The summer season calls for a vacation, and you probably want to spend most of your time outdoors, relaxing at the beach, having pool parties with friends and surfing the waves. While spending time out in the sun and in the water is always fun, too much sun and chlorine exposure can take a toll on your hair.
Sunshine and hair don’t go well together, unfortunately. Throw in saltwater and chlorine, and things get even worse. Not only will this summer combination dry out your hair, but it may also cause extensive damage. What you need is a unique hair care routine for this holiday season.
10 Tips To Protect Your Hair This Summer
Sunshine, saltwater and chlorine may not be the perfect combination for your hair, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the pool and beach this summer. Follow these essential summer tips to prevent your hair from getting damaged this hot season.
#1. Avoid Heat Tool Use
The summer heat already exposes your hair to higher temperatures, so don’t make it worse by using hot tools. Make it your challenge to go all summer without using your hair straightener, blow-dryer or curlers. Try to avoid these tools as much as possible, as they can make your hair more vulnerable to dryness, split ends and further damage.
#2. Protect Your Strands
You spend most of your days in summer outdoors so, naturally, you make sure you protect your skin by applying sunscreen with high SPF. But what about your hair? Your strands and scalp also need proper sun protection, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage your beautiful mane. To protect your face and neck as well as your hair, try wearing a hat when you’re outdoors. Another option would be to relax at the beach under a parasol so that you get maximum sun protection.
#3. Try Summer-Friendly Hairstyles
You might be the kind of person who loves to rock new hairstyles when enjoying summer vacations. That being the case, you might want to go for hairstyles that aren’t only trendy but also protective. To shield your strands from the sun, you may want to throw your hair up or make a simple bun to avoid split ends.
#4. Get The Timing Right!
Nobody wants to stop you from getting that beach tan and enjoying the summer outdoors. However, the peak hours for sun exposure lie between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Try to take a break within these hours to prevent yourself from getting too exposed to heat. You can still get the most out of the hot season by choosing the right time to go for a swim!
#5. Wet Your Hair Before Taking A Dip
Saltwater and chlorine will cause your hair to dehydrate, so you should take precautions before going for a swim. Whether you’re planning to spend quality time at the seaside or going to a local pool, make sure you wash your hair before taking a dip.
#6. Moisturise Your Hair Before Your Swim
Besides just wetting your hair before you swim, you can use other moisturising products to protect it from the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater. Some moisturisers, like oil sprays, can help hydrate you before you get into the water.
#7. Use A Leave-In Conditioner
Before you jump into the water, make sure to use a leave-in conditioner. This sun protection helps to strengthen your fragile hair and also maintain its moisture. Moreover, it is better to use a leave-in conditioner with sunscreen.
#8. Rinse Your Hair After Swimming
Right after you swim, make sure to shower immediately or, at least, rinse off with cool water. You can’t let chlorine and salt sit in your hair for too long, as this could lead to frizzy and damaged hair. When rinsing, you can choose to use clarifying shampoo products that get rid of the chemicals in your hair.
#9. Apply Deep Conditioning To Your Hair
Using a deep conditioner right after swimming replaces all the lost hair moisture. Deep conditioning includes the use of hot oil treatment or hair masks. This way, you can keep your hair nourished throughout the season.
#10. Hydrate Yourself
Alongside all the external protection measures you can take, you can also make your hair look great by simply drinking lots of water. It’s a well-established fact that drinking adequate amounts of water results in healthier and stronger hair, so keep topping up your bottle!
Conclusion
The key to a perfect summer is to protect yourself from potential hair damage caused by the sun, chlorine and saltwater. That way, you can have an enjoyable and fun time with family and friends without having to worry about dryness and frizz.
If you’re concerned that your hair is already damaged, or if you’re worried about hair thinning or hair loss, Vinci Hair Clinic is on hand to help. We have clinics all over the world, so we’re never too far away! Get in touch today and book your free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialists!