How to Keep Your Hair Healthy This Summer

After months of chilly weather, all the fun in the sun that summer brings is finally here. Sun-kissed days filled with outdoor activities can make summer a magical time. While summer brings plenty of good times, it also brings conditions that can damage your hair. By taking a few precautions, you can be confident that your hair will remain healthy and vibrant throughout the summer.

Start Summer With a Trim

Regular haircuts are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Starting your summer with a trim will eliminate split ends, reduce breakage, make your hair easier to manage, and give you a fresh look.

Typically, trimming your hair every six to eight weeks will keep it looking and feeling healthy. However, your hair grows faster in summer because most strands are in the anagen growth phase than in winter, so you might even need another trim before the summer ends.

Protect Your Locks From the Sun

We're often cautioned about protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays. But did you know that the sun can also damage your hair? UV rays can cause your color to fade and dry out your hair, leaving your strands brittle and easily broken.

A hat or scarf is a simple and effective way to shield your locks from direct sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat will protect not only your hair but also your neck, scalp, and ears. If you're not a fan of hats, try wrapping your hair in a scarf made of a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton or silk. A scarf will offer complete protection for your hair and is a great way to add a fashion element to your summer attire.

You can also protect your luscious locks with hair care products that contain UV filters. Products that protect your hair from the sun are available in various easy-to-apply formulas, or you can simply run your hands gently through your hair after you've applied sunscreen to your face or hands.

Saturate Your Hair Before Swimming

There's nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than beating the summer heat with a dip in the ocean or pool. But before you take the plunge, remember that saltwater and pool chemicals can damage your hair. They remove moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to further damage.

If you plan on spending little time in the water, protecting your hair may be as simple as not going underwater or wearing a swim cap to keep it dry. However, if you're an avid swimmer and love being in the water, it's vital to take additional steps to protect your scalp and hair.

Regardless of how often you swim, you should always saturate your hair with fresh, clean water before you dive in. Your hair is porous, so soaking it in clean water before swimming minimizes the amount of saltwater or chlorinated water it can absorb. It's also essential to thoroughly rinse your hair after swimming to wash away any salt or chemical residue, and it's a good habit to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner after every swim.

Use a Moisturizing Shampoo and Deep Conditioning Treatments

Along with swimming, the sweat and grime of other summer activities may have you washing your hair more often during the summer months. All that extra washing combined with the summer heat can leave your hair dry and frizzy.

To combat this, switch to a moisturizing shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment once a week. A hair conditioning treatment containing natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and honey will nourish and hydrate your hair.