Desi Diva

By Vidhya Ravi

Hair for the Summer: ABCDlady's Guide to Summer Hair Care

Warmer days mean it’s time to lie on the beach, enjoy picnics and frolic in the sun. But as many of us know, the warmer temperatures and increased humidity can really wreak havoc on your hair! Let ABCDlady’s summer hair guide help you tame your locks, so you always look fabulous.

Reduce the Heat
The strength of the summer sun shining down on your tresses can cause as much damage as blow drying. Try giving your hair a break a few days a week by skipping the blow dryer and curling or flat iron. Looking for beautiful frizz-free waves? Apply a frizz-reducing crème or serum, and then braid your hair while still wet. When you undo the braids a few hours later, you’ll have beautiful, flowing waves. The more braids, the smaller the waves.

Conditioning is Key
The strong sun can suck moisture out of your hair, leaving it damage-prone. During the summer, look for shampoos, conditioners and products with UV protection, like Redken’s Color Extend Sun product line. Jojoba oil is also known for its conditioning properties, and applying a small portion to the ends of your hair can help with conditioning and greatly reduce frizz. Spending the day at the beach? Rub olive oil through your hair before you lay out in the sun. It’s a natural hot oil treatment, and the olive oil prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating the hair cuticle.

Lock in Moisture
Make sure to use hydrating shampoos during the summer, and try to wash your hair less often to retain its natural moisture. Never wash your hair in hot water! It can severely damage your hair as it leaves hair cuticles open. Rinse your hair in lukewarm to cold water, which seals the hair cuticle and leaves your hair looking shiny and healthy.

Soak Up
Wet your hair with clean water before entering the ocean or swimming pool. This is an old lifeguard trick! Your hair can only hold so much water at a time, and if it is already close to saturated, it will soak up less chlorine or salt.

Don’t Forget Your Scalp
If you are prone to sunburn on other parts of your body, don’t rule out your scalp. A red, itchy, flakey scalp is the last thing you want on a fun summer evening, and it can really affect the health of your hair. Find a clear spray-on sunscreen and apply it to your scalp before you spend a lot of time in the sun. After a few hours in the heat, you’ll be happy you did.

Tie It Back
The sun is definitely a factor on hot, humid days, but those strong beach breezes can also make your hair unmanageable. Pull your hair back into a bun with the ends sticking out (securing the ends could tear or break them) or try twisting your hair into a pretty chignon. Remember to use a gel or spray with UV protection to protect your tresses from the sun, and consider wearing a scarf or a hat.

The warm summer sun is something we yearn for all winter, but now that it’s finally here, don’t forget to protect your hair so that it can look beautiful year-round. Have a great summer!

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