Summer calls for long days sunbathing, beach vacations, and poolside lounging, but all this fun may come at the expense of your hair. Sun exposure, salty ocean water, or pool chemicals can damage the hair, causing it to become dry and brittle if you don’t take proper precautions. No matter your hair type – curly, wavy, or straight, thick or thin – it deserves to be taken care of this summer. Here are some of our best tips for having an enjoyable summer without sacrificing healthy hair!
Protect Your Hair from Sun
We’ve all heard about the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but many do not realize that your hair can also be susceptible. When the sun beats down on the hair and scalp for prolonged periods of time, it can weaken the hair shaft, causing it to become dry, brittle, and frizzy. If you color your hair, just like hot water, hot temperatures can prematurely fade colors or toners and have them looking bleak.
1. Use a UV Protective Product
Some leave in conditioners or sprays are made to have UV protective qualities. They may have sun filters which will provide a barrier between the hair shaft and the sun. When researching, look for products with ingredients like avobenzone, benzophenone, or botanical UV shields. Each of these are commonly used in sunscreens and other UV blocking treatments.
2. Cover Up
While sprays and conditioners can help, the best way to protect your hair from damaging UV rays is to shield it from the sun. When possible, wear hats or scarves over the scalp and hair. In addition to protecting the hair, it keeps the scalp from being burned, which can be very painful if it is severe. When you can’t cover, consider trying out protective hairstyles, like braids, that will shield parts of the hair from the sun’s rays.
Protect Your Hair From Saltwater
Saltwater can be a serious threat to healthy hair during the summer, so swimming in it should be done with extreme caution. Saltwater dehydrates hair severely. This makes the hair cuticles rough and forms knots and tangles that can feel impossible to comb out without the right tools and tips.
3. Dampen the Hair Before Taking a Dip
Wet hair has less capacity to absorb than dry hair does. This means that if the hair is damp when it comes in contact with the saltwater, it will absorb less salt. Rinse your hair in fresh, cool water before getting into the ocean when possible.
4. Apply Conditioner Prior to Swimming
Saltwater is notorious for creating unmanageable knots, which is why conditioning the hair prior to saltwater exposure is so important. Run a leave-in conditioner through damp hair before swimming to create a barrier between the hair shaft and the salt. You’ll thank yourself after, when post-ocean combing becomes easier than ever.
5. Rinse Hair Immediately After Contact
The longer saltwater sits in your hair, the longer it has to eat it away. As soon as you get out of the ocean, it is important to rinse, wash, and condition the hair thoroughly. In addition to being helpful for your hair, it’s also a great idea to wash saltwater off of your skin to prevent drying and dehydration.
Beware of Chlorine
Chlorine is great for keeping swimming pools fresh, but isn’t so great for your locks. Chlorine is a strong chemical known for stripping hair of its natural oils. When the hair gets stripped, it leads to dryness and a brittle feel. Excessive dryness can lead to dandruff or an overproduction of oil on the scalp. The chemicals in pools can be especially harmful to bleached or blonde hair, and can even turn it to a blue-green hue.
6. Don't Skip Rinsing and Conditioning
Just like with saltwater, rinsing and conditioning the hair prior to swimming in a pool is a must. Aside from providing a protective barrier, your hair will absorb less chlorine and will be easier to comb through when you get out.
7. Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoo is designed specifically to clear the hair and scalp from product and chemical buildup, making it perfect from eliminating chlorine. Find one that works well for your hair and use it as soon as you leave the pool, every time.
8. Consider a Swim Cap
We realize that a swim cap isn’t always the best look for a day lounging at the pool. However, if you swim in chlorine frequently, it might be your best option for protecting your hair. If the swim cap look is too daunting, try tying up your hair to keep it away from the water.
Be Kind to Your Hair
With all the fun that comes along with the summer season, it can be easy to push hair care aside. But with all the extra risks from heat, salt, and chemicals, it makes the perfect time to switch up your hair routine and up your game.
While taking proper precautions to protect your hair from the summer elements, any exposure can put stress on your hair. Hair masks and deep conditioning treatments are great for restoring both sine and strength to your hair that you may have lost while having too much fun in the sun. Some ingredients to look out for are argon oil, coconut oil, or aloe, as all have properties that will restore moisture to the hair shaft and keep it shining.
10. Minimize Heat Styling
Frequent styling with hot tools like flat irons or curling irons is never the best idea, but even more so if your hair is exposed to outdoor heat as well. If you do use these tools. try to keep them on a low-heat setting. Always use thermal protectant before styling to prevent breakage.
