Summer is a time for fun in the sun, beach trips, and outdoor adventures. However, the increased exposure to sun, heat, humidity, and chlorine can cause your hair to become dull, dry, and brittle. These tips will help you keep your hair healthy all summer long.
Protect Your Hair from UV Rays
You know your skin needs protection from the sun, but did you know your hair needs to be shielded from harmful UV rays? Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dryness, brittleness, and even fading of color-treated hair. Fortunately, you can take action to protect your hair from the sun. They include:
- Wear a head covering – A hat or scarf puts a physical protective layer between your hair and the sun.
- Hair products with UV protection – Certain hair products, such as conditioners, sprays, and serums, offer a UV protective layer from the sun.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight – Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during peak sun hours.
Ensure Adequate Hydration
The intense summer heat and outside activities can lead to dehydration, affecting not only your body but your hair. Here are the best ways to keep your hair hydrated and nourished.
- Drink plenty of water – Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is the general recommendation. However, you may need to drink more depending on your level of activity.
- Choose moisturizing hair products – Opt for shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products that add moisture. It is advisable to choose products that have ingredients such as aloe vera and glycerin.
- Create a deep conditioning regimen – Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your weekly routine.
Minimize the Use of Heat
Using excessive heat to style your hair can further damage hair that’s already stressed by the summer sun. Minimize the use of heat on your hair, or better yet, eliminate it altogether. Choosing heat-free styles and letting your hair air dry is the best way to go. However, if this is not an option, be sure to apply a moisturizing heat protectant first.
Rinse Hair Before and After Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can strip the natural oils from your hair, which leaves it dry and more likely to break. To minimize the damage caused by swimming pools and the ocean, try these tips.
- Rinse your hair before swimming - Soaking your hair before allows the strands to absorb fresh water that hydrates and nourishes your hair rather than chlorinated and saltwater that will further dry out your hair.
- Rinse your hair after swimming and apply a leave-in conditioner – After you are finished swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean, fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Schedule Regular Trims
Keeping your hair trimmed is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy head of hair. Untrimmed hair tends to dry out and cause split ends. Scheduling trims with your hair stylist every 6-8 weeks will reduce split ends, remove damaged ends, and keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
What if The Damage Is More Than Summertime Heat?
Summertime can be a challenging season to maintain healthy hair, but with the proper steps, you can keep your hair nourished and looking its best all season long. However, if you are experiencing hair loss or feel that there’s more going on than the summer heat, it is time to seek help from a professional hair restoration studio.
New Look Institute is San Jose’s most trusted hair restoration studio. Our certified hair stylists are dedicated to understanding the cause of your hair loss and walking you through hair loss solutions based on your unique situation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation!
