Excessive exposure to the sun can damage your hair. Just as you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, in the same way, you also need to protect your hair from the sun. Sun damage can lead to problems including frizzy hair, discolouration, split ends, brittle follicles and dryness.
Strong and healthy hair is less prone to this kind of damage, so it is important to build a strong wall of protection for your hair before summer sets in and the sunshine gloriously with all its might. Here are 7 essential things that will help you prepare your hair for summer.
7 Simple Things To Do To Prepare Your Hair For Summer
1. Seal the Moisture into Your Hair
As humidity rises in summer, this can make your hair lifeless and dry. Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy and look beautiful. You must moisturize and condition your hair from the roots to the tips to retain your healthy locks.
Here are some tips that will help you keep your hair moisturized throughout the summer:
- Oiling your hair will help to keep it smooth and frizz-free. Use a natural oil from a quality brand that includes the essential vitamins and minerals your hair needs. Natural oils such as coconut, argan, almond, and jojoba are all great for your hair. Using these oils with few drops of essential oil such as tea tree or lavender can have incredible benefits for your hair. Always apply oil to a clean scalp so it can penetrate your skin and for maximum goodness.
- Use a conditioner with SPF at least once a week to protect your hair from UV rays. Choose a product from a quality brand that is suitable for your hair type.
- Deep conditioning your hair regularly with other natural products also provides moisture. Banana, shea butter, apple cider vinegar, and similar ingredients in combination with other natural products are known to condition hair and give it a natural shine.
Just as hot weather can dry out your hair, using heat tools to curl or straighten your hair will further damage it. You should always allow your hair to dry naturally. Blow drying wet hair with high heat causes the hair fibres to swell and contract, thus causing harm.
2. Drink Lots of Water
Water is not just good for your body but for your hair too! It helps to keep your scalp hydrated and your hair healthy. You must drink at least two litres of water every day to keep yourself hydrated, more if the weather is very warm. Always carry a bottle of water or two with you to make sure you stay hydrated.
3. Use Hair Masks Regularly
Most of us confuse conditioners and masks, thus underestimating the power of a mask and perhaps avoiding it completely. A conditioner will make your hair soft and manageable. A hair mask, however, does a more intense job by penetrating deep into your scalp. It hydrates your hair as well as conditioning it.
Conditioners are meant for daily use, or whenever you shampoo your hair. On the other hand, hair masks should be used once a week.
Using a hair mask provides moisture, reduces damage and breakage, reduces frizz, and makes your hair stronger. With fresh hair and a rejuvenated scalp, your hair will be prepared to fight the sun. As with any kind of hair product, be sure to choose a mask that’s designed for your hair type. If you have curly hair, go for a brand like House of Curls..
4. Wash Your Hair Everyday
Summer breezes can be both dry and dusty. The heat causes us to sweat more on the scalp, making our hair greasy and dirty. Dirty hair, in turn, is prone to split ends, frizz and dandruff. In winter, you may be able to wash your hair twice a week, but you should make a habit of washing your hair every day in the summer.
However, avoid using shampoo every day, because it may cause your scalp to dry out. Instead, rinse your hair under water to remove the sweat, dirt, and dust, and shampoo two or three times a week.
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5. Be Careful at the Beach
Public swimming pools and the sea are contaminated with various chemicals and sediments which can be harsh on your hair and will damage it if you don’t take precautions. This is because these components can rob your hair of its essential oils making it dull and lifeless.
Before you step into the water, experts suggest that you wet your hair to prevent direct contact between your hair and these elements. If swimming in a pool with chlorine, you should use a leave-in conditioner or wear a swimming cap.
6. Don’t Expose Your Scalp to the Sun
Direct sunlight is dangerous for your scalp, so be sure to wear a hat or use an umbrella. The sun’s rays can easily drain the moisture from your hair and make it dull and unhealthy. Using a head scarf is also offers protection from the sun.
7. Healthy Lifestyle is the Key to Healthy Hair
Consuming a healthy diet will help your hair stay strong. Maintaining a good diet throughout the year provides your hair with the required strength to withstand UV rays. Protein-rich foods or those that are high in omega-3 along with other vitamins and minerals help to fortify the roots of your hair.
Mackerel, salmon, tuna, walnuts, tofu, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, eggs, and fruits, are all loaded with omega 3, protein, folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, iron, zinc, and magnesium to strengthen your hair. If you follow a vegetarian diet and struggle to get enough protein and omega-3, consider taking supplements to fulfil your daily needs.
Follow these 7 easy tips to prepare your hair for the summer, and fight the rays from the mighty sun!
