You're on your way to the pool, swinging a summer tote packed with natural sun protection, towel and sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and a book - everything you need to stay comfortable and safe from head to toe. But what about the silky strands on your head? They're vulnerable to sun, chlorine, salt water, humidity and hot, dry air, but we often forget about them until damage has already been done. This summer, before the elements push your locks to the limit, arm yourself with the tips and tools to protect them. Your hair will end the season beautifully sun-kissed instead of being sun-damaged.
Sun
Of all the destructive elements that compromise healthy locks during the summer months, the sun's rays could be the single most damaging. UV rays fade color and heat causes hair to lose moisture from the cuticle right down to the core, leaving behind weakened, brittle strands that easily break and develop split ends. Perhaps the easiest way to protect hair from sun damage is to wear a hat or tie a scarf around your head to create a physical barrier between your hair and those damaging rays.
It's also effective to apply a sun-protection formula that works as sunscreen for your hair, locking in color and preventing deep damage. Look for a formula with protective ingredients like octyl methyoxycinnamate, a common hair SPF, and the conditioning Parsol SLX, which protect from UV rays, or vitamins A, E and C, which defend against free radicals. Some sun protection hair products quote a low SPF number, but don't be concerned. A low level of SPF protection, such as SPF 10, is perfectly adequate for hair. If you're stuck at the beach without hair protection, it's also fine to comb a little sunscreen lotion thorough your hair for protection. And don't forget to apply sunscreen to the part in your hair!
Salt and Chlorine
The most effective way to block damaging chlorinated or salt water from being absorbed by your hair is to rinse with cool, fresh water before swimming. After swimming, mist hair with a leave-in conditioning spray, moisturizing detangler or even a mixture of conditioner and fresh water to prevent knots, snags, dryness and brittle ends. A summer of swimming in a chlorinated pool can still cause dreaded green-tinged locks, and SPF products can cause hair buildup, but both of these problems can be reversed with a clarifying shampoo. An occasional deep conditioning treatment also works wonders to soften your strands. Try applying several times throughout the summer to restore silkiness. A homemade treatment of olive oil (combed through and left on for an hour before washing) can be just as effective as a commercial conditioning formula. You'll also find that working a little olive oil into dry ends will temporarily seal splits and restore softness.
Dry or Humid Extremes
If you live in a climate with high summer humidity levels, you've probably learned to embrace some seasonal waves and frizz. If not, that means you're blowdrying your hair every day, causing further damage. Summer is the perfect season to take time off from styling tools and let your curls come out. Prep damp hair with a curl spray and air dry, and finish with a beach styling mist for a relaxed look. Or if you prefer a sleeker style, comb leave-in conditioner or styling mousse through your hair and fasten into a ponytail. Styling with leave-in conditioner can be a true hair-saver in hot, dry climates that otherwise zap moisture. In either climate, skip hair lighteners that contain peroxide, lemon juice or alcohol, which will instantly dry out locks.
Now that you know how to look great before and after swimming, get to that pool and dive in!
