Summer is approaching and with it comes different hair care routines. Between exposure to heat, chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and bug spray – your hair can go through a lot. Spending more attention on your locks will keep them healthy all summer long and prevent the damage that can occur during the hotter months. Some of the most common issues are frizz from humidity, sun damage, and oily roots.
Sun damage
UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause damage to your hair after prolonged sun exposure. Your hair cuticle or the outside cover of a strand of hair – is the part most affected. According to dermatologist Wilma Bergfeld, MD, “Sun damage can come in the forms of discoloration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness,”. In addition, for those with color-treated hair; the sun can fade or discolor your hair. The lighter your hair the more damage will occur like hair breakage. Some ways to protect your hair from the sun include:
Wear a sunhat
The easiest way to protect your hair is to wear a hat or head covering like a scarf to protect your locks from direct sunlight which can be damaging. Your hair can become dry and brittle from the sunlight. Another tip is to apply conditioner to your hair just before spending time outside – this will help your hair stay moisturized and nourished. Choose a sun hat that provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
Use a swim cap
The chlorine in the pool can intensify the damage the sun does. Wearing a swim cap can help to keep you protected.
Use hair sunscreen
Certain hair products contain SPF which can help to shield your hair from the sun
Control the oil
When it is hot, your body produces sweat, and when you sweat on your head – it causes oily roots. Over time, this can lead to oil build-up and inflammation. There are a few ways to get rid of oily hair:
- Use dry shampoo, this can help dry some of the oil
- Deep condition – coconut oil can help lift the oil off of the roots and hydrate your scalp
- Apple cider vinegar – a long known home remedy – using apple cider vinegar diluted with water can help remove the buildup of products, balance the scalp pH, and decrease frizz
- Wash your hair when you are most likely to sweat the most – like on a really hot day or after an intense workout
- Witch hazel is another traditional remedy for oily hair. Witch hazel helps with pH imbalance, oil-producing pores, itchy scalp, and inflammation.
- Hair mask with honey – this can help your scalp by preventing and/or treating dandruff. Research shows that honey can also reduce dermatitis of your scalp and dandruff.
- Let it free – If your hair is constantly tied up, your hair will look and feel greasier. Try to leave your hair out for a few days after washing it
Protect your natural hair
Natural hair needs extra care in the summer to keep your hair healthy. Moisture is important but too much is not good either and can lead to frizz.
- Live in an arid climate or a humid one? Dry air will leach the moisture from your hair – use and oil to hydrate it. Moist air will cause volume or your hair to frizz. Different hair textures and styles will react differently in humidity – so find what works for you.
- Oil your hair before swimming so the salt water and chlorine won’t absorb into your strands and cause your hair to dry out. Wearing your hair in twists while swimming can help reduce the amount of water absorbed. Always rinse your hair off after swimming.
- Conditioner – condition your hair with leave-in conditioner and deep conditioner
- Protect – use UV protectant spray, shield it from sunshine with a scarf or sun hat, and avoid the sunniest time of day
Swimming – salt water and chlorine damage
Your dip in the ocean or pool may feel refreshing but your hair may not think so. Saltwater and chlorine can cause dry and brittle hair. The best steps are to rinse thoroughly after swimming and deep condition with products that contain shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Chlorine is in swimming pools to keep bacteria away from the swimmers and keep the pool clean. It doesn’t protect your hair though and in fact damages it. Chlorine can cause chemical reactions and change your hair's natural color, weaken your hair, cause split ends, and irritate your scalp. Some people discover that swimming can also turn your hair green! This is caused by copper that has been oxidized by the chlorine in the water. A few ways to protect your hair from chlorine include wetting your hair first, wearing a swim cap, use a leave-in conditioner before your swim and apply oil to your hair under a swim cap.
Saltwater also damages your hair and causes dryness as well as tangling. Because seawater is so high in concentrated salt, the salt removes the moisture from hair. Seawater can cause split ends and breakage to hair that is color dyed. The good news is salt water can be helpful by resolving dandruff and removing hair products and oil build-up. Always rinse your hair after swimming in the sea.
Frizz - your hair without hydration
The humidity increases in the summer and so does your frizz. While it may be impossible to remove it, you can help to keep your hair healthier and less likely to break. It is amazing how dry your hair can get when there is too much humidity in the air.
- Avoid brushing or washing your hair as often – which can dry out your hair and increase frizz.
- Moisturize – every product you use in the summer should be hydrating and moisturizing from your shampoo to your hair styling products. When your hair is moisturized you are locking moisture into the hair shaft.
- Cold lock it in – use cold water to rinse your hair out and your hair will block out humidity
- Self-care – in addition to your face mask – add a hair mask, you can even sleep with some overnight. This will hydrate your hair deeply and protect it from humidity
- Use your towel gently – By twisting it or blotting it instead of rubbing it – you can reduce frizz. Also, a microfiber towel will help to keep the frizz at bay.
- Lock moisture in with hair serum – this can help protect the hair shaft from damage
Healthy hair with summer foods
Did you know you can help protect your hair from summer damage with foods? Seasonal summer foods can also help give you the nutrients your hair needs to keep it healthy, strong, and shiny.
Oils
Coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil help hydrate your body including your hair. Add some to your coffee, drizzle it over salads, and use it in your cooking.
Fish and oysters
Fish including salmon and oysters are full of omega-3 fatty acids which help your hair cells repair and renew.
Kiwis
These green beauties are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which help your hair follicles function better
Blueberries
Blueberries are great for your hair because the chemicals inside stimulate hair follicles and growth. They can benefit your hair by using them topically or just eating them.
Watermelon
A popular summer fruit, the watermelon helps your hair from flaking and keeps your hair shiny and strong with Vitamin A which supports collagen cell function.
Tomatoes
All the lycopene in tomatoes helps to protect your hair from damage. Tomatoes also contain vitamins A, B, C, and E which all benefit your hair. Deficiencies of many vitamins can also cause hair loss. Tomatoes nourish your hair and scalp, boost hair growth, hydrate your hair, and help your hair to shine.
Leafy greens
Greens found in summer salads like spinach, swiss chard, collard greens, and kale are high in iron, which helps your hair follicles
Lentils
These legumes aren’t only delicious – they contain biotin which is important for healthy hair
3 best supplements for hair
Biotin
A B vitamin, biotin is water-soluble and supports hair growth, along with skin and nails. This is because it helps break down the fats and carbohydrates in your body. When you are deficient in biotin your hair can become weak and hair loss can occur.
Keratin
Keratin is the protein that makes up your hair, nails, and skin. People who use keratin often find their hair is smoother, less frizzy, and has added volume.
Collagen
The most abundant protein in your body is collagen, this is because it makes up your skin – the largest organ in your body – along with your tendons and ligaments. Collagen helps to build keratin because it contains an amino acid called proline. Proline is the main component of keratin. Collagen also helps fight damage to the hair follicles by fighting free radicals. Hair thinning caused by aging can also be helped by collagen by helping the skin on the scalp where hair grows.
