Just because it gets hot out doesn’t mean your hair needs to become an unmanageable mess. Consider the following tips to make sure your hair stays fresh and shiny all summer long:
Cover up
The sun can damage your entire body, including your hair. Covering up your head with a scarf or hat retains natural moisture and gives you UV protection.
Loose, comfortable styles
Loose hair styles minimizes exposure to the sun and minimizes UV damage. This combination keeps your hair from drying out and tearing.
Wash less
The reason why your hair feels “gross” when you don’t wash it is due to a buildup of natural oils. Unfortunately, when you wash your hair too often, your body takes it as a cue to produce more oil, making you feel “grosser.” Rather than washing your hair every day, rinse it off a few times a week. When you do wash wash your hair, use a natural dry shampoo such as cornstarch. Natural shampoos last longer, meaning you won’t feel “gross” if you go a day or two before rewashing your hair.
Reduce heat
It’s already hot, so why not let mother nature blow dry your hair? Skipping the blow dryer avoids getting your hair too dry when you go outside.
Add moisture
Make sure you moisturize your hair often to keep it from drying out. It’s important not to rely on water for this, because water tends to evaporate in the summer heat. Instead, mix water, aloe Vera, and avocado oil in a spritzer. Spray your hair as needed throughout the day to keep it moisturized and healthy while you are on the go.
Use sunscreen
For some extra protection from the sun, rub a bit of sunscreen through your hair. Be careful of UV shampoos; they have chemicals that may be unhealthy for hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb
In the summer, when your hair is wet from the pool or a dip in the ocean, the tugging motion of a brush can cause your hair to break. Use a wide-tooth comb to untangle your hair gently.
Condition, condition, condition
Chemicals and salt in water can can dry your hair out just as quickly as the sun. Make sure to use conditioner after swimming.
Make your own conditioner
While there are advantages to using synthetic conditioners, the chemicals in these conditioners can be harmful to both you and your hair. Try to use the following home products to moisturize your hair instead:
- Avocados
- Coconut oil
- Coconut mik
- Mayonnaise
- Bananas
If you want a conditioner on the go, mix 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup honey.
Stop coloring your hair with chlorine
Absorbing chlorine can cause your hair to change color-especially if you have light hair. Rinse your hair before going into the pool, as wet hair absorbs less chlorine. After you get out of the pool, rinse your hair with a combination of apple cider vinegar and water to get rid of any excess chlorine. Make sure you do this immediately after you get out of the pool; if your hair dries, the treatment doesn’t have as great an effect.
Author: Jeanette Sousa, a graduate of Columbia University and a writer at Deziree Astra flat iron reviews.