Scalp Wellness · 3 min read
Summer Hair Care: 5 Ways to Protect Your Hair
Five easy ways to keep your hair healthy in summer: less heat, deep conditioning, UV protection, gentle combing and rinsing.
By the Hair Solutions of Long Island specialists ·
The short answer
Limit heat styling, deep condition weekly, use UV-protective products, comb instead of brushing and rinse out chlorine or salt water after every swim.
Make Summer Easier on Your Hair
As Glenn Frey sang: The heat is on! Summer is here and you may be out and about more often. One of the challenges this time of the year is keeping your hair looking fabulous. Your hair is exposed to all kinds of damaging conditions throughout the summer season. So, what can help?
Less Heat
This is important! Reduce your amount of heat styling! Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, in addition to sun exposure, create high levels of damage or the potential for it.
Deep Condition
When shopping, look for products that address the areas of concern specific to your hair. Speaking with your stylist can help you know what to look for. This can differ from one person to the next. Deep conditioning it is an effective way to heal your hair. It restores the overall balance and boosts its shine and beauty.
Use Hair Products with UV Protection
Do you apply sunscreen to your skin? Of course you do! You probably do not go outside without it. Most people don’t think about UV damage to their hair. These days, most face makeup has and SPF factor in it. Did you know that you can find many fantastic and highly effective hair care products that include UV protection in them also? Using these products on your hair can help to protect your hair and your scalp from UV rays, one of the highest risks to your hair and scalp’s health. Have you ever had a sunburn on your scalp? Not only does it hurt but when it starts to peel, it looks like dandruff. Look for a leave in conditioner with UV protection and thermal protectants in it. Hats are also your BFF!
Comb Instead of Brush
Use a wide toothed comb and comb gently from the bottom up. Skipping the brush may be the best way to reduce damage. Remember, at this point, your hair is probably already damaged even if you have taken good care of it. Using a brush puts more stress on your hair and causes further damage. A comb reduces that risk significantly.
Rinse and Wash
After coming out of the water, whether it’s a pool or the ocean make sure to rinse your hair. Chlorine and salt water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and like straw. After a cooling dip or all out swim, rinse your hair with cool water. After that rinse wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo, condition and rinse well. Now it’s time to use your UV protection LEAVE IN conditioning spray again.
You can significantly improve the way your hair looks and feels by following those steps. The key is to focus on simple things that can reduce the intensity of damage to your hair. With a little bit of extra effort, and maybe a visit to your hair care professional, you can definitely see improvement all summer long and see less overall damage to your hair in the short and long term.
Frequently asked questions
Does chlorine damage hair?
Chlorine strips natural oils and can cause dryness and breakage. Wet hair with clean water before swimming.
Should I use heat protectant in summer?
Yes, every time you use hot tools.
