The main culprit behind summer hair damage is the UV rays in sunlight. UV rays can break down keratin, melanin, and other elements of your hair leaving it rough, brittle, and dull. UV rays are even harder on chemically treated or colored hair. Too much sun exposure can break down some of the chemicals used in hair dye and make beautiful colors fade!
The other issue is the hot summer air. Heat damage is usually thought of in terms of over straightening or blow-drying hair without proper products and heat protection. But in the summertime, letting your hair dry in the hot air after every dip in the pool can have a similar effect. Swimming also means dealing with chlorine or salt buildup, which makes it even harder to keep hair hydrated.
The good thing is that there are plenty of ways to help protect your hair from damage this summer, or even revitalize dry hair after a day out in the sun and sand. A few simple changes to your normal hair care routine can keep your hair healthy all season long!
Hydration is Key
Summer is the perfect time to swap out your shampoo and conditioner for products that have more advanced moisturizing formulas. Doing this at the beginning of the season can help keep hair hydrated as the weather gets warmer. Need to help damaged hair fast? Home hair masks or specially formulated salon conditioning treatments are another great way to make sure your hair is moisturized after a long day in the sun.
Cover Up Color
Conditioning treatments and masks are a great way to protect your colored hair from fading or becoming lighter in the sun, but a hat or scarf is another easy option to give your hair a break on the beach. Plus hats and scarves can protect your scalp as well, which can help keep your hair moisturized.
& STAY AWAY FROM THE HEAT
While you can’t control the summer temperatures, you can reduce how often you use a blow dryer or heated styling tools to prevent drying out your hair even further. Using a moisture-rich conditioner and a lower heat setting can help if you need to use a blowdryer, but hair that’s already seen some damage should be dried naturally as often as possible in the summer.
Stress-free Swimming
Wondering how to have some fun in the water without worrying about your hair? Here is the best way to prevent pool or ocean water from building up and drying out your locks this summer.
RINSE & REPEAT: Your hair can only absorb so much water at a time, so getting it wet before taking a swim can help reduce how much chlorine or salt stays in your hair when you get out!
LAYERS OF PROTECTION: There are amazing masks, after sun creams, sun protection sprays, and other hair products designed to shield your scalp and hair from UV damage before or after swimming. Adding an extra layer of protection with a few applications of product throughout the day can really help make a difference in moisture levels.
Need help salvaging summer damage? Call to make your appointment today and ask about our amazing conditioning treatments!
