Tips For Healthy Summer Hair
Warmer weather brings longer days and opportunities to lounge poolside and soak up the sun’s rays. Spending extra time in the pool is a relaxing way to cool off on a hot day, you may have noticed your hair taking a beating. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to protect your hair from chlorine damage, make sure your tresses stay manageable, and keep a healthy shine to reflect the summer sun.
You see Chlorine is an intense chemical meant to disinfect pool water making it safer to swim in but harsh on human skin and hair. One dip in the pool won’t do too much damage, but repeated trips to the pool over the summer will start to deplete hair’s moisture and weaken the protein structure in hair. It also strips hair and skin of natural oils making the scalp retaliate producing more oil or getting flaky. It also strips hair of its color and shine, creating frizzy dull patches. This all makes your strands prone to breakage and split ends.
Regular chlorine exposure could make already damaged hair very difficult to repair. Taking steps to prevent this from happening is fairly easy with the right products. Using restorative products with a little protein are great like masque conditioners and oils. And a great scalp treatment once a week can help with imbalanced scalps. Leave-in conditioners and safe dry shampoos for after sun can be lifesavers.
You shouldn't have to sacrifice your summer activities to keep your hair healthy. By understanding the damage chlorine and salt water can have on hair can help you take the proper steps to keep it looking tip top all summer long.
Tips:
Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner with UV protection
When you're swimming a lot in the summer you're gonna be washing your hair a lot more. Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner with UV protection, or something that has a little extra punch of moisture. If you tend towards fine hair and oily scalp I recommend sticking with a normal shampoo and purchasing a special conditioner that will help keep hair moisturized.
Always protect your hair before you get into any body of water
Purchase a bottle of conditioner that will be used only for protecting your hair in the pool/lake/ocean. Before you jump in the water, wet your hair down in the shower and lather up your hair with handfuls of the specific conditioner. Squeeze it out and tie it up into a bun or braid. Now your hair is fully protected. It’s not essential to purchase a specific conditioner for this. Really anything will do, but please be mindful. If you are in the lake or ocean there is marine life that can be harmed by man made products. Buying the most natural thing you have access to is best. Here's a product I like called Palm Springs by R+Co.
Cover your hair if possible
I’m talking about any hat you can find or GASP a swim cap. This is the best way to ensure proper sun protection. This is the one I rock by Coolibar. If you don't have access to either of these things just wearing your hair in a bun or braid is better than nothing.
Reduce heat styling after sun exposure
Don’t reach for the curling iron after a long day at the beach or pool. Go for an air dried style or a simple sleek ponytail or high bun.
Wash your hair right away after swimming
Don't wait until the next day to wash your hair after swimming. Keep it clean and free of chemicals. This means you will be washing your hair a lot so invest in a good product. I love R+Co Bleu.
Get Regular Trims
Getting your haircut every 6 weeks during the summer will save you from having to get a big chop in the fall. I can’t tell you how many people come into the salon at the end of September with their tail between their legs needing 3-4” of split ends cut off.
S.O.S.
My hair turned green in the pool/hot tub
First try rinsing it with lemon juice.
Second, order some Malibu shampoo online called Undo-Goo.
Third head to your nearest salon and request a malibu treatment. It aggressively removes gunk out of the hair, depending on how bad the situation is 1-2 treatments should be fine.
My scalp got sunburned
First apply aloe vera gel or a light fragrance free moisturizer or oil
Second wear your hair without a part, wear a hat or use a bandana until the sunburn is gone
Third, once the pain goes away, use a scalp scrub to remove excess skin I like this one by R+Co.
My ends are majorly fried and I’m on vacation
First wash your hair with a hydrating shampoo and saturate your ends with a conditioning mask, leave it overnight. Repeat this until you can get to the salon. Don’t use any heat on your hair, no blow dryers or hot tools.
Second, wear a hat or use actual sunscreen on your hair when you're in the sun until you get home. Make sure you wash it out.
Third, call your hairstylist and book an appointment as soon as you get home, don’t try to cut those ends yourself.