Sun, Salt & Strands: How to Keep Your Hair Happy All Summer
- 1. Why Summer Hair Care Is Important
- 2. Hydration Is Everything: Moisturize Like You Mean It
- 3. Protect Your Hair from UV Damage
- 4. Rinse Before and After Swimming
- 5. Embrace Heat-Free Styling (Your Hair Will Thank You)
- 6. Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day
- 7. Trim It. Yes, Really.
- 8. Eat (and Drink) for Better Hair
- Final Thoughts: Summer Hair Care Is About Protection
1. Why Summer Hair Care Is Important
Summer’s great. Beach days, sunshine, pool parties, road trips. But while you’re out soaking up the good vibes, your hair is getting roasted—literally. UV rays, saltwater, chlorine, sweat, and dry air all gang up to turn your silky strands into straw. It’s not just frizz and dryness, either. Breakage, color fading, oiliness at the roots, and even sunburned scalps come into play.
Taking care of your hair in summer isn’t just about looking good—it’s about keeping your hair healthy, protected, and manageable all season long.
2. Hydration Is Everything: Moisturize Like You Mean It
Your hair gets thirsty in the summer, just like you do. Between sun, heat, and swimming, it loses moisture fast. That means you need to load up on hydration.
- Use a deep conditioner weekly. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, or glycerin.
- Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Skip the heavy clarifiers unless you’re dealing with serious buildup.
- Leave-in conditioners are your summer BFF. They create a barrier against heat and keep your hair soft and detangled.
Bonus: spritzing a water-based hydrating mist mid-day can refresh dry curls or ends on the go.
3. Protect Your Hair from UV Damage
Yes, your hair needs sunscreen too. The sun’s UV rays degrade your hair’s protein structure (especially if it’s color-treated), leaving it brittle, faded, and weak.
- Wear a hat or scarf. A wide-brimmed hat not only shields your scalp and strands, but looks effortlessly cool too.
- Use UV-protectant hair products. These come in sprays, creams, and even serums. Look for ones labeled with “UV filters” or “sun shield.”
- Avoid peak sun hours (10am–4pm). Not just for your skin—your hair benefits too.
Don’t forget your scalp. If it’s exposed (think part lines or thinning hair), apply a non-greasy SPF or wear protective gear.
4. Rinse Before and After Swimming
Pool chlorine and salty ocean water are no joke. They strip your hair of natural oils, weaken the cuticle, and even cause discoloration (hello, green-tinted blondes).
- Soak your hair with fresh water before you dive in. This helps prevent it from absorbing as much chlorine or salt.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner pre-swim. It acts like a barrier and keeps your hair hydrated.
- Rinse immediately after swimming. Don’t let the chemicals or salt sit in your hair.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week. It’ll detox your hair without over-drying it (just don’t use it daily).
If you’re a regular swimmer, invest in a good-quality swim cap. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
5. Embrace Heat-Free Styling (Your Hair Will Thank You)
Your hair’s already dealing with heat from the sun. Adding curling irons, flat irons, or blow dryers is overkill.
- Air-dry whenever possible. Try a towel wrap or plop your curls to cut frizz.
- Opt for protective hairstyles. Braids, buns, twists, and ponytails reduce sun exposure and minimize damage.
- Use heat-free styling tools. Foam rollers, overnight braids, or scrunching gels can give you waves without the damage.
- If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray. Every. Single. Time.
Summer is a great time to lean into your natural texture. Wavy, curly, straight—let it live.
6. Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day
Washing daily might feel good when it’s hot out, but it can strip your scalp’s natural oils and lead to even more oil production. It’s a vicious cycle.
- Stick to 2–3 washes a week, max.
- Use dry shampoo in between. Not just for oil control—it adds volume and texture too.
- Scalp feeling gross? Try a scalp rinse with apple cider vinegar (diluted) to refresh without a full wash.
Washing less helps maintain your hair’s natural barrier—and it saves time.
7. Trim It. Yes, Really.
Sun damage + split ends = disaster. Keeping your ends trimmed prevents breakage from traveling up the shaft.
- Get a trim every 6–8 weeks during summer. Even a dusting helps.
- If your ends feel like straw, try sealing them with a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan oil.
Don’t try to “save” fried ends with product. If they’re gone, they’re gone—better to cut and keep the rest healthy.
8. Eat (and Drink) for Better Hair
Hydration and nutrition affect your hair big time. Dehydration shows up in brittle strands, and a lack of nutrients can stunt growth or dull your shine.
- Drink tons of water. Aim for 8–10 glasses a day, more if you’re sweating a lot.
- Eat hair-healthy foods. Spinach, avocado, nuts, seeds, and berries are essential for hair health.
- Consider supplements if needed. Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E — ask your doc before jumping in.
Healthy hair starts inside, not just with your products.
Final Thoughts: Summer Hair Care Is About Protection
Summer doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your hair’s health. With a little intention—hydration, sun protection, smart styling—you can enjoy the season without the frizz, breakage, or burnout. Whether you’re hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or just dealing with city heat, these tips will keep your hair strong, smooth, and ready for whatever summer throws your way.
Treat your hair like you treat your skin: protect it, nourish it, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Your future self (and your hair ends) will thank you.
