Summer is here and with it comes pool parties, fun in the sun, and lazy days on the beach. The downtime spent at the water works wonders for our souls, but what about our hair? Sun and heat can dry and damage our hair, and the chlorine in swimming pools can really mess with our tresses. Not to mention that after a day spent in the sand and the surf, dealing with frizz can be an absolute nightmare. So how can we protect our hair while still remaining sporty and fun? We’ve found ways to fight these four summer crimes before your hair does the time!
Culprit: Chlorine
Crime: Dries out hair and strips it of color.
Verdict: The simplest way to shield your hair from chlorine is to wear a swimming cap when going to the pool. Caps should fit snugly without being too tight. Swimming caps can be found at most sporting goods stores. If you can’t wear a swimming cap, you can still prevent yourself from becoming one of chlorine’s victims. Try getting your hair wet and using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner right before taking a dunk. In addition, wash your hair in warm water directly after swimming. Your hair will thank you and chlorine will be convicted of one fewer hair crime.
Culprit: Humidity
Crime: Creates nightmare frizz
Verdict: Humidity can be a tricky assailant and is a persistent little bugger. Contrary to popular belief, using heat straightening products like hair straighteners and blow dryers just makes the situation worse. In summer, your hair is being assaulted by several drying factors and the extra heat from straightening irons can be simply too much for your hair to handle. It’s good to give your hair a break if you can. So the best way to deal with this perpetrator is to let him walk. That’s right, folks. It’s best not to fight this one. Embrace your hair in its natural state. To keep frizz from getting too out-of-control, you can use all natural moisturizing products. Be sure to avoid products containing alcohol, since alcohol can dry out hair and strip it of moisture.
Culprit: Sun and UV Rays
Crime: Dries out hair and damages the ends.
Verdict: Most of us have been well-educated about the dangers of UV rays on our skin, but it turns out that this assailant is a repeat offender. UV rays are not only harmful to our skin, but are also harmful to our hair, drying it out and leaving it broken and brittle. Your best defense against this assailant is a spray-in, moisturizing, leave-in conditioner containing SPF for UV protection. In addition to protecting your hair from UV rays, it’s a good idea to get regular trims even more often in the summer. Ends can get fried in the summer, leaving your hair looking lifeless and frizzy. You should also avoid shampoos with sulfates, which can dry out your hair even more. Give your hair an extra boost of TLC by scheduling regular deep conditioning treatments in the summer to repair any damage that may have been done.
Culprit: Saltwater
Crime: Tangles your tresses and strips hair of moisture
Verdict: Bring along a detangling spray with you to the beach. Gently spray it in after a day in the water. When attempting to detangle, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a hairbrush. Last but not least, drink plenty of water. If you are dehydrated then your skin and hair will be dry too. Not drinking enough water is one of the most common beauty crimes for which your skin and hair always do the time.
Follow these tips and your hair may just be so gorgeous that it will be on every lady’s most wanted list.
