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As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it's time to revamp your hair care for summer to combat the damaging effects of the warm months. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the scorching sun, humidity, and chlorine from pool dips. But fear not! With the right hair care during the summer and a few expert tips, you can keep your locks looking luscious and healthy despite the heat.
Here is the perfect guide to acing hair care during the summer
1. Shield Your strands from the sun
Your hair, like your skin, is also susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV rays can leave your locks dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. To shield your strands from the sun's harmful effects, invest in a quality UV protection spray or serum. These products form a barrier around your hair, preventing UV rays from penetrating and causing damage. Before stepping out into the sun, spritz your hair generously with a UV protectant spray and reapply throughout the day, especially if you'll be spending extended periods outdoors.
2. Embrace protective hairstyles
Protective hairstyles are a lifesaver during the summer months, helping to shield your hair from environmental stressors while keeping you cool and stylish. Opt for updos, braids, or buns that keep your hair off your neck and away from the heat. Not only do these styles protect your strands from sun damage, but they also reduce friction and tangles, minimising breakage and split ends. Experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for your hair type and personal style, and don't be afraid to get creative!
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Summer heat can zap the moisture from your hair, leaving it parched and frizzy. One of the best hair care tips in the summer season is to simply hydrate your hair. Combat dryness by incorporating hydrating products into your routine for hair care during the summer. Opt for a moisturising shampoo and conditioner formulated to replenish lost moisture and restore vitality to your locks. Additionally, indulge in weekly deep conditioning treatments or hair masks to provide an extra boost of hydration. Look for products infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil to keep your hair soft, smooth, and manageable all summer long.
4. Minimise heat styling
While it's tempting to reach for your blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand to achieve your desired look, excessive heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair, especially in the summer heat. Heat styling tools can further dry out your strands, leading to increased damage and breakage. Instead, embrace your hair's natural texture and opt for heat-free styling techniques whenever possible. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to minimise heat exposure. If you must use heat styling tools, be sure to apply a heat protectant spray beforehand to reduce damage.
5. Rinse after swimming
Taking a dip in the pool is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat, but the chlorine and chemicals found in pool water can wreak havoc on your hair. To prevent chlorine buildup and minimise damage, rinse your hair with fresh water immediately after swimming. This helps to remove any chlorine residue and prevents it from stripping moisture from your strands. For added protection, consider wearing a swim cap to shield your hair from direct contact with pool water.
6. Trim regularly
Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair year-round, but they're especially important during the summer months. Exposure to the sun, heat, and environmental stressors can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and prone to split ends. Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to remove damaged ends and promote healthy growth. Not only will regular trims keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant, but they'll also prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft and causing further damage.
7. Nourish with homemade masks
Haircare for summer is incomplete without some extra love and nourishment with homemade hair masks. Using ingredients from your kitchen, you can create nourishing treatments to restore moisture and vitality to your locks. For dry or damaged hair, try a coconut oil and honey mask. Simply mix equal parts coconut oil and honey, apply it to your hair from roots to ends, and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. For oily or limp hair, a yoghurt and lemon mask can work wonders. Mix plain yoghurt with freshly squeezed lemon juice, apply it to your hair, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. These homemade masks are packed with nutrients and antioxidants to hydrate, strengthen, and revitalise your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and rejuvenated.
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