Scalp Wellness · 3 min read
Summer Hair Tips: Protect Your Hair from Sun & Heat
Simple summer hair care tips to protect thin or fragile hair from sun, heat, chlorine and humidity.
By the Hair Solutions of Long Island specialists ·
The short answer
To protect hair in summer, reduce heat styling, deep condition weekly, use UV-protective products, detangle with a wide-tooth comb and rinse out chlorine and salt water right after swimming.
Why Summer Is Hard on Hair
Summertime and while the livin’ may be easy, the heat is on! Isn’t it challenging to keep your hair looking fabulous in this weather? Your hair is exposed to all kinds of damaging conditions throughout the summer season.
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. Try some leave-in products that allow you to wash and wear. Many of them are also good for your hair!
Deep Condition
Look for products that address the areas of concern specific to your hair. Deep conditioning is a very effective way to heal your hair. It restores the overall balance and boosts its shine and beauty.
Use Hair Products with UV Protection
IMPORTANT! 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 an 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 flakes and leaves dry skin on your hair. Look for a leave-in conditioner with UV protection and thermal protectants in it. Hats are also your BFF and so cute!
Wide 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.
Maintain Healthy Hair All Summer
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.
Ask us about our healing scalp and hair treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Can the sun damage your scalp?
Yes. Thinning hair exposes more scalp to UV rays, so wear a hat or use a scalp-safe SPF spray.
How often should I deep condition in summer?
Once a week is ideal for most women, more often if you swim frequently.
