How to Keep Your Hair Beautiful in the Summer

Summer is a time for lounging by the pool, relaxing with a good book on the beach, or indulging in outdoor sports. But the hot weather can also wreak havoc on your hair. Luckily, with a little preparation and a few helpful tips, you can tame your tresses while enjoying all of the perks of summer.

Excessive heat and exposure to direct sunlight dries out your hair, giving it a straw-like texture, and inhibits its natural ability to retain moisture. In addition, UV rays from the sun can cause your hair color to fade, while also creating dry, damaged hair, as well as split ends.

To combat the effects of heat and sun exposure, be sure to use a moisturizing hair mask at least once a week. Hair also needs some protection against UV rays. There are a myriad of leave-in products with SPF to protect your hair. These products not only keep hair moisturized, they also prevent your color from fading in the sun. Take a break from your straightener, blow dryer, and curling iron during the summer months and try working with your natural texture. A beach wave or texture-enhancing spray can work wonders and give you a sexy, tousled look.

While heat is a major threat to the health of your hair, it's the humidity that can be extremely frustrating. Dry hair soaks up moisture from any source available, including the air. The moisture can then cause the strands to swell, which creates frizz. Women with thin, fine hair in particular may find that their styles fall flat and lifeless due to the humidity. Those with thicker hair, or curly hair, can experience unmanageable frizz in humid weather.

To fight humidity, keep your hair type in mind. If your hair falls flat in humid weather, switch to a shampoo and conditioner for fine hair to avoid weighing down your strands. Use a volumizing spray at your roots. For a midday touch up, spray a dry shampoo on your roots only. The dry shampoo adds texture and gives limp hair a shot of volume. If your hair tends to frizz, defy the fuzz with a silicone-based serum. If the frizz returns throughout the day, use a smoothing cream or even a dollop of hand lotion. For curls, be sure to use a frizz fighting gel before scrunching, as this will act as a barrier against the humidity.

Another summertime culprit is the act of swimming in the ocean or pool. The salt water and/or pool chemicals can dry out your hair, strip it of color, and even turn blond hair a greenish hue. Hair is like a sponge and will absorb the salt and chlorine from the water. To battle the effects of a hot weather swimming session, always rinse your hair with clean, fresh water before swimming. This will ensure that your hair absorbs the fresh water and doesn't retain as much of the salt or pool water. To keep hair soft and supple, apply a conditioner to your hair prior to swimming, and then pull it back into a bun. As soon as you are able, wash it with a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup and prevent your hair from turning brassy or green.


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