it with water or conditioner before you take a dive. This will act as a barrier between your hair and the pool water and ensures that your hair won’t absorb as much chlorine. Wear a swim cap for added protection. Rinse with a mix of apple cider vinegar and water post-swim in order to get the chlorine out.
Wash Less Often
Frequent washing can strip hair of its natural oils leading to dry and frizzy locks. Try to wash your hair just once or twice a week and use dry shampoo in between to keep your hair looking clean.
When you do shampoo, rinse with cold water and dry your tresses with an ionic hair dryer which uses infrared energy in order to dry hair from the inside out. This means your hair will dry faster without the damage.
Protect Your Hair From The Sun
Thinking about spending a long day at the beach? Protect your hair by using a hair product with UVA protection. This is particularly important if you have dyed hair as the sun can alter your color. Reapply the product throughout the day in order to achieve maximum protection. You can also wear a wide brimmed hat for even more coverage.
Smooth It Out
Hair is more prone to frizz during the summer due to humid conditions. Use a silicone smoothing cream to tame your locks. These products work by smoothing the hair’s cuticle and prevent hair from absorbing excess moisture. Apply a small amount to damp hair and massage it from your roots till the ends.
Opt For Natural Conditioners
Traditional conditioners are laden with chemicals and increase build-up on your hair. Opt for natural essential oils which can be used to create a DIY shampoo or a leave-in treatment.
Coconut oil makes for an excellent conditioner because it has the ability to penetrate deep into the hair’s follicle. Dissolve the coconut oil and apply it directly to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes for optimum results. Argan oil can be used used to restore moisture to dry and damaged hair. Apply a few drops to damp hair and comb it through your tresses..
Get A Trim
Get regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep hair in tip-top shape. Regular hair cuts are particularly important during the summer months when hair is more prone to damage. Trims are the only way to remove split ends and will keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Summer can wreak havoc on your hair but you can keep your hair looking as healthy as possible by following these tips.