Sun, chlorine, and saltwater scream, “summer is here!” Sadly, the best parts of summer can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. But you don’t have to avoid pool parties and warm summer days at the lake to keep your hair looking and feeling as healthy as possible. Prevent hair damage by protecting your locks with these helpful tips:
Put down the hot tools
Blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons are known for causing hair damage, but these issues are only intensified during the hot summer months. Your hair already feels drier when the weather is hot and sunny, so adding extra heat to your moisture-deprived locks is a big no-no during summer. When possible, opt for low-heat hairstyles and let your hair dry naturally, without the help of hot styling tools.
Condition daily
As the weather starts heating up, you may notice that your conditioner isn’t working quite like it used to. While over-conditioning can leave your hair feeling greasy and heavy, a light coating of conditioner each day will keep moisture locked in. Not only does this keep your hair looking shiny, soft, and healthy, it also protects your mane from further sun damage, much like sunscreen protects your skin from harm.
Use an oil-based serum
No matter how hard you try to avoid hair damage during summer, there’s not much you can do to hide from the sun. To add extra protection throughout this hot, dry season, try an oil-based hair serum. Coat your hair with the serum before bed to give it enough time to soak in and work its magic overnight. When you wake up in the morning, your hair will feel softer and look shinier than ever before.
Try dry shampoo
Does your hair feel greasy and oily from using too many products? Don’t step into the shower just yet! To avoid drying out your locks, add dry shampoo into your hair care routine. This will help soak up extra oils without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Wear a hat
Perhaps the best way to protect your hair (and skin!) from sun damage is to cover it up altogether. A floppy sun hat or baseball cap creates a protective barrier against the sun and heat, so you don’t have to worry about your hair drying out during your day at the beach.
Rinse before entering a pool
There’s nothing worse than dealing with chlorine damage after a fun day at the pool, especially if you have fine, bleached, or color-treated hair. Fortunately, there’s a little-known solution that will completely save your hair before your next swim. First, rinse your hair with clean water, making sure each strand is wet. Next, work in a thin layer of conditioner to add a little extra protection and prevent the chlorine from penetrating your hair.