Summer is synonymous with longer days, warm breezes, and plenty of sunshine. But while we take delight in joys of the season, our hair often endures the brunt of the summer elements. The potent combination of sun exposure, humidity, chlorine, and salt water can wreak havoc on your tresses, leading to dryness, damage, and dullness. Fortunately, with the right care and a little extra attention, you can ensure your hair remains healthy, vibrant, and resilient throughout the season. Here's a guide to keeping your hair looking its absolute best all summer long. Let’s look into seven essential tips for nurturing and protecting your locks during the warmest months of the year.
Pamper with Hair Treatments
Sun exposure can seriously dehydrate your hair, so revitalizing it with a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning treatment is a must. Look for products containing almond oil and biotin, as these ingredients can contribute to deep conditioning for your hair. Together, they work synergistically to provide deep conditioning, leaving your hair feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Aragma Hair Oils offer a range of benefits to revitalise your dry hair. Additionally, the absence of parabens, sulfates, silicones, and colorants in the product can further contribute to healthier hair by avoiding potentially harmful ingredients that can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage. The products start from Rs. 139/- and are available on Flipkart, Amazon, Snapdeal, among other e-commerce platforms.
Embrace Protective Hairstyles
Protective styles such as braids, buns, and twists aren't just fashionable—they're functional. They keep your hair up and out of the way, minimizing exposure to the sun while helping to prevent tangles and breakage from windy beach days or active afternoons at the pool. These styles are particularly beneficial for those with curly or textured hair, as they help maintain the integrity of your curls and prevent frizz.
Lighten Up Your Product Game
Heavy hair products can feel oppressive in the heat of summer. Swap out those thick creams and heavy oils for lighter alternatives. Water-based spritzes, mists, and leave-in conditioners offer a refreshing dose of hydration without weighing down your hair. They keep your locks hydrated and manageable, making it easier to enjoy a spontaneous dip in the pool or a last-minute road trip.
Stay Sharp with Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential, especially during the summer months when your hair is more susceptible to split ends and fraying caused by sun exposure, chlorine, and salt water. Even just a light trim can remove damaged ends and improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. This maintenance helps encourage stronger, healthier growth and maintains your style looking fresh and tidy.
Protect Against the Sun
Just like your skin, your hair suffers from too much sun. UV rays can weaken hair fibres, leading to discoloration and brittleness. Invest in hair care products that include UV protection or make a habit of spraying a UV-protective product onto your hair before heading outside. This is particularly important if you've dyed your hair, as the sun can quickly fade color-treated hair.
Top Off with a Hat
Hats are a stylish and effective way to protect your hair and scalp from direct UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat not only shields your scalp (where sunburns can sneakily occur) but also helps protect your hair from the drying and fading effects of the sun. Plus, they add a touch of style to your summer outfits, whether your beach-bound or exploring a new city.
Hydrate and Nourish
Healthy hair starts from within. Keeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial during the hot summer months, as dehydration directly impacts the health of your hair, making it more prone to breakage. Nutritious foods can also fortify hair from the inside out. Include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in your diet to boost hair health. Snack on walnuts, flax seeds, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables to get a full range of nutrients that support shiny, strong locks.
In addition to these tips, be mindful about how often you shampoo. Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are especially needed during the summer. Consider using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and washing less frequently, possibly supplementing with dry shampoo if needed. This will help preserve the natural oils that protect and nourish your scalp and hair.
