Summer has so many things to love: Warmer weather, longer days that include plenty of sunshine, planning fun vacations. But in the middle of all of that fun, finding that your hair is drier and harder to manage than usual in the summer is definitely a common issue that a lot of people run into. Don't worry, though βΒ there are ways to keep your hair healthy and strong, and many of them are cheap, if not totally free.
By starting a few healthy habits, like wearing sunscreen and drinking water, and changing up (or even eliminating) the kinds of products and tools you use to style your hair, you can make a huge difference in the way your hair looks and feels, even when the heat is threatening to ruin all your progress. Regardless of your hair type β or how it may have been damaged in the past β some of these hair tips and tricks can be real game changers.
Ready for a few changes in your hair routine to come out of this summer with your best locks ever? Here are hacks you should try to have gorgeous hair by fall.
Get Regular Trims
And by trims, we mean getting them done in a salon, by an actual professional β not in your kitchen (though if you're tight on money and time β it can work in a pinch, as we all learned in 2020). The pros recommend getting those split and dead ends trimmed off about every 12 weeks to keep your hair healthy.
Cut Back on Heat
It's already hot outside, so why make matters worse by adding heat inside? Sometimes, blow drying, curling, or flat-ironing your hair is a necessary evil, but during the summer months, try to limit those hair tools in your arsenal to occasional use βΒ and don't forget a heat protectant spray!
Wear a Hat
The best way to avoid your scalp and hair getting damaged by the sun (not to mention also getting dried out)? Limiting how often it's exposed, of course. This is the summer to embrace hats, whether that means a fabulous floppy beach hat or a more low-key baseball cap.
Reduce Chlorine Exposure
Harsh chemicals like chlorine aren't great for your hair, so if you're going swimming in a pool that uses it, it's probably best to keep your hair up. A messy bun should do it, but you can also consider using a swimming cap or wearing a hat in the water, too.
Don't Wash Hair Too Often
Though this will definitely depend on the type of hair you have, a good rule of thumb is to avoid daily hair washing if you can help it. Every other day (or less) is a good goal to shoot for if you haven't gotten too sweaty, and in between washings, dry shampoo is your friend!
Choose Ingredients Wisely
If you haven't already, now is a great time to read the back of your hair product bottles and find out what it is you're actually putting in your hair. It may help to avoid any products that contain parabens, sulfates, and silicones, as well as formaldehyde. The more gentle the ingredients, the better!
Take a Break From Dye
It can be hard to let your hair go natural (especially if you're trying to cover up those grays) but summer is a good time to take a break from dye and bleach, both of which can damage and dry out your hair even under the best conditions, let alone the hottest part of the year.
Buy a Good Hairbrush
Could your hairbrush be damaging your hair? It's a good time to find out! The best brush varies by hair type, and some of them can be downright expensive, like the pricy Mason Pearson brushes. But really, brushes made with boar bristles instead of plastics tend to be the best, and some of them are surprisingly affordable.
Take Cold Showers
At the end of a long day, there's nothing like a hot shower, but when it comes to the health of your hair, washing it in cold water can come with great benefits. Not only are you not adding more heat to it that could damage it, but using cool water can also make hair shinier.
Try Co-Washing
Co-washing is usually reserved for those of us who have curly hair, but it can make a big difference. Basically, it's washing your hair with just conditioner instead of shampoo a few times a week, which can help restore moisture to dried-out locks. It's worth a try!
Don't Forget Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn't just important to keep your skin from burning β it's also necessary to keep your hair and scalp from burning, too (and later, flaking, which isn't a great look). There are sunscreens specifically formulated for hair and scalps out there; it's just a matter of finding your favorite.
Use Leave-In Conditioner
If you've never tried leave-in conditioner or hair oil before, summer is the perfect time to start, especially if you're getting worried about your hair getting damaged and dried out from the sun. This can help lock moisture into your strands, allowing hair to grow strong and healthy.
Use a Silk Pillowcase
Hair breakage can happen while you're asleep, which means it's a good idea to use the right kind of pillowcase. A silk pillowcase isn't just good for keeping your hair healthy and smooth, though β it's also good for your skin. Remember to change the pillowcase frequently!
Let Hair Down
We get it βΒ in the summer, it's tempting to keep your hair up and in a ponytail at all times, especially if you're chasing after busy kiddos while it's so hot outside. But remember to give your hair a break from being on top of your head, too; it can help stave off damage that might be caused by your pony.
Wet Hair Before Swimming
If you're planning on swimming in a pool where chlorine is present, this is an easy hack to help protect your hair from chemical damage. Get your hair totally soaked with clean water before you dive in βΒ the water your hair has already absorbed will leave less room for the chlorine to absorb along with it.
Use a Hair Mask
Whether you choose to do a hair mask at the salon or in your own bathroom at home (even DIY-ing it with household ingredients), a hair mask can help keep your hair healthy and repair damage caused by the harsh summer sun. Plus, they usually smell pretty good, which is a bonus.
Get Rid of Green Hair
If you're blond, you may have noticed that your hair has taken on a green tint after swimming in a pool with chlorine. That's just a chemical reaction, though, and one that can be controlled β with a paste from water and baking soda, which are probably two things you already have at home.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated in the summer is a must β and it's not just for the health of your body and your skin, either. Proper hydration also leads to healthier, shinier hair, which is always a plus β and let's not pretend we're not all way thirstier during the summer anyway!
Use Clarifying Shampoo
Feeling like your hair has a lot of buildup from the products you've been using? This is a good time to try adding a good clarifying shampoo into your regular hair routine. Once or twice per week is all that it takes to help get your hair truly clean and healthy.
Calm Frizzy Hair
Depending on where you live, during the summer, the humidity outside can be out of control, leading your hair to be out of control, too. You can help tone down the frizziness by ditching your towel and instead drying your hair with a microfiber cloth or even a T-shirt after a shower instead.
