Summers are the time to opt for a more natural look on your hair. It is the season when you should let go of the perfect and sleek hairdos and go for the natural look. But high temperatures and humidity can strip the hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry, frizzy strands that are prone to breakage. UV radiation from the sun can weaken the hair's structure, leading to color fading, loss of elasticity, and increased susceptibility to damage.
Protecting the hair from excessive heat and UV exposure helps preserve its natural moisture balance, elasticity, and strength, preventing damage and promoting overall hair health. Heat-damaged hair is more prone to breakage, split ends, and frizz. By implementing protective measures, such as wearing hats or using UV-protectant hair products, you can minimize damage and maintain the integrity of your hair strands.
Summer hair care tips for healthy and attractive hair
Cover Your Hair
It is advisable to cover your hair with a hat or scarf when you are out in the sun. This is one of the summer healthy hair tips which will provide extra protection from the UV rays of the sun and will also help the scalp to retain moisture. A cover on the head also reduces the damage caused by the wind, especially if your hair tangles easily and will also protect colored hair from damage.
Go for a loose and comfortable hairstyle
Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns can exert tension on the hair follicles, leading to breakage and hair loss, especially when combined with the effects of heat and humidity. Choosing looser styles minimizes this tension, reducing the risk of damage.
Loose hairstyles allow for better air circulation around the scalp and hair strands. This helps to prevent excessive sweating and buildup of moisture, which can contribute to scalp irritation, dandruff, and fungal infections in hot and humid conditions.
Do not Wash Your Hair Too Often
Washing your hair frequently will strip your hair of natural oils. This will stimulate the excessive oil production and will make you feel like washing your hair even more. It is better to opt for a natural dry or homemade shampoo made of cornstarch instead of regular shampoo which will help you to be able to avoid washing too frequently. It is also a good idea to soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and dab along the scalp to dissolve the excess oil. This is the best way to take care of hair in summer.
Reduce the Heat to Protect Your Hair
Try to avoid blow drying your hair because the hair is already exposed to a lot of heat in the summer. The best part is that your hair will dry fast in the air itself. It is also advisable to avoid flat irons also because you need extra hair care during summer. The heat from blow dryers and flat irons will cause further damage to hair that is already dry. At the same time if you opt for a sleek hairstyle, it will only make the frizz stand out even more.
Use a Hair Spray
Some hair sprays are formulated with UV filters that help shield the hair from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. These UV filters create a barrier on the hair surface, reflecting or absorbing UV rays and reducing the risk of sun damage, such as color fading, dryness, and breakage.
In addition to UV protection, some hair sprays contain antioxidants or other protective ingredients that help defend the hair against environmental pollutants, free radicals, and oxidative stress. These ingredients neutralize harmful compounds that can damage the hair structure and contribute to dullness, dryness, and breakage.
Always Condition Your Health
Dilute some apple cider vinegar in water and rinse your hair with it as it will act like a natural conditioner. It is also advisable to opt for some coconut oil or shea butter to smooth, moisturize and de frizz your hair after washing. However, you should be careful with this because coconut oil and shea butter can both be heavy.
The oil will make the hair shine and if you have wavy hair, it will give you natural air dried curls. This is one of the best summer hair protection tips because the oil and shea butter will protect the hair from becoming dry in the summer heat.
Use a Sunscreen for Your Hair Too
Just like your skin, your hair can suffer from sun damage caused by UV radiation. Applying sunscreen to your hair and scalp forms a protective barrier that helps shield them from the sun's harmful rays, reducing the risk of damage such as dryness, color fading, and brittleness. (1)
Sun exposure can strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Sunscreen helps lock in moisture and prevent dehydration, keeping your hair hydrated, soft, and manageable.
Hair Protection with Hot Oil
Mix some of the carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil and add a few drops of essential oil. Heat the mixture for 5 seconds and apply to the scalp and strands. Massage this oil mixture and leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off with your shampoo and use your conditioner as always. These oils are good at penetrating the shaft and provide nourishment and boost the shine of the hair and will be one of the best healthy hair tips. (2)
Healthy Diet
Consuming a balanced diet ensures that your body receives essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats, which are vital for hair growth, strength, and overall health. Nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, biotin, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for promoting healthy hair.
Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the health and moisture balance of your hair. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps keep your scalp and hair hydrated, preventing dryness, brittleness, and breakage, especially in hot and dry summer conditions. (3)
Supplements
Hair supplements typically contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for hair growth, strength, and overall health. These supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, ensuring that your hair receives adequate nourishment, especially during periods of increased stress or environmental challenges like summer heat and sun exposure.
Collagen supplements, along with protein-rich supplements like biotin and keratin, provide building blocks for hair structure and repair. These supplements can help strengthen hair strands, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage, making hair more resilient to summer-related damage.
Conclusion
With basic strategies such as staying hydrated, shielding, and providing nourishment, you can effortlessly overcome any summer hair concerns with elegance. Offering your hair a bit of love and care can significantly contribute to its happiness and well-being.
During these sunlit days, it's important to be mindful of how you treat your hair. Each tender gesture and thoughtful action not only maintain your hair's health but also fosters a lifestyle centered around beauty, vitality, and self-appreciation.
FAQs
1. How can I make my hair stronger in summer?
Protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat and stay hydrated to make your hair stronger in summer.
2. How to maintain hair in hot weather?
To protect your hair in hot weather, wear hats or scarves, use UV-protectant hair products, minimise heat styling, keep hydrated, and nourish your hair with hydrating treatments.
3. How do I make my hair strong and healthy?
To make your hair strong and healthy eat healthy food, manage stress and use hair care supplements.
4. How to protect your hair from the sun?
To protect your hair from the sun, cover your hair when outside, stay hydrated and use UV protection hair care products.