It is no secret that hair is important in how you see yourself, and even how you present yourself to others. It’s often one of the very first things people notice about you when you walk into a room, and it’s even sacred in some cultures. But now it’s summertime!
While summer means fun in the sun and long beach days, it also means saltwater, heat, humidity, and chlorine, all of which can cause irreparable damage to your locks — leaving them dry, discolored, and damaged.
But fear not; this article will provide all the practical advice to summer-proof your hair all season long!
Understanding the effects of summer on hair
Hair, skin, and nails are all made of roughly the same material: keratin. Keratin is a protein, and like all proteins, there are optimal and suboptimal conditions for it to perform its functions properly.
Unfortunately, summertime combines many elements that negatively affect keratin and its structure. This mix often leads to hair that is dull, dry, and prone to breaking and losing color easily.
This section will specifically detail the effects of the summer elements on your hair, giving you a clue about what you’re up against.
Damage from the sun
The sun is arguably the number one reason people go out (or stay in) during the summer.
That being said, it is also the biggest culprit in causing the most damage to hair during those months. Excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and high temperatures can wreak havoc on your hair. The sun emits UV rays, which leads to hair protein loss and even color changes.
Additionally, the heat can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
This dryness causes split ends, frizz, and unhealthy, unmanageable hair. In fact, these UV rays are also responsible for all the tans and sunburns you get in the summer, which is to say that you should also be taking measures to protect your skin from the sun.
Read more: How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun: The Ultimate Guide
Impact of humidity and saltwater
Humidity can be your hair’s worst enemy. The moisture in the air can cause your hair’s outermost layer to swell, leading to frizz and loss of shape.
Salt water, on the other hand, can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time swimming in the ocean or pool.
The result of all this is dull hair, split ends, and ultimately, lots of frustration when dealing with it!
Tips for summer-proofing your hair
By understanding all the previously mentioned causes of summer hair damage, you can take proactive steps to address these issues and maintain healthy, vibrant hair throughout the season.
This next section will highlight some tips to prevent hair damage and even enhance its natural beauty and luster!
Use protective hair products
The sun is one of the most potent sources of damage to your hair and scalp in the summer.
Thus, scalp sunburns are a real threat, especially if you are continuously exposed. This is why sunscreens should be one of the mainstay tools in your arsenal to keep yourself protected.
That being said, did you know that just like sunscreens for your skin, there are similar products for your hair?
Although human hair already acts as natural sun protection, you should still take measures to ensure its continued health and longevity. Hair sunscreens typically come in the form of sprays or leave-in conditioners. These work by forming a protective barrier on your hair, shielding it from the sun’s damaging UV rays.
When choosing a hair sunscreen, look for products that suit your hair type, are specifically designed for hair protection, and contain UV filters. These products can help prevent dryness, breakage, and color fading caused by sun exposure.
Rinse and cleanse regularly
Summertime means swimming! Whether splashing around in a pool or catching waves at the beach, it’s important to remember that swimming can take a toll on your hair.
Swimming pools are often kept clean by a cocktail of noxious chemicals, such as chlorine. In fact, chlorine has been found to be damaging to the hair proteins and even causes hair bleaching when combined with the sun’s UV rays.
That is why you must rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water after a long day’s swim in the sea or the pool. Also, use a gentle shampoo to clear out any saltwater, sand, or chlorine that might have come in contact with it.
Hydrate and moisturize
To combat the myriad effects of sun exposure, humidity, saltwater, and dryness, keep your hair well-hydrated. Do deep cleanings with shampoos and conditioners after prolonged exposure to saltwater to revive your hair. This also prevents any breaks in your hair.
Unfortunately, most name-brand shampoos and conditioners contain tons of ingredients that ruin your hair in the long run.
Some of the ingredients that have been studied and found to be most harmful include:
- Sulfates. One of the most common shampoo ingredients, which often strips your hair of natural oils and causes dryness and irritation.
- Parabens. A preservative linked to hormonal disruption.
- Formaldehyde. A known allergen and carcinogen, often found in keratin treatments.
- Dimethicone. Prevents hair from getting moisturized and clogs your pores.
- Triclosan. Which was recently banned in the USA from being used in antimicrobial soaps.
Additionally, limit using heat-styling tools such as dryers and straightening irons. These tools often run hotter than 200℃, which causes extreme heat stress on your hair and leads to significant damage to your curls.
Wear protective hairstyles
Wearing your hair in certain styles could be preferable to ensure maximum protection from the sun. Some of the best and most shielding styles include:
- Top knot
- High ponytail
- Headscarf or bandana
Sometimes, the best hairstyle is no hairstyle at all; wear a hat! By wearing a wide-brimmed hat, you can protect your hair, face, and even your neck from the sun’s UV rays, all while looking stylish. It’s a win-win!
Trim regularly to prevent split ends
Regular trims are crucial for maintaining healthy hair, especially in summer.
Trimming away split ends prevents them from traveling further up the hair shaft, causing more damage. This keeps your hair looking fresh and vibrant and even promotes healthy growth.
By scheduling regular trims, you can ensure that your hair stays strong, resilient, and split end-free throughout the summer season.
It’s recommended to get a trim every 6-8 weeks during the summer to keep your hair in optimal condition.
In conclusion
Summer is either one of your most or least favorite seasons. But regardless of your inclination, there is no argument that summer conditions are some of the most stressful for keeping your mane healthy and lush.
By understanding how summer can negatively affect your hair and implementing the practices outlined in this article, you should now be more than capable of summer-proofing your hair, and staying stress-free in those months!
Take these proactive steps to enjoy the summer without sacrificing the beauty and health of your hair.
If you would like to see more resources on hair, check out the Longevity Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Longevity Science Labs today.
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