Summer is the one time of year we all remember to wear sunscreen. We know the danger the sun poses to our skin, but do you know how to protect your hair in summer? The sun’s UV rays can leave your hair dry and frizz from the humidity. It can make your hair feel unmanageable and more prone to breakage.

Whether you’re spending your downtime chilling in your backyard or setting off some hot, you need to know how to keep your hair healthy and hydrated this summer.

The start of summer is the perfect time to book in for a hydrating hair treatment or a cut and blow dry to keep your hair healthy and looking fresh. Book an appointment at 212 Salon and Day Spa to get your hair ready for summer.

How to Protect Your Hair in the Summer Sun

Your skin isn’t the only thing you should be protecting in the summer. A little extra TLC will keep your hair healthy and hydrated, preventing breakage, and making your hairstyle easier to maintain. The secret to healthy hair is prevention. We’re sharing our top tips on how to protect your hair in the summer sun,

Don’t Overwash Your Hair

We all fall into habits and our hair wash routine is no exception. Summer brings with it heat and humidity – two of your hair’s worst enemies. You might be tempted to wash your hair more frequently, but excessively washing your hair can strip your scalp of its natural oil and leave it feeling dry. Stick to your usual hair-wash routine.

Sun Protection

Did you know that UV rays are just as harmful to your hair? Shop around for hair care products that offer UV protection to use during summer. Avoid shampoos and hair care products that are sulfate based as they can be counter-productive and leave your hair feeling drier.

Conditioning Treatments

Using a conditioner adds an extra layer of production to your hair’s cuticle, protecting against damage from UV radiation and humidity. Incorporate deep conditioning into your routine to prevent damage and maintain your hair’s overall health.

Avoid Heat Styling

The summer is one time of year when you want to give your hair a break from heat styling. Let your hair go natural during the summer or use non-heat styling methods, such as the ‘heatless curl’ trend that went viral on TikTok.

Oil Hair Massage

One of our go-to tips for caring for your hair during summer is to incorporate oil hair massages. It’s an affordable way to elevate your haircare routine by massaging oils into your scalp to boost moisture and increase blood circulation. Add a few drops of your favorite hair oil and massage gently for two to three minutes.

How to Care for Your Hair at the Beach

If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, you’ll probably spend the summer topping up your tan and getting in the water. You want to take extra care of your hair at the beach, whether you’re visiting for a few hours a day or jetting off on a tropical vacation.

Wear Your Hair Up

Keep your hair tied up at the beach to reduce sweating and limit sun exposure. Tie your hair into a ponytail, bun, or braid to prevent split ends and keep your hair protected.

Cover Your Head

While sunglasses are our go-to summer accessory, we can’t overlook the importance of headwear. A hat or hair scarf will minimize sun damage to your hair and reduce frizz. If you’re getting into the water for a swim, add a swim cap to protect against chlorine and UV rays. Don’t forget to wash your hair after getting out of the water.

TLC Before the Sun

Being at the beach is a relaxing experience and the perfect place to wear a leave-in conditioner or hair treatment to lock in moisture. You’ll protect your hair and boost its hydration all at once.

Invest in a Wide-Tooth Comb

Swimming and hanging out at the beach inevitably cause messy hair. Swap out your everyday hairbrush for a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair without causing damage.

Pool Hair 101

Looking after your hair at the pool is like the steps you want to take when going to the beach. Though you’ll likely spend more time with your hair underwater and less time in direct sunlight. Here are two extra tips on how to keep your hair healthy and hydrated when swimming in a pool:

Rinse your hair before and after swimming

Give your hair a rinse before and after getting in the pool. Skip the shampoo for your pre-swim wash and settle for a fresh-water rinse instead. Your hair will absorb more salt and chlorine when it’s dry. Rinsing your hair beforehand makes it less absorbent. Wash and shampoo your hair after swimming to remove the chlorine.

Anti-Breakage Treatments

Most frequent swimmers will adapt their haircare routine to incorporate shampoos and conditioners made to tackle excessive chlorine. Apply a moisturizing conditioner before putting on your swim cap to protect and hydrate your hair while swimming.

Short and Pixie Cuts for Summer

Have you been thinking of experimenting with a pixie cut? Summer is the perfect time to chop your hair and make it easier to manage. Trying out a pixie cut also gives you a great foundation for overhauling your haircare routine to make your hair healthier and stronger.

A pixie cut is easier to manage during summer, reducing your styling time and even the number of washes. This hairstyle is lightweight and gives you the chance to your hair back healthier and stronger with a proper haircare routine.

We recommend considering a pixie cut for summer if your hair is excessively damaged and you want a chance to start afresh. Chopping a few inches off your hair during summer can give you a chance to reset your hair by removing damaged locks and split ends.

Kickstart your summer haircare routine by booking an appointment at 212 Salon and Day Spa today.