Summer Hair Care Tips for All Hair Types

How to Care for Your Hair this Summer

With the arrival of summer comes days by the pool or the sea, rising temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. Unfortunately, this concoction of fun can be rough on your hair and scalp for several reasons. Due to factors like the sun’s damaging rays and the harmful effects of chlorine, your hair will require extra care in the hotter months. Depending on your hair type, you will need to start implementing various hair treatments and care techniques to avoid dry, thirsty locks. Not sure where to start? Here are the best hair care tips for all hair types during the summer.

Tips for Natural Black Hair

There are three simple ways to protect your beautiful tresses from the summer sun if you have Black hair. 

These tips include:

1. Wearing a hat, scarf, or headwrap. On the days where you know you’ll be spending a fair amount of time in the sun, you should protect your hair by covering it. Go with whatever fits your style! If you choose to wear a hat, avoid damage by wearing a satin or silk wrap underneath it. 
2. Wetting or washing your hair often. If your summer vacay involves a pool or the ocean, you’ll want to wash your tresses after each dip. Try to avoid shampooing too often. Instead, use a conditioner or follow your wash with a deep-conditioning treatment. 
3. Wearing protective styles. On top of keeping your hair off of your neck and face, protective styles like braids, twists, and cornrows will protect against breakage and dryness, all while allowing your hair to grow.

If you have afro hair, check out these tips too!

Tips for Blonde Hair

Summer can take a toll on all hair colors, but blondes may have it worse. If your goal is to keep your golden hair in tip-top shape all summer long, follow these essential tips:

1. Avoid shampoo. Whether your tresses are all-natural or colored, blonde tends to be more porous and fragile than other hair types. During the summer, try to wash your hair once a week. On the other days, rinse with warm water and lightly condition the ends of your hair.
2. Protect your locks with SPF. Before stepping into the sun, apply a moisturizing hair oil that contains SPF to your scalp and massage it in with your fingers. Work the remaining product into the rest of your hair, focusing specifically on the ends. This will enhance your hair’s shine, protect against breakage, and keep your color from looking brassy or yellow.
3. Use a nourishing hair mask. To save your hair from dehydration and sun damage, invest in a nutrient-rich mask or treatment that you can use before and after getting into the water.
4. Avoid heating and styling tools. As previously mentioned, blonde hair is more delicate than other hues of hair. That said, it’s crucial to stay away from excessive heat and styling tools. Instead, use a microfiber towel or let your hair dry naturally.

Red Hair Tips

Natural red hair, or ginger hair, is extremely rare and only occurs in less than 2 percent of the world’s population. So it’s no surprise that red hair requires some special attention in the hotter months.

Here are the essential tips to follow:

1. Use sulfate-free or all-natural products. If you want to keep your hair looking its best, avoid products that contain sulfates, parabens, silicone, and alcohol. These ingredients mixed with harsh UV rays can severely damage your hair.
2. Utilize hair masks and treatments. After you wash your hair with all-natural shampoo and conditioner, reach for a moisturizing hair oil like argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or Kahului nut oil. Mix a few drops, apply it to your scalp, and work your way down your hair, focusing on the ends.
3. Sleep in protective styles. To help your hair recover from any summer fun, try wearing protective styles like braids or wear a satin head wrap to bed. Avoid elastics or metal closures as much as possible. Instead, use an invisible hair coil or bobby pins to keep your head wrap in place.
4. Reach for some rosemary oil. Rosemary oil is excellent for giving your tresses some shine, and it works to promote growth and strengthen your hair’s roots by increasing blood flow and eliminating any bacteria.

Tips for Brunettes

Sunshine and pool chemicals can be pretty brutal on darker-toned hair like brunette and black hair. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to avoid damaged hair and uneven color.

Key tips include:

1. Avoid chlorinated or copper-containing water. Chlorine and copper-containing water can cause darker hair to turn green, so it’s essential to avoid too much pool time. If you can’t resist a quick dip, be sure to rinse your locks after.
2. Protect from UV rays. Use hair products that contain SPF, and try to wear a hat or hair cover whenever you plan to spend a decent amount of time in the sun.
3. Use natural oils and serums. To boost radiance and repair any damage, use natural hair oils, nourishing serums, and masks.

Color-Treated Hair

If you prefer rocking unique hair colors, like blue, purple, or green, then the summertime can be a chaotic time if you’re not careful about caring for your hair.

To keep your color vibrant and fresh, follow these tips:

1. Use SPF products. Try incorporating products like sprays, oils, masks, shampoos, and conditioners that contain SPF. These products will protect your color-treated hair from harmful UV rays and help to maintain pigment.
2. Avoid heat. Let your styling tools rest and go for a more natural look. Use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to blot dry your hair. If you want a bit of style, add a texture or sea salt spray to your damp locks for heatless beach waves.
3. Wear loose styles. Prevent breakage or damage by opting for a relaxed hairstyle, like a messy bun, chunky braids, or ponytail.
4. Use cooler water. On top of extending the amount of time between washes, you should also use cooler water when rinsing your hair. This will keep the pigment in your hair vibrant and beautiful.

 

While these tips and tricks are simple to follow, nothing beats the results you’ll get by seeing a professional hair stylist. At Genesis, our cosmetology students receive hands-on training and real-salon experience so by the time they graduate, they are experts in the art of hair care. Learn more about becoming a cosmetologist today!