Summer Hair Protection 101

by Chai, BackToCurly.com

Protecting our hair from nature’s elements, whether it’s during the long months of Winter or the dog days of Summer, can often mean relying on a few new tricks—and maybe even adjusting your hair game. Textured hair while just emerging from Winter-protective styling needs just as much care during the Summer while battling UVA and UVB rays. If you’re ready to enjoy your time cooling off in the pool, step up your game before you head to the water by keeping hair protected from overdrying chemicals and the heat.
 
The Poolside Plan:
 
·      Chlorine and saltwater tend to leave strands damaged, dry and often frizzy when not rinsed properly.  So, before you get your hair wet, set up a game plan to keep hair moisturized and frizz-free. An easy trick is to wet hair prior to going into saltwater or water already mixed with chlorine. First, saturate hair that is already dry with water, and add a thin layer of your favorite conditioner. Saturating your strands prior to taking that first dip helps to prevent chlorinated water from seeping deeper into the layers of your hair’s cuticle.  After exiting the pool, rid hair of leftover chlorine by clarifying with a sulfate-free shampoo.
 
Styling Go-To’s:
 
·      If you’re reaching for gels this summer, aim for something without such drying ingredients as alcohol. Instead, stick with water-based gels that soften hair and have ingredients like aloe that help to nourish. Alcohol found in most gels tends to stiffen, and cause hair to appear dry and brittle after a full day out in the sun. For added protection, mix a dime-sized amount of your favorite moisturizing gel with a few drops of grapeseed or coconut oil to help seal in moisture.
 
·      Serums and heat protectants often used to prevent excess heat damage when applying straightening can serve double duty during those summer months.  Try applying a thin coat, focusing especially on the ends before leaving the house.  The right heat protectant will act as a barrier between the sun and your hair, leaving it damage-free.
 
·      Whether you’re just exiting the pool or sunbathing in the park, adding a deep conditioning treatment to your routine is a good bet.  Deep conditioning will help replace any moisture lost by the hands of the sun. For added benefit, look for a deep conditioner with protein or keratin.  A formula with protein or keratin will help to build up what’s often lost and stripped when hair is exposed and out in the sun.
 
·      If your hair maintenance game is on the low-key end, adding a leave-in conditioner to your daily routine is an easy way to ward off dryness from the sun. Leave-in conditioners are formulated to reach deep into the strands of our hair, not only to nourish, but also to keep hair moisturized. Leave-ins help to add a level of protection by penetrating the hair as opposed to simply coating it.  Another easy trick is to add two teaspoons of UV sun protection to a nourishing leave-in spritz, or simply mix with a cup of water. Apply to hair before stepping out into the sun.
 
 
Accessories/Styling
 
·      Nothing will protect hair better this summer than wearing a hat or scarf. Out running errands or simply sitting poolside? Donning a stylish hat or printed scarf this season can effectively block the sun and prevent further heat damage. If hair is already colored, and naturally prone to dryness, hats are best bets serving as the ultimate protection.
 
·      In the end, trying a few new up-do’s, accessories and chignons for the summer can keep much of your hair out of the sun’s way, and keep moisture locked in while you enjoy the weather. 

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