Summer is here, which means more time outside!

Protecting your skin is common sense, but have you thought about your hair?

Everyone has different hair types – curly, straight, colored, frizzy, etc. And different scalp types – oily, dry, etc. But no matter your type, there are similar things to consider for protection.

Here are some tips for beautiful summer hair. 

• Just a Little Bit Off the Ends: Did you schedule your yearly short summer cut? Great! That will definitely help keep your hair manageable and healthy. If long locks are the plan, consider a trim to avoid split ends. The hot summer sun can dry your hair, making it easier to damage.
• Cover It: Protect your hair and scalp from the UV rays by wearing a hat or scarf. Does your hair become a tangled mess in the wind? Covering your hair will help the transition from a day at the beach to a night dancing in a club.
• Sunscreen: Keep your hair healthy from UV rays by using an SPF sunscreen. No worries if you forget your leave-in sunscreen at home, just run any leftover sunscreen from your body through your hair. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your part line.
• Minimize Chlorine Damage: The pool is open! Does your hair get a free green coloring from the chlorine? Nobody wants that. Before jumping into the deep end, use tap water on your hair. Hair that is already saturated with water is less likely to absorb the swimming pool chemicals.
• Save the Shampooing for Another Day: Do you feel that even though you wash your hair every day, it still seems oily? Is it a never-ending battle? That’s because too much shampooing can strip the scalp of its natural oils. And since our bodies protect themselves, our scalps produce more oil to compensate for the dryness. Instead of washing your hair every day:
  • Rinse with water
  • Try dry shampoo
  • Use conditioner every day
  • Sprinkle baby talcum powder on your scalp and hair – use a wide-tooth comb to gently comb it through your hair 
• Always Condition: Skipping the everyday shampooing is suggested, but keep your hair healthy with daily conditioning. Dry, brittle hair is easier to damage. A deep conditioning treatment once a week is ideal to:
  • Treat and repair damaged hair
  • Hydrate and moisturize your hair and scalp
  • Lessen split-ends and hair breakage
• Less Heat, Lusher Hair: Does your hair feel dryer in the summer? The natural sunlight is adding a lot more heat to your hair. Tone down blow drying and flat ironing. Use alternative hairstyles, such as:
  • Updos
  • Get some beach waves by spritzing salt spray on your towel-dried hair – squeeze out the excess water don’t rub
  • Braid damp hair and once it’s dry unbraid for a wavy look
• Lose the Brush: Would you best describe your hair as a ‘pouf’ in the summer? In the dictionary, would a picture of your summer hair be next to the word, ‘frizz’? If so, avoid brushing your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to prevent frizz.
• Wear it Loose: When your hair is pulled tight, it can break easier, especially if it’s dry. Wear your hair down or pull it up in a loose updo to keep it off your face and neck.
• Hydrate and Eat Healthy Food: Water is the key to life – including healthy hair. Drinking water hydrates your hair and scalp. Of course, your hair will benefit from eating healthy food, too.

There is no need to purchase expensive hair products if your hair could use some assistance. Many natural DIY home treatments can help your hair during the summer. So get ready to have some fun in the sun without worrying about sacrificing your hair.