The Best Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Hair in The Summer

Summer is coming but beware. With endless fun in the sun comes elements that can damage your hair. Today on the blog, we’re bringing you the best tips and tricks to protect your hair in the summer. We’re also discussing overexposure to sun, chlorine, and sea salt and how it can damage your hair. Are you ready?

Beware of These Three Elements:
1. Sun Exposure
2. Chlorine
3. Salt Water

Why Should I Worry About Sun Exposure, Chlorine, and Salt Water?

1. Sun Exposure

You know how outdoor furniture usually fades when it’s left in the sun for too long? Well, the same happens to your hair–especially if you color it. Unlike skin, which can reproduce melanin after UV ray exposure, your hair is incapable of making melanin because it’s composed of dead cells. The sunlight removes melanin from your hair causing it to get lighter and lighter over time. Also, the cuticle becomes damaged because of loss of melanin and leads to discoloration, dryness, split ends, and frizz. Unfortunately, those with lighter hair may see worse effects from UV damage because their hair lacks the pigment and thickness that protects those with darker hair.

2. Chlorine

As a disinfectant, Chlorine will break down and remove dirt and bacteria from your hair and if exposed regularly, will strip your hair and leave it looking dry, dull, and damaged. Essentially, your hair will experience chemical changes that will cause a reaction such as split ends, dryness, and frequent breakage. In addition to dull, damaged hair, if you color your hair, you may experience depigmentation or fading as well as loss of shine and flexibility. Haven’t you noticed that straw-like texture you get when you get out of the pool after a few hours? That’s because your cuticle is getting damaged and creating a rough texture that makes it less likely to reflect light or shine.

3. Salt Water

Okay, in some cases salt water can be a good thing because of its rich vitamin and mineral makeup. However, overexposure to salt water can cause more harm than you think. You know how we’re told not to drink sea water because it’ll make us dehydrated? Well, the same applies to your hair. Salt pulls out moisture and natural oils in the hair causing it to get dry and brittle. Again, you may experience that straw-like texture after a long day at the beach, especially if you color your hair.

How to Protect Your Hair from the Elements

One of the essential tips to protect your hair is to soak it before and after you dive into the water. Start by rinsing with fresh water to create a moisture barrier and finish with a freshwater rinse to remove any harsh chemicals or lingering sea salt. Always keep a leave-in conditioner handy and spritz it on your hair throughout the day, we love the Nutrifuse Hydrating Leave-In. The product will act as an added protection to keep hair hydrated and soft. When soaking in the sun, try using a hat to protect your scalp from UV rays or even apply a protective sunblock to the area. Be sure to shampoo hair with products that contain hydrating ingredients that’ll help to restore hair’s lost luster. Finally, apply a deep conditioning treatment a few times a week and leave in for 10-15 minutes to keep hair hydrated and nourished.

Be cautious of the amount of time you spend in the pool or ocean and always protect yourself from harmful UV rays. To keep your hair hydrated and moisturized, we recommend using products that contain nourishing ingredients. Our restorative line of haircare products is perfect for those suffering from dry, damaged looking hair. With ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and collagen you’ll notice softer looking hair after just one use.

So, what’s your top tip to protect your hair in the summer?