Spending more time al fresco is practically a summer prerequisite But sun, salt, and sand also comes with a few disadvantages — including serious damage to your ‘do.
Heat and humidity can do a number on healthy hair, no matter your type or texture, while chlorine and salt water can fade color as they cause dehydration, breakage, and dullness. We hate to break it to you, but as good as summer is for your psyche, it's equally bad for your strands — unless you want to be the person inside watching Netflix while the rest of world soaks in the great outdoors. [Ed. Note: hell no.]
If dingy, dry, or damaged hair wasn’t quite the look you were going for this season, have no fear. We went straight to our crack team of hairstylists and colorists for tips on how to keep hair healthy straight through until fall. Turns out that the key to countering the elements lies mostly in prevention. With a little know-how — and a few essential products — you’ll be able to enjoy every bonfire, bocce game, and swan pool float without a (hair) care in the world.
Read on for 11 tips on how to protect your strands all summer long.
Start Fresh
No matter how many hair-care products you have in your arsenal, according to celebrity hairstylists and co-founders of Los Angeles-based Nine Zero One Salon, Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri, protecting your strands starts by keeping hair free of build-up. This can be done with a rinse or a shower filter and is important to consider in the summer when hair can attract more build-up, thanks to pool and ocean water.
“I recommend the Raindrops filtration system year-round, but especially during the summer,” says Lee. “If you start with a clean canvas, your hair is more likely to survive the summer elements. This one filters out unwanted minerals like iron, chlorine, and rust, that can build up in your hair. It also increases pH balance to give you a marvelous mane.”
Raindrops Shower Head With Filter, $120, available at Raindrops901.
Steel Yourself With Salad Dressing
Okay, not actual salad dressing, but kind of close. “Start by doing an apple cider vinegar rinse,” says Capri. (In addition to being great with arugula, the acid balances your scalp’s pH, stimulates growth, and seals cuticles, among other hair health benefits.) dpHUE’s formula blends nutrient-rich apple cider vinegar with argan oil and aloe vera, gently removing impurities without stripping your scalp of its natural oils.
dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35, available at Sephora.
Detox Your Strands
For a DIY solution to scalp buildup, try this easy home remedy: “Mix a half cup of sparkling water, half cup of apple cider vinegar, and juice from a quarter of a lemon into a spray bottle,” says Kattia Solano, hairstylist and founder of New York-based Butterfly Studio Salon. “Apply to dry hair from roots to ends it's fully saturated. Massage into your scalp for a few minutes as it absorbs, then rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a clarifying shampoo and, if desired, your favorite hair mask. Keep the DIY theme going by adding a natural fruit, nut, or vegetable oil for an additional moisture boost.”
Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, $10.72, available at Amazon.
Protect Hair Before Taking A Dip
Fun fact: Color-treated, highlighted, bleached, and naturally light locks require more upkeep — especially during pool season. “Chlorine can wreck your hair by drying it out and, if you’re blonde, by leaving it green,” says Solano. “To cut down on the amount of chlorinated water your hair absorbs, first coat your strands with a silicone-based product (John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum is amazing), which works to keep chemicals from penetrating hair.” No products on hand? “Wetting your hair with tap or bottled water before you jump in the pool also helps,” says Solano.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum, $9.99, available at Ulta.
Your Hair Needs SPF, Too!
After you’ve slathered sunblock all over your body, don’t forget to apply some on your colored strands too. “Putting sunblock on your hair protects against fading,” says Garnier stylist Tommy Buckett. “There are a few products on the market that can be misted or sprayed onto wet or dry hair to protect color.” Sun Bum’s UV-protecting spray-on formula is perfect for tossing into your beach bag, but in a pinch, Buckett says you can rely on regular old cream sunblock.
Sun Bum Beach Formula 3 in 1 Leave In, $14.99, available at Ulta.
Remove Chlorine The Right Way
Post-pool party, you’ll want to remove any chlorine residue lingering in your hair. If a simple rinse with water doesn’t cut it for you, Butterfly Studio Salon hairstylist Jennifer Penny suggests using a vitamin C spray: “Vitamin C, specifically ascorbic acid, neutralizes chlorine. There are several sprays formulated to specifically remove the residue left by pool water on your hair and skin. You can even make your own by mixing vitamin C crystals and water.”
SwimSpray Chlorine Removal Spray, $17.97, available at Amazon.
Prevent Dry Locks
No summer is complete without clocking in a few beach sessions, but drying saltwater can take its toll on your strands. By injecting hair with intense moisture first, you’ll help prevent brittle locks and breakage. “Saturate hair in a conditioner or oil beforehand,” suggests Penny. “Secure in a top-knot or braided style to prevent tangles. This is a great time to use those hotel conditioners you have lying around.” Another alternative is Davines’ lightweight oil, a formula made with breathable silicone that protects strands and antioxidant-rich roucou oil.
Davines OI Absolute Beautifying Potion, $22, available at Davines.
Make No-Heat Styling Your Friend
Despite your best precautions, a long day under the sun can bake your dull, limp strands. To quickly revive your hairstyle for evening, Solano suggests twisting hair into a knot and securing with a chopstick. This can be done on damp hair or hair with a bit of grit from the beach, just mist with water first!
“I prefer chopsticks over ponytail holders because they never leave marks in your hair and hold the style,” she says. Leave the updo in place for anywhere between 20 minutes and all evening, then release the knot for increased volume and movement. Though any old pair of chopsticks will do, France Luxe’s version is the perfect combination of fashion and function.
France Luxe L. Erickson Hair Stick Pairs, $28, available at Nordstrom.
If You Must Blow-Dry, Opt For Ions
Instead of adding more heat to your hair during the summer, ditch the hot tools whenever possible. “Give your styling tools a vacation and focus on healthy shampoo and conditioning habits,” says Head & Shoulders celebrity stylist Sunnie Brook Jones. “However, if you are going to use tools, make sure they’re ionic so they compress the cuticle and create a smooth, glass-like surface on the hair.” Our suggestion? For those willing to pay a premium, Drybar’s portable ionic dryer works efficiently and looks great on your bathroom counter.
Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer, $195, available at Sephora.
Pick A Richer Leave-In
To condition strands in the summer without weighing them down and leaving a greasy finish, coconut oil’s the key — just make sure it’s diluted with water. “Apply coconut oil on the ends to add shine and protein back into your hair and fight frizz,” explains Jones. “To use, mix the oil with warm water in a spray bottle and spray on after showering.” Coconut also makes a great beach or pool hair mask: just wet hair with plain water, apply a bit of oil, and pull hair into a braid or bun.
Kopari Coconut Sheer Oil, $44, available at Kopari.
Sooth Your Scalp
If all else fails and you still wind up with a sunburned scalp, hasten the healing process by following these steps: “Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo with cool water, followed by a natural conditioner,” says Kuen Rameson, founder of hair-care line Gloss Moderne. “Avoid using your blow-dryer or any heating tools until the scalp has healed. Blot, don’t rub, with a soft towel. You can also apply aloe vera to soothe and moisturize burnt areas.” Gloss Moderne’s shampoo is made without sulfates, which can potentially dry out your hair — the last thing a sunburned scalp needs! And next time? Wear a hat!
Gloss Moderne High-Gloss Shampoo, $45, available at GLOSS Moderne.
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