Protect Your Hair in the Summer Heat
During the summertime, protecting your skin from the sun is constantly being preached about, but protecting your hair from the sun is just as important. Think of it this way; your hair has an outside layer of skin called the hair cuticle. Once this “outside layer” of skin is damaged, the inside of your hair does not perform the same when you go to style it. The sun rays beaming down on your scalp can cause sunburn and excessive dryness.
If the sun damages your hair, it can lead to dryness, causing your hair to be brittle and weathering. So, you’re probably wondering what there is to do to protect your hair from the powerful UV rays of the sun. Below we listed some tips to keep your hair healthy while you’re enjoying your time in the sun this summer.
Minimize Using Chemicals:
The summer heat and the sun are already drying your hair out and causing damage, so it would probably be best to minimize the use of chemicals in your hair. Dying your hair during the summer is typically not ideal because colored hair gets super dry when exposed to the sun and heat. If you want to change your hair color, try and think about doing it a few months before the weather starts heating up. Also, consider that it changes colors naturally and gets lighter when your hair is in the sun. Should you decide to color your hair in the summer, keep it hydrated with an excellent hydrating shampoo and conditioner.
Use a Conditioner
While you’re enjoying your time relaxing by the beach and by the pool, maybe you should consider using a conditioner that will moisturize your hair. Make sure that the conditioner that you choose is well suited for your hair type. Also, if you decide to go for a swim, be sure to use a leave-in that will protect your hair from the chlorine in the pool and saltwater in the ocean. Doing such a pre-treatment will give your hair the moisture it needs to be soft and manageable after your water fun.
Co-wash your Hair
During the summer, you may find yourself having to shampoo your hair more frequently, possibly because the bodies need to sweat in hot environments. To keep your hair from becoming too dry from more frequent shampoos, opt to use a co-wash in-between time. An effective co-wash allows you to gently cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping away its nutrients. A co-wash is also a great agent if you wear braids, wigs, or lace fronts that still require a cleansing of the scalp.
Deep Condition
Adding a deep conditioner to your wash day routine can help keep your hair hydrated after spending time in the sun. Deep conditioning weekly can repair damage from the sun while also making your hair stronger. For better results, apply a deep conditioner onto your hair with a plastic bag and relax under a hydration machine for 15 minutes for an intense penetration into your shaft. Hydration machines are a great way to ensure your hair and scalp receive the proper amount of moisture needed to keep your hair hydrated during the 90- and 100-degree dry summer heat.
Use Heat Wisely
If you can, let your hair air dry or try doing a heatless style to achieve the look you want, such as leaving it naturally curly or tossing it up into a loose bun. That is if you have time to air dry. Should you choose to continue with a style requiring heat, using the right products to protect your hair, such as a heat protectant, will help manage your tresses. It is recommended that once you blow-dry and style your hair with a heated styling tool, try to refrain from reapplying heat multiple times. Instead, soft wrap, pin-up, or even roll your hair with soft rollers to maintain your hairstyle.