Repair and Restore Damaged Hair with These Summertime Preventative Measures
Summer weather can be pretty rough on your hair – heat damage, over-washing, and sun exposure are more prevalent in the hot, summer months. That means it’s more important than ever to take extra precautions when it comes to managing and protecting your luscious locks! Hair damage is difficult to manage if you don’t know what’s causing it. To truly protect your hair in the summer, you first need to figure out what’s causing the damage.
A large part of why summer can be harsher on your hair is UV rays. You’re out in the sun more often and the intense heat can quickly dry your hair out. An excess of UV ray exposure can cause dull, brittle damaged hair and discoloration. The UV rays weaken your hair proteins, which ultimately causes breakage and frizz.
Use Hydrating Masks on Your Damaged Hair
When you’re out in the summer sun, your hair is likely drying out from exposure. Although you should maintain a regular conditioning regimen, intermittent hair masks and deep conditioners bring life and hydration back to your hair. Damaged hair treatments strengthen your hair proteins and increase moisture to avoid the brittle breakage that can occur when the sunny weather is particularly harsh.
If you’ve noticed your hair damage is looking particularly dry, give your tresses a self-care night! Most hair masks should be left on for a longer amount of time than your average conditioner, that way your hair can really soak in all of the moisture it needs to repair damaged hair. There are tons of different hair masks and treatments; find the one that works best for you and give your hair the TLC it deserves by asking your hair stylist for their advice.
Always Shampoo After Swimming to Avoid Damaged Hair
There’s nothing better than the pool on a hot summer day! Well, maybe not for our hair. Harsh pool chemicals can cause serious hair damage.
Although frequent shampooing can dry out your hair, always shampoo after you expose your hair to pool chemicals like chlorine or salt water.
Pool chemicals are harsh and can stay in your hair for long periods of time if you aren’t properly washing them out, leaving your strands feeling crunchy and dry. After a cleansing shampoo, make sure to re-hydrate with your favorite conditioner or hair mask!
Shield Sun Damaged Hair with Heat Protectant
You may be used to applying heat protection when you’re straightening or blow drying your hair, but these products are a great way to protect your hair from sun damage, too!
Heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and any harsh heat. This prevents the inevitable breakage that comes from excess heat on your hair. These protectants are also often made from nourishing ingredients that help repair your hair while protecting you from any further hair damage.
Don’t Forget About Your Scalp
Your scalp is incredibly sensitive and is often forgotten about when we talk about sun and hair protection. Your scalp is exposed skin – this needs SPF just as much as the rest of your skin, if not more!
A damaged scalp leads to damaged hair, so don’t skip giving your scalp extra attention before and after a long day in the sun.
Scalp burn can be pretty painful and put a damper on styling your hair. Luckily, there are tons of styling products that moisturize and protect your scalp specifically when it comes to sun exposure.
Avoid Over-Shampooing Damaged Hair
Although it’s imperative that you shampoo your hair after swimming, it’s also important to make sure you’re not over-shampooing your hair throughout the summer months. WIth the hot sun already drying your hair out, excess use of shampoo strips your hair of its natural, healthy oils that keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free.
Damaged hair from over-shampooing is dry and dull; simply cutting back on shampooing can make a big difference in your hair’s moisture levels.
Not sure what to do when your hair starts getting greasy? Try dry shampoo! This helps revive your hair without stripping back the natural oils and can delay your need to shampoo significantly. Be sure to choose the right dry shampoo for your hair.
Find a Salon Near You for Your New Summer Hairstyle
Don’t let damaged hair take away from your summer style! One of the best times to visit the salon is when your hair needs some extra love and hydration.
A professional will know the best way to protect your hair and repair hair damage you might have. Let an expert stylist give your hair the extra time and attention it needs to stay healthy and shiny all summer long!
