Summer Tips for Healthy Hair

Hey there, gorgeous! Did you know that just like your skincare, you may need to switch up your routine for your hair care in the summer as well? The scorching heat, humidity, and UV rays can wreak havoc on our luscious locks. But don’t fear, I’ve got some fantastic, SIMPLE, tips to help you protect your hair and keep it looking fabulous all summer long. To help me with this blog, I went to my amazing stylist, Lindsay Keranen, owner of Birch & Co Salon. So grab a refreshing drink, sit back, and let’s dive into this hair-saving conversation!

Moisturize Your Locks!

Make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and a moisturizing, deep conditioner. Keeping moisture in your hair is critical, especially in the summer when we are outside more often. Lindsay says that if you are someone who works outdoors and spends a lot of time in the sun or is physically active and sweats a lot, it is so important to use moisturizing products for your hair to keep it from getting dry and brittle. Additionally, she said many people opt for repairing products that contain protein to strengthen the hair during this time of year, but most times what your hair really needs is extra moisture. To give your hair some extra moisture, try Dirty Girl Farm’s Lavender Shampoo and Lavender Conditioner. They are wonderful moisturizing products.

Lake and/or Pool Swimming!

To protect your hair before swimming in lake water or a pool, make sure you wet your hair, either with a spray bottle, in the shower or even the sink, then put a little bit of your daily conditioner (not as much as you would use when you are normally washing) throughout the middle and ends of your hair. This protects your hair from absorbing 100% of the chlorine water or lake water. Lindsay says this simple trick, not only protects your hair from absorbing the contents in the makeup of the water but also can prevent any chemical interferences that might occur that could change the appearance of your hair.

Additionally, wash your hair thoroughly before going to bed after swimming in either a pool or lake, but especially a pool. This not only helps moisturize your hair, but if you don’t do this, you might begin to see (especially if you have lighter colored hair) a greenish tint to your hair. When this happens, there are some things that can be done to correct it, but it can be a challenging and costly process to correct.

If You have Hair Extensions:

Lindsay also cautions for those with hair extensions, particularly blonde hair extensions, to not use your typical sunscreen. Mineral based sunscreens, such as Elina Organics Sun Day Sun Screen or Eve Organics Beauty All Natural Sunscreen, both of which contain zinc oxide, are not only safer for you, they are safe for your hair as well. Regular sunscreens, however, contain a chemical called Avobenzone, which is a water-soluble ingredient that causes a chemical reaction with the bonding in hair extensions, resulting in a brassy, peach ice-tea color, that can’t be removed. So, be sure to protect your investment (who knew you would get money tips too), and use a quality mineral based sunscreen!

Shield Your Tresses from the Sun:

Just like we slather on sunscreen to protect our skin, our hair needs some shielding too. Exposure to the sun can cause dryness, color fading, and even weaken the hair shaft. To protect your hair, opt for some stylish sun hats, baseball caps or scarfs. These not only add a touch of flair to your summer outfits but also provide a physical barrier against the sun’s harmful rays.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

Summer heat and humidity can deplete your hair’s moisture, leaving it dull and lifeless. So, just like your skin, it may be time to show your hair some love with extra hydration. Use a deep conditioning treatment or moisturizing hair mask once a week to replenish lost moisture. Look for products that contain natural oils like coconut, almond, or argan oil, as they provide deep nourishment and leave your hair feeling soft and silky.

Embrace Protective Styles:

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun and protective hairstyles that keep your hair out of harm’s way. Braids, buns, and updos not only shield your strands from the sun and humidity but also look effortlessly chic. Plus, they’re versatile and can take you from a day at the beach to a night out with friends without much effort.

Stay Hydrated from Within:

Remember, healthy hair starts from within. Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated not only benefits your overall health but also helps to maintain your hair’s moisture balance. So, grab that water bottle and sip your way to luscious, hydrated locks (and hydrated skin).

There You Have It

A big shout out to Lindsay for providing some fantastic tips to protect your hair and keep it looking fabulous all summer long. Go out and enjoy all the summer vibes knowing you’ve done the extra steps to protect your hair. Remember, a little love and attention go a long way when it comes to maintaining healthy, gorgeous locks in the summer!