Image courtesy of She Knows
The summer months have finally arrived! The days are longer, the sun is higher and the summery warmth is setting in. It’s time for summer soirees and basking in the golden light at the beach, lake or poolside.
But for all its benefits, the summer season can take its toll on your hair. Just like your skin, your hair needs protection from the sun and water in order stay healthy and hydrated. As well as the sun’s heat and resulting humidity, your hair is exposed to salty seawater and the chlorine in pools. These summer charms can damage your tresses leaving them dry, brittle and discoloured.
Here are a few essential tips, to avoid damaging your locks and maintain healthy hair while enjoying the rays this summer:
Give heat the cold-shoulder
With all the heat your hair will be getting from the sun, try to take a break from hot stylers (hairdryer, curling and straightening irons). Air-dry your hair (with rollers for added volume) or consider a new “wash and wear” haircut that will air-dry in style. Help combat potential frizzy hair and limit the amount of sun reaching your locks, by sweeping your hair back in a high pony, low bun, or braided arrangement (dry your hair in braids for natural beach-worthy waves.)
Shield your hair from the water and rays
Intensive moisturising will help you avoid dry, brittle, frizzy hair. Replenish and maintain moisture, with regular deep conditioning treatments. Book a treatment at Wellbeing, give yourself a hair mask or use a quality leave-in conditioner (especially when sunbathing or swimming). As well as hydrating your hair, keep your body hydrated with eight to twelve glasses of water a day – it’s good for your hair and your health!
Cover up
Your hair can get sunburnt just like your scalp. Prevent sun damage by slipping on a super cute sunhat or headscarf, when you’re going to be in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. As well as protecting your head and hair, hats and head wraps are a quick fix on bad hair days for effortless style (check out our guide to wearing headscarves).
Rinse well
After swimming, make sure you give your hair a good rinse (ideally a shampoo and condition too) to wash away the salt and chlorine trapped in your tresses.
Take care
Prevent split ends by making sure you don’t over-brush your hair. Try to restrict your combing to before and after showering (carefully untangle knots – no need to tug too hard).
Stay trim
Dry hair leads to frizzies and split ends. Make sure you have your locks trimmed every six to eight weeks to rid your hair of damaged ends.